3 local Valentine Athletes competed in the Hills 2 Forest Kayak and canoe race west of Thedford, NE, floating 33 miles on the Middle Loup River this past Saturday.
Winning the race in the men’s kayak division and setting a new record was Mike Huggins with a time of 4 hours, 5 minutes and 41 seconds.
Josh Krueger placed 2nd with a time of 4 hours 23 minutes and 28 seconds.
Terry Osborn placed 4th with a time of 5 hours, 6 minutes and 25 seconds.
There were 41 participants and 4 new records set for solo canoe, men’s kayaking, and men and women’s stand up paddle boarding. Calvin Hassel of Grand Island had the best time overall in his solo canoe at 3 hours, 32minutes and 59 seconds.
Sandhills River Trips of Thedford helps organize the race. Proceeds from the event go towards maintaining a paddler friendly stream throughout Thomas County on the Middle Loup.