Canoe-a-thon offers a timed run on the Lackawanna River from two Mid Valley launch sites; David Maslyar Park (Laurel Street Park) in Archbald for a 12 mile run, and Mellow Park in Blakely for an 8 mile run.  The run from Archbald offers some Class II rapids within the first four miles downstream to the Blakely launch site, while a launch from the Blakely site offers Class I rapids and moderate white water. Canoeists from either launch site have the option of competing for the fastest time as part of a competitive athletic event or spending a more leisurely time with a fun downstream paddle.  As in previous years, ribbons and medals will be awarded at the finish line for first, second, and third place finishers in seven categories for each of the two launch sites. The categories are: Two Male, Two Female, Female/Male, Adult/Youth, Youth/Youth, Male Kayak, and Female Kayak. Canoeists are launched in timed heats of ten canoes each, at five-minute intervals from both launch sites beginning at 10:00 AM.   Canoe-a-thon should last approximately three hours with the fastest canoes crossing the finish line in under two hours.  Participants may use their own canoes and kayaks or may reserve a rental canoe provided by special arrangement to the LRCA.  Rental canoes require pre-registration and the LRCA encourages pre-registration for all canoeists.  Rental canoes will be offered from the Blakely launch site only; if you want to launch from Archbald, you'll need your own canoe or kayak.  Please review the Canoe-a-thon Rules and the Safety Plan.  Water levels reading between 2.8 - 3.0 feet at the Archbald gage station are optimum conditions for this event.