Why We Paddle
"More than 158 mothers, daughters, fathers, sons, husbands, wives, sisters, brothers — who will hear the dreaded news every single day."
Pancreatic cancer takes 90 percent of its victims within five years and kills more people than breast cancer in the United States. It is the third leading cause of cancer-related death. We paddle to change those numbers — every stroke, every dollar, every year.
The Course
Launch from 1907 Suck Creek Road, paddle 1.5 miles upriver to scenic Williams Island, then return for the finish. Kayak, paddleboard, tandem kayak, or canoe — all welcome.
After the Race
Stick around and celebrate with fellow paddlers at River Drifters — a post-race tradition that brings the whole community together.
Race Details
Date
Saturday
September 19, 2026
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM EDT
Doors open 9:15 AM
Location
Suck Creek
Boat Launch
1907 Suck Creek Road
Chattanooga, TN 37401
Registration
$40
Per Paddler
100% to PanCAN · Register by
Aug 20 to guarantee T-shirt & raffle
Craft Allowed
Kayak · SUP
Tandem · Canoe
All paddle craft welcome
Free parking on-site
Distance
3.1 Miles
Out & Back
1.5 mi upriver to Williams Island,
1.5 mi back to finish
Post-Race
Lunch at
River Drifters
Celebrate with the community
after the finish
Competition
Fastest time wins each division. All participants are eligible for raffle prizes donated by Chattanooga local businesses.
Adult Male
Open to all male paddlers. Solo kayak, SUP, or canoe. Timed from launch to finish.
Adult Female
Open to all female paddlers. Solo kayak, SUP, or canoe. Timed from launch to finish.
Tandem
Two-person craft. Any gender combination. Tandem kayak or canoe only.
Team Fundraising
Build a team, raise money for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, and leave a mark on the 2026 shirt. In six years this community has raised $46,000+ — let's push further this year.
Start Fundraising
No Gear? No Problem.
Don't own a kayak or stand-up paddleboard? Reach out and we'll connect you with our partner kayak companies in Chattanooga who can help get you equipped for race day.
paddle4pancan@gmail.com →Support the Mission
Any donation to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network helps fund research, clinical initiatives, and support for patients and families fighting this disease. Over six years this community has raised $46,000+ — help us go further.