What can once started as a bar room bet still has the same fun and vigor 60 races later.
The River Rat race on Saturday recorded 194 registered canoes, some of which lost their occupants a few moments before the start.
The event took place on Millers river near the Athol main street bridge and is a sprint all from 5.2 miles to the finish line behind Billy Goats Boats in Orange.
There was a father-child duo threatening to paddle with the rhythm of the sea huts, so their opponents knew they were approaching.
Friends put the dresses of Hulk Hogan and Macho Man Randy Savage, completed with foam arms muscles, called “Oooh yes!” And he reached positions near his canoe.
Atholl Highlanders in Scotland also attended to play bagpipes and encouraged some of theirs who slowed the cold water and participated in what is at a first annual event in Athol.