BANGOR, Maine — Canadian kayaker Trevor MacLean was the first paddler to cross the finish line at the 50th Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race on Saturday, surprising no one.
It was his eighth consecutive win and the 12th of his career on the Kenduskeag. His kayak passed under the footbridge marking the finish line with a time of 2:14:45, followed closely by a few open canoes that started the race 10 to 15 minutes before him.
The Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, native’s 12th win puts him in a tie with Robert Lang, who dominated the race throughout the 1980s.
MacLean, 40, said he’s got plenty more racing ahead of him and will have chances to get to the top of the list.
“I’ve got a handful more in me,” MacLean said.
Awards will be presented around 3 p.m. at Gomez Park, where the Kenduskeag Stream meets the Penobscot River.
Before Saturday’s 50th anniversary race, officials recognized race founders Lou Gilman and Sonny Colburn and announced a new award created in their honor. The Legends of Paddling Award, will be presented to its first recipient Saturday afternoon.
There were 921 participants in 493 boats during Saturday’s race, according to Debbie Gendreau of Bangor Parks and Recreation.
“It’s been a great turnout,” she said. “It’s the largest I’ve seen in eight years.”
Follow Nick McCrea on Twitter at @nmccrea213.