Welcome to the Marykirk Raft Race web site
The Marykirk raft race helps raise money for charities and groups by holding a 1.4 mile raft race down the river Esk, passing by Marykirk. This event is an endurance, fancy dress, fun event.
This years raft race comprised 15 rafts, all of which completed the course, on Sunday 24th of May. The balmy weather gave us a record turnout.
Presentation Night
The Presentation Night was held in the Marykirk Hotel on Friday 26th of June. In a packed room, trophies were handed out for:
- First: The Pirates of St Cyrus
- Second: The Police Team
- Third: The Hillside Housebreakers
- Wooden Paddle: Smurfy McSmurf Smurf
- Best Dressed Raft: The Downhill Skiers
- Best Dressed Crew: Sinkin Pink-un
- Most sponsorship money raised: Sinkin Pink-un
A full table of all rafts and times can be found here
The entire presentation, in Adobe PDF format is available here. Its 33mb in size, but does contain some fantastic pictures of all the rafts, as well as information on all the charities and local groups supported. Or if the internet magic has worked, you should see it below. Dont worry if you see a red square - just give it a few moments to download the image..
Photos are available on flickr. If you want to publish yours, just add the tag 'MarykirkRaftRace2009' and make them public. Then this search will include them. The more photos, the merrier!
Go to Flickr
What is a raft?
A raft is a floating, non-motorised collection of materials, with a raft race team on top. All propulsion should be human powered, without gears, linkages, etc. It can be as simple as a collection of oil drums lashed together, or as complicated as a floating gin palace. But beware - the more weight, the more your raft will sit in the water, and the more likely the raft will run aground on the shallow bits - meaning your team have to get out, and push. And in May, the Esk is cold
Teams can be as small as two, or as many as fifteen - but remember, the more weight, the bigger the raft must be. And the team has to get the raft into and out of the water, and carry it back to the car-park by themselves. The team itself - well, it'd be a good idea if they were all confident swimmers, quite strong, fit, and not in need of any extensive medical equipment. Because it'll get wet when your raft sinks. And the team can go in fancy dress.
So how do I enter?
Well, check that:- You have a team and they fit the criteria above. And they're all available on raft race day.
- You have a raft, or the ability to build a raft. Dont underestimate just how much time, money and marriage this will cost.
- You can get the raft to and from the race, the raft floats, and you can lift it. Just like the guy who built an aircraft in his basement and couldnt get it out, you'll feel pretty foolish if you cant transport your raft
- You are able and willing to raise money for charity. This is the point of the exercise - to help some really good national and local charities and groups.
- You need to get the registration form, from the Marykirk Hotel, here in Marykirk. Just ask at the bar, and they'll give you one.
- Check that your raft floats!
- Come down to Marykirk and check out the route, but be aware that you cannot test the course.
We've already had two very successful fundraisers - a Twisted Celidh in December, and a Race Night in February. These two events have raised over £1,000 already. Many thanks to the folks who turned out and supported the events. Check out the 'Funds Raised' page here for more information.
Timetable
Significant dates for your diary:
| Event | Date |
| Final Registration Date | 10th of May |
| The Raft Race! | 24th May |
| The presentation Night! | 25th June 2009 |
Keep in touch
Any suggestions for fundraising ? Want to get in touch ? Contact us by eMailing: enquiries@marykirkraftrace.com
The Marykirk Raft Race in the News
| Publication | Link |
| The Press and Journal | click here |
| USA Today | click here |
| The Montrose Review | click here |
| CHAS | click here |
| Kincardineshire Observer | click here |
| Aberdeenshire Council Web Site | click here |