Frequently Asked Questions

There are two options for the race:

Long River Run: This traditional course takes participants on an extended journey down the Arkansas River designed for larger teams, vessels and a timed course for those looking to prove their speed and engineering skills. A recreational option, leisure float is also an option for those looking to take in the scenery. 

Whitewater Sprint: For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the whitewater sprint course features the new white water flumes at Zink Lake. This shorter, more intense route challenges teams with rapid currents and waves, making for an exhilarating race experience.

The concerns around building materials are most important for the Whitewater Sprint and less concerning on the River Run. Rafts participating in the new whitewater activation should work to limit as many sinkable items as possible to protect the new assets. Understanding you will need some metal for fastening, do your best to use as few as possible or ensure they are less likely to fall off during the race.

We are excited to return to the original race course, launching from Case Community Park in Sand Springs. Enjoy an 8 mile float along the scenic Arkansas River as you head toward River West Festival Park to pull out. 

Be the first to ride the brand new Zink Lank whitewater flumes! You’ll launch across the river from River West Festival Park, through the river and to the rapids, and end near Gathering Place in their new bump out. 

Sadly, not this year. Our hope is to give everybody who signs up a chance to experience the new flumes before it opens to the public. The good news is, the flumes are here to stay and you’ll be able to ride them anytime. 

We’re excited to have you participate in both the long river run and the whitewater sprint. A limited number of registrations is available for teams interested in running both courses. These teams must ensure that your vessel meets the requirements for both the long river run and the whitewater sprint as listed on the website. After completing the river run, your team will disembark at River West Festival Park. From there, you’ll reenter the queue and undergo another safety check before making the sprint across Zink Lake.

We’re committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants, so following these procedures is essential. Teams who do not meet the safety criteria at the River West Festival Park check may be disqualified from continuing on to the whitewater flumes. If you have any further questions or need additional information, feel free to reach out. 

Definitely - kayaks will be available for rent and more details will be provided a little closer to the event, including pricing and outfitter information. 

For the Longer River Run event we welcome canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, inflatable rafts, and of course homemade rafts! For the Whitewater Sprint, kayaks, paddle boards, canoes, any other white water rated raft/tube/boats are welcome, along with smaller homemade raft options! We encourage you to review all the rules on our website. Teams who do not meet the safety criteria or vessel rules at their safety check may be disqualified from participation. 

Refer to all the rules and specifications on our website. While we have some volunteers to assist you, its important that teams should be prepared to hand carry their rafts into and out of the river without the assistance of motors. 

Alcohol, in non-glass containers, will be allowed on the river, but you must designate a non-drinking vessel operator. Overconsumption of alcohol will not be tolerated, and local law enforcement have authority to issue tickets on the water if any person or raft is creating a safety issue or causing problems. It’s a long and hot day on the water, we encourage ample hydration to avoid overconsumption. 

Depending on your vessel size and how much you paddle, the long river run can make for a long day. Participants are encouraged to bring their own food and beverages on their rafts. However, for safety and environmental reasons, glass containers are strictly prohibited. We recommend using reusable or biodegradable containers and ensuring you have a trash plan (do not dispose of trash in the river) to help keep the river clean. Just remember that whatever you have on board must adhere to our rules and regulations. There will be food trucks and refreshment stands available at the Big Dam Party and other designated viewing areas along the route. Enjoy the race and keep it safe and enjoyable for everyone!

All participants are required to have a life jacket, and multiple local authorities will be deploying safety power boats. Stopping on sand bars to hang out for extended periods of time is not permitted. If you experience an emergency event, blow your safety whistle and safety personnel will respond.

Registration is priced per participant, with early registration discounted and increasing in price every month until registration ends or we reach maximum participation. Spectating and joining the event festivities, including the Big Dam Party, is free for everybody to enjoy. 

The race will take place on Labor Day, Monday September 2nd. 

Due to safety concerns, no vessels that are not participating in the race will be allowed on the river on Labor Day. For future river activation and recreation opportunities after opening weekend, River Parks Authority will be managing the flumes. We encourage you to check with them for updates and details on when the river will be open to the general public.

We love this question! We absolutely love our volunteers and count on them to help make the raft race a fantastic event. You can sign up to receive information about volunteering by filling out the contact form on our website. When volunteer opportunities open for sign-ups, you’ll be the first to know. 

If we experience bad weather or lightning, the race could be canceled or delayed. If there's a weather delay or lightning strikes while you’re on the river, safety boaters will notify you and you will pull to the bank out of the water. If mother nature doesn't cooperate and we are facing low rainfall drought-like conditions, the event may be canceled. 

While the Arkansas River is rated for primary contact, we recommend staying on your raft or floating device during the race to avoid hitting rocks and debris in shallow areas.

This year, with two exciting course options, the spectator area has expanded more than ever before! Here’s where you can catch all the action:

• Viewing available from both banks of the Arkansas River.
• Spectators can watch from the north launch position to River West Festival Park.

• Watch the whitewater flumes from River West Festival Park, along the shores of Zink Lake, on the pedestrian bridge, and through the Gathering Place section of Riverside Drive.

Guests at the whitewater flume area can enjoy The Big Dam Party with music, food trucks, restrooms, and more, making it a perfect spot to experience the race and celebrate the opening of Zink Lake and the new whitewater flumes. Join us for a day of fun and excitement along the river!

We are excited to be a part of the Big Dam Party, a citywide celebration of the opening of Zink Lake on Labor Day Weekend, which will include entertainment, food trucks, and more. Reach out to Kelsey Grisham, Kelseygrisham@visttulsa.com, with VisitTulsa to learn more about how to participate. 

For the long river run, participants can be 12 and older if accompanied by a parent or guardian present on the vessel, participants over 16 must have a parent or guardian on site at the event but not required to be on the vessel. For the whitewater sprint, participants must be 16 and older if accompanied by a parent/guardian at the event, not required to participate in the race. 

For the long river run, participants can be 12 and older if accompanied by a parent or guardian present on the vessel, participants over 16 must have a parent or guardian on site at the event but not required to be on the vessel. For the whitewater sprint, participants muSupporting Tulsa's Great Raft Race as a sponsor is a great way to promote your brand and support a beloved Tulsa tradition. Sponsorship opportunities include event, corporate, and in-kind options, each offering various benefits like logo placement, on-site branding, VIP access, and more. Reach out to sponsors@tulsaraftrace.com to talk and learn more. st be 16 and older if accompanied by a parent/guardian at the event, not required to participate in the race.