By Stephen Henderson
A large crowd of people in various watercraft plummeted down the twists and turns of Kibler Valley Saturday afternoon to celebrate the 34th anniversary of the fund-raising event for the Redbank Ruritan Club.
Kayaks, canoes, stand-up boards, inner tubes and floats of every variety and description took on the special Saturday water release from the Danville Power plant and the head of Kibler Valley for the event.
Two turbines were rolling water from the reservoirs to accommodate the races, giving racers and non-racers alike a powerful three-mile run.
This year, race sponsors were forced to move the registration area several miles up-stream, shortening the race course. However, many participants were thrilled with the change, giving them multiple opportunities to traverse the “Powerhouse Run,” “Public Enemy #2,” and the “Boof Rock” near the basketball court—the most demanding sections of the course of this year’s Kibler Valley River Run.
Race shuttles were quick with little or no wait time. The water was cool and invigorating—by the looks on the faces of those who were dumped into the Dan River.
Rustic camping, food tents and trophies for the top-three winners in each category were all part of the race day festivities.
According to Tom Bishop, one of the main “boosters” for the event, the proceeds from the race go back into the community to support the local citizens who may be in need. They support local children at Christmas and support fire, rescue and sheriff departments with proceeds from the event.
The Red Bank Ruritans want to thank all who sponsored and/or participated in the 2016 event and look forward to seeing everyone back in 2017.
