First Annual  Canal Cities Classic , September 19, 2026

For immediate release: June 26, 2026

UTICA, NY — Mayor Michael Galime is pleased to announce the first annual Bank of Utica Canal Cities Classic, an 18-mile point-to-point flatwater paddle from Rome to Utica that traverses the historic Erie Canal and the Mohawk River. The race begins at Bellamy Harbor Park in Rome, NY and ends at Utica's historic Harbor Point. There is one portage at the Erie Canal Trail before the River St. bridge in Whitestown, a 350-yard carry that brings paddlers from the Erie Canal to the Mohawk River.

Registration is available at: https://paddleguru.com/races/BankofUticaCanalCitiesClassic. Registration will be capped at 100 boats. The last day of online registration is Monday, September 7 at 9:00 pm or when we hit the cap, whichever comes first. The Classic has a registration fee of $45/paddler which includes a t-shirt and reusable cup. Please refer to NYPRA's boat categories when choosing which event to register for (https://www.ticketsignup.io/MemberOrg/NewYorkPaddlesportsRacingAssociation/Page/BoatTypesandDesigns).

At the conclusion of the race, stay for the Erie Canal History & Heritage Festival, featuring live music by Our Common Roots, food trucks, Saranac beer tent, a mobile exhibit from the Utica Children’s Museum, Oneida County History Center exhibit, and more!

Michael P. Galime, Mayor of Utica said: We could not be happier to see this event come to fruition. It started from a conversation on how to activate our harbor, grew into a fun discussion of a kayak and canoe race, and resulted in two communities working together connected by the canal, mohawk river, and our shared interests in growing our region. My sincere thanks go out to every partner. I can’t wait for the inaugural start.

Jeffrey M. Lanigan, Mayor of Rome said: “The City of Rome is excited to be partnering with the City of Utica to host the Canal Cities Classic this September. This unique flatwater race connects our two cities, starting here in Rome at Bellamy Harbor Park and finishing in Utica’s Harbor Point. The 18-mile course through the Erie Canal and Mohawk River showcases our region’s amazing natural assets. We are proud to be collaborating with the City of Utica to encourage sports tourism in our region and look forward to many more opportunities to do so.”

New York State Canal Corporation Director Ben Walsh said, “This event embodies the mission of the Canal Corporation: Recreating on the Canal, bringing people and communities together for accessible, family friendly activities on the water, and giving the local economy a boost. I applaud Mayor Galime for his vision, and I look forward to enjoying a beautiful late summer day on the Canal with all involved!”

Barry Sinnott, Senior Vice President of Bank of Utica said: Our relationship with the City of Utica spans many decades, so when we heard about the Canal Cities Classic, we were excited to be part of it. Bringing rowers from Rome to Utica along the Erie Canal is a wonderful way to celebrate the history that connects our communities, especially during America's 250th anniversary. At Bank of Utica, we believe in supporting events that strengthen our region, celebrate our heritage, and create new traditions, and we're proud to help make this inaugural race a success.

If you would like more information about this race prior registering, please contact race director Laura Cohen at the Department of Urban and Economic Development: lcohen@cityofutica.com, or 315-792-0181.