The 1000 Islands Kingston Poker Run is an annual boat race that was held on Saturday, August 14th, on the St. Lawrence River. In the competition, boaters race each other front city to city along the St. Lawrence riverfront.
The 1000 Islands Boat race has been a tradition for more than 32 years, and every year 55 boats participate in the annual affair. It’s a high-speed race, and the boats can often go up to speeds of almost 100km per hour.
The high-speed race began in the town of Kingston and then went up to Prescott. The race ended when the boaters return once again back to Kingston. This entire process is usually completed within a day. In between the race, the racers took a lunch break at Brockville. Here spectators get to come up close to the boats and check out their advanced technology.
Last year, the 1000 Islands race had to be canceled due to Covid-19 restrictions, but Kingston residents were ecstatic to have the race back this year. Both long-time residents of Kingston, as well as young children living in the city, enjoy the excitement that comes with their annual race. Residents believe that the 1000 Islands race is an important element that binds together the Kingston community.
Many small business owners in Brockville were also happy to have the race back. This annual event brings huge crowds to the area, and they record their biggest yearly sales.
After the pandemic-created economic crisis of last year, Brockville business owners are happy to have their annual peak season back, although crowds are still much smaller than in previous years.
The 1000 Islands Poker Run is organized by the Poker Runs of America, and after the Kingston edition, the next run is set to be hosted in Gananoque on August 28th.