Last Updated on January 30, 2024
This year, the San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) and the San Antonio River Foundation launched the 2022 San Antonio River Basin Paddling Race Series. Experienced paddling racers from all over are invited to participate in 4 competitive paddling races throughout the year. These races will be held along multiple sections of the beautiful San Antonio River Basin, from the world-famous San Antonio River Walk to the historic community of Goliad. Each race covers a different distance and will provide new challenges to excite competitive paddle racers.
The first race in the 2022 San Antonio River Basin Paddling Race Series was held along the San Antonio River Walk.
As the last race in our series, the Remember Goliad Paddling Race will take place on Saturday, October 8, 2022, from 8 am to 2 pm. To participate in the race (only $25 for a solo racer or $50 for a tandem team), head to the registration page. The race starts at 8 am and follows the Goliad Paddling Trail, an officially designated Texas Inland Paddling Trail. It will finish at Branch River Park in downtown Goliad. This 16-mile race is the longest of the San Antonio River Basin Race Series, and the rural setting of the course will provide both a challenging and enjoyable experience for all the participants.
The River Authority welcomes everyone to Branch River Park at 10:00 am to celebrate the race participants and the Goliad community and enjoy all the park has to offer with a day of music, food, and family fun! This event is FREE for the public to attend.
An award ceremony with prizes for the top three finishers in each category for Remember Goliad Paddling Race and the San Antonio River Basin Paddling Race Series will take place at 1:00 pm. Festivities will wrap up shortly after the award ceremony. Want to stick around Goliad after the race? Head over to Goliad Market Days, an open-air market held around the beautiful Goliad Courthouse lawn that is also taking place on this day.
Visit the event website for more information on attending the Remember Goliad Paddling Race.
Goliad and Branch River Park
Planning to travel to Goliad for the paddling race? Read below for a short introduction to this historic city and an overview of Branch River Park’s many amenities.
Evidence of Spanish settlement in the Goliad County area is preserved in the beautifully restored Mission Espíritu Santo and Presidio La Bahía. The Presidio protected the Mission and La Bahía Road, a vital trade route. During the Texas Revolution, Goliad was the site of significant historical events, including the drafting of the Goliad Declaration of Independence in 1835, the surrender of James Fannin’s forces at the Battle of Coleto, and the subsequent infamous execution of Texan prisoners by the Mexican Army. Goliad County is one of the 23 original counties established by the Republic of Texas in 1836. Today, farming, ranching, and oil and gas production are essential to the county’s economy.
The lawn in front of Goliad County Courthouse features heritage oak trees and plenty of shady space to relax!
The River Authority-operated Branch River Park links the historical and the wild with a good dose of fun! Grab a snack from Goliad’s historic courthouse square and have a quick picnic under the heritage oak trees or test your skills on the 9-hole disc golf course. The park is close to the Angel of Goliad hike and bike trail, a great place to see wildlife, including the many migratory birds that pass through the area. This trail also connects you to Goliad State Park and General Zaragoza’s Birthplace.
Goliad is certainly a great destination, and Branch River Park can offer a fantastic way for you to thoroughly enjoy your visit. Our Parks and Trails page provides detailed information on River Authority-operated parks throughout the Basin.
The River Reach is back!
River Reach is a quarterly, 12-page newsletter that is designed to inform the San Antonio River Authority’s constituents about the agency’s many projects, serve as a communication vehicle for the board of directors and foster a sense of unity and identity among the residents of Bexar, Wilson, Karnes, and Goliad counties.
If you wish to be placed on the mailing list for River Reach, please contact us or complete the form.
