Under brilliant sunshine and warm summer skies, the Great River Race came to life on Sunday with a spectacular mix of paddlers, racers, families, and community members taking to the water for the 7.5-mile course. With virtually no wind and a slower-moving tide, conditions were beautiful and welcoming — though the challenging distance still gave racers plenty to work for.

The starting line brought together an incredible mix of participants: first-time racers taking on the challenge for the first time, longtime local paddlers from just down the street, and participants who traveled from as far away as New Hampshire, Texas, New York, Oregon, North Carolina, Missouri, and Vermont. SUPs, kayaks, canoes, and rowers filled the river, creating a colorful and energetic scene as everyone made their way along the course.

Out of 124 vessels in the race, Craig Wolfe (81) and Sid Cogill (18) took first place overall with a time of 1:01:10. Ruth Finn came in first in the Single Kayak (Women) division at 1:20:35. In the Kayak Single (Men) division, Rustin McIntosh finished in first place with a time of 1:08:36. Kimberly Schive came in first in both the Stand Up Paddle Board (Women) and Stand Up Paddle Board (Women) Senior division with a time of 1:32:21.

Click here to see all the 2026 NSRWA Great River Race Times by Division. See the 2026 Great River Race Results Final By Elapsed Time here. And check out all the photos from the race on our Facebook page.

The spirit of the Great River Race was perhaps best captured by this year’s stories of determination, celebration, and community. The costume award winners were two participants, Maggie Leitch and Stephanie Harrington, racing with bright pink palm trees and pink ducks on their SUP and kayak — helping raise awareness as cancer survivors racing for the cure.

Another unforgettable participant was 85-year-old racer Marie Peterson, who chose the Great River Race as a life bucket-list adventure, completing the 7.5-mile course alongside her son and daughter in a three-person canoe. Her participation was a powerful reminder that the race is about far more than speed — it’s about trying something new, sharing an experience with people you love, and making memories on the water.

Behind every racer was an army of more than 100 volunteers who helped make the day possible, from keeping the course running smoothly to cheering participants along the way. Thanks to the Marshfield Harbormaster and Fire Department, Norwell Police, Hanover Police, Pembroke Fire Department and Police, Mass Environmental Police, and our own pontoon boat and volunteer safety kayak team to ensure a safe race for everyone.

Special thanks to our Corporate sponsors: Webster Printing, Design Refinery, St Ours & Co, Infranet Solutions, Tiny and Sons Glass Co., GZA GeoEnvironmental, Coastal Heritage Bank, Black Pond Veterinary Service, Rand-Handy Oil Company, Harbor Mooring, Scituate Harbor Vision Source, Dr. Ed's Nutrition Shoppe, Endless Waves Salon, Wilder Bros. Tire Pros, Top Notch Tree, Horsley Witten Group, Joseph's Garage, AW Perry, Image Resolutions, Mayflower Periodontics and Implant Center, Anderson Fuel, Inter-Fluve Inc., Beyond Dental Health, Axiom Architects, Lori Detwiler Team at Raveis, Starboard Legal, Bond Printing, IndieFerm, Green House, and JC's Dairy.

Thanks also to our FundRacers, whose peer-to-peer fundraising efforts raised $4,100 (and counting!) This year's top FundRacer was George Baumgarten, followed by Gene Ward and Lorenda Layne. Funds raised through the Great River Race support the NSRWA’s environmental education and outdoor programs. Our programs are the perfect way for children and adults to fall in love with and protect local natural treasures, especially our waters.

With sunshine overhead, boats filling the river, costumes adding plenty of personality, and a community of racers and volunteers coming together, this year’s Great River Race was a celebration of adventure, perseverance, and the incredible spirit of the river community.

This Week in Norwell | March 13, 2026

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