World Jet Boat Marathon Championship kicks off Friday

Races come to Orofino Wednesday, April 18

In less than five days racers from around the world begin the first leg of a four river race in Idaho to crown a new 2012 Toyota Weaver Seed Jet Boat Marathon Champion!

Racing teams were spotted making practice runs on the St. Joe River at St. Maries, Idaho over the weekend, Race Organizer Kim Friend said.

“This is an amazing opportunity to see world class jet boat river racing right here in north central Idaho,” Friend said.

Over 150 non-paid volunteers from all over Idaho and the northwest have dedicated hundreds of hours to make this event a success, Race Director Gary Labrum said.

“Willing sacrifice is the word for our corps of world race committee volunteers,” Labrum said.

“Some of our volunteers have given up weekends each month since October to drive as far as 300 miles one way on their own nickel to then sit in logistics planning meetings for five hours,” he said.

Opening ceremonies and events begin at 6 p.m. at St. Maries’ Lower City Park on Friday followed by the first legs of racing on the St. Joe River Saturday and Sunday. Spectators may watch the race for free from a river bank with public access along each of the four rivers.

The 2012 Toyota Weaver Seed World Jet Boat Marathon Championship continues over a nine day period, April 13-21 on select sections of the Snake River at Lewiston, April 16-17; the Clearwater River at Orofino, April 18 and the Salmon River at Riggins, April 19-21. For the latest racing information go to: facebook.com/2012usa.worldjetboatmarathon.

Free copies of the 2012 Toyota Weaver Seed World Jet boat Marathon official race program include maps of each river course and information on over 30 elite racing teams. The complimentary programs are available at a variety of businesses throughout St. Maries, Lewiston, Clarkston, Orofino, Grangeville, White Bird, Riggins and McCall.

Free programs will also be available at the starting area of each race or can be downloaded from the North Central Idaho Travel Association’s web site, www.visitnorthcentralidaho.org.