Course Map
The 2025 race is back on the Perkiomen Creek!
The 2025 course starts at the Conservancy's Headquarters and takes you on a romp over hill and dale around Pennypacker Mills and on to the Perkiomen Trail. You'll race through Schwenksville then up and over Spring Mount. After a leg-bucklin' decent you'll dive into a boat for a shoulder-bustin', hull-spilittin' paddle down the Perkiomen Creek. The race finishes with a dash over the line at Red Fox Park!!
Race Details
Q: How long has the Conservancy been holding the Lenape Survival Challenge?
A: The first Lenape Challenge took place April 23, 1993. That means 2025 marks our 33rd year!
Q: Is this a serious race or just for fun?
A: It is whichever you choose – some participants are very serious about their qualifying time and others are participating just for fun.
Q: How old do you have to be to participate?
A: Participants must be at least 18 years of age. This is a change due to liability.
Q: How long does it take to complete the course?
A: The first teams finish in about an hour and the last teams come in at approximately two hours.
Q: How are the teams divided into categories?
A: See Categories Below:
Solo Category:
Overall Male and Female winners
Top Male and Female winners in each of the following:
18 - 29 | 30 - 39 | 40 - 49
50 - 59 | 60+
Team "Double" Categories:
Note: Team Categories (and awards) are based on the genders and combined ages of both participants.
Remember... the categories below are the COMBINED ages of both team members. 18 is the minimum age for participants.
Overall Team "Double" winner
Top winners in each of the following:
Male 36 - 75 | Male 76 - 99
Female 36 - 75 | Female 76 - 99
Mixed 36 - 75 | Mixed 76 - 99
100+
Q: Do participants compete in all aspects of the race or is it a relay style race?
A: Participants compete in all aspects of the race. If one participant is a faster runner than the other, the first participant will have to wait for their partner before entering the canoes.
Q: How much does it cost to register?
A: Solo Ticket: $80 per person
Team "Double" Challenge: $160 per team/ $80 per person
Q: What is the deadline for registration?
A: 2025 Registration must be received by Friday, April 11th. However, this event does sell out so be sure to register as soon as possible so you don’t miss out!
Q: What time does the race begin?
A: The race begins at 9:00 am. Race day check in opens at 7:30 am.
Q: If I must cancel, do I get a refund?
A: 2025 Foul weather date is Sunday, April 27th. No refunds available for postponing to foul weather date.
2 weeks out - Full refund
1 - 2 weeks out - 50% refund
Week of event - No refund
Q: I’ve never canoed before, can I still participate?
A: It is recommended that you have some canoe experience before participating, but it is not required. You may want to check out these two videos with paddling tips.
Q: Can I bring my own canoe or kayak?
A: No. All necessary equipment is provided – canoe/kayak, life vest, paddles, etc.
Q: Where does the race begin and end?
A: The race begins and ends at the Conservancy Headquarters in Schwenksville.