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Racing down the Rio Grande: RioFest 2009

By Cynthia Cano

Story Created: Oct 17, 2009

Story Updated: Oct 19, 2009

A brand new festival had all eyes aimed at the Rio Grande today. Hundreds of participants lined up to take part in the first ever RioFest race, and, as our Annette Garcia reports, they came from almost anywhere for the opportunity.
"She's not your average 71 year old. Her past time--and specialty--as she says: white water kayaking. Janice Beltran, a race participant from California says, 'Now since I'm retired and caretaking my dad, it's a chance to get out of the house instead of being cooped up all the time.' Janice Beltran comes to Laredo, all the way from Modesto, California--joining many anxious to take part in a 33 mile bi-national kayak and canoe race which is something she calls a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. 'When I first heard it on the radio, it just sounded like a festival that brings the two countries together and a chance to go down the Rio Grande which is the Rio Grande! which I never get to go.' Gensie Stauss of Austin has more than 20 years experience in the sport. She and her team, the Lonestar Six Pack, heard about the RioFest race almost one year ago. 'We started seeing it advertised more and more and the heads of the race came to our races.' Annette: 'Organizers say though this is a first event of its kind here in the area, the turnout was tremendous. Well over 200 people lined up to ride down the Rio Grande.' The numbers added to the dozens watching from the riverbanks on both sides of the border. For some, like Armando Lopez, the audience isn't a problem. He and his team from Belize, actually won the 263 mile Texas Safari Race this year. 'So this one should be a piece of cake. I don't know. We can't say. That depends on competition,' he says. 'Trying to win, hopefully.' Despite fierce competition, and a few bumps along the way, participants are ready. 'We're planning on having fun and seeing what's out there. We heard there's some good drops and looking forward to them and the fiesta tonight.' Annette Garcia, Pro 8 News."
And here's a look at what everyone was waiting for: some of the participants crossing the finish line at bridge one. The event made a huge impression with even the organizers. They say they expected less than one hundred competitors, but, as we said, it was over double that amount. Although it's a first for our area, the last time any official race was held on the Rio Grande was back in the 80's.