Labor Day- Grants Pass, OR 

First Race: 1959 - Number of Laps: 2 - Lap Length: 25 miles - Race Distance: 50 Miles

When was the first Race?

The Labor Day race was first held in 1959, becoming a long running end-of-summer event on the Rogue River. The four leg course challenges racers over 54 miles and continues the early tradition of whitewater powerboat racing in Southern Oregon. This course is the inverse of Boatnik without the Robertson bridge section. It 14 miles shorter which reduces passing opportunities and favors quicker boats on the early sections until Eisman Stillwater which is a 5 mile flat section that allows for long straight line speed. 

What’s the Race like?

The Labor Day course covers two 27-mile laps on the Rogue River. Late-summer water levels can expose shallow channels, gravel bars, and technical turns, so racers must balance speed with careful line choice. Hidden bedrock makes it treacherous to venture out of the established channels.

Why go?

The Rogue River is a wild and scenic river. It in one of the original 8 rivers designated by President Lyndon B. Johnson back in 1964. Labor Day weekend brings racers and fans together for the season’s traditional finale near Grants Pass. Griffin Park offers a scenic riverside setting with room to enjoy the park, watch the pits, and follow the action on the Rogue River.

Where is the best place to watch?

The pits are located at Griffin Park, a Josephine County park. Watch from public areas at the parks along the river. Popular spots are the pedestrian bridge at Reinhart park, Caveman bridge, Whitehorse, Schroeder, and Matson Park.