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.