Race the River 2026 – Mission Reach

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Date:

May 2

Time:

10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Cost:

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May 2 @ 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Race the River Mission Reach
The San Antonio River Authority and the San Antonio River Foundation invite you to join the 1st installment of the 2026 Race the River competitive paddling series!
 
Test your skills along the Mission Reach Paddling Trail as you navigate 5–7 miles of one of the most scenic and technically challenging stretches of the San Antonio River. Paddle alongside competitors from across Texas and push your limits in this exciting season opener.
 
All finishers will receive a commemorative patch, and we’ll celebrate your achievement with a post-race gathering and an awards ceremony for top competitors.
Do you have what it takes? Let the adventure begin!
 

Event Details – Saturday, May 2, 2026

  • Racer Check-in Location: San Antonio River Flood Control Tunnel Outlet
  • Racer Check-in Time: 8AM-9:15AM
  • Race Start Time: 10AM
  • Amateur Race Cutoff: 12PM at Padre Park Safety Checkpoint
  • Amateur Race Finish: Espada Park (5 Miles)
  • Pro Race Cutoff: 12PM at Espada Park Portage
  • Pro Race Finish: Camino Coahuilteca River Crossing (7 Miles)
  • After Party: Espada Park
  • Awards Ceremony: 1PM or when All Racers Have Arrived
  • Lunch will be provided for all participants, followed by an awards ceremony where prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in each category.

655 Lone Star Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78204-1708, United States

655 Lone Star Blvd
San Antonio, TX 78204-1708 United States

Alerts

Mission Reach Area Maintenance

Mission Reach Area Maintenance

*MARCH 2026 UPDATE*

Ongoing stem-density maintenance is currently taking place in this area. Crews will be working Monday through Friday during daytime hours. We appreciate your patience as we complete this important work to maintain and enhance the park for everyone to enjoy.

When: Beginning October 20, 2025 through Spring 2026
What: Crews will be performing stem-density removal and related vegetation maintenance along sections of the Mission Reach to help manage flood risk and protect surrounding infrastructure. Some trails or segments may be closed temporarily while work is underway.
Why: Removing excess stems that naturally establish along the river helps maintain stormwater conveyance, reduces flood risk, and protects public infrastructure while allowing grassland and native vegetation to recover and thrive.
What to expect:

  • Limited trail closures and intermittent work zones.
  • Crews and equipment working near the riverbanks during daytime hours.
  • Parking areas remain open, but visitors may see signage and temporary barriers.

Questions? Call the San Antonio River Authority at (210) 227-1373 or visit https://www.sariverauthority.org/services/river-health/ecosystems/.

Thank you for your patience while we keep the Mission Reach safe, clean, and enjoyable.

San Pedro Creek Culture Park

The east bank trail along San Pedro Creek will be temporarily closed between the upper trail at Cameron St. and the lower trail at two access points.

Closure details:

  • The first closure will impact the connector from the upper trail near West Houston St. to the south lower San Pedro Creek trail.
  • Once work at this location is complete and the trail reopens, construction will shift to the second closure area between the upper and lower trails on the opposite side of the green space.

Please follow posted signage and plan alternate routes. We appreciate your patience as this work is completed.

Closed areas around San Pedro Creek Culture Park

The Brackenridge Trail

Trail Lighting Notice – Brackenridge Park Trail

Due to an electrical issue, lighting is currently out along the north portion of the trail, from the Josephine Street inlet to just past Highway 281 within the Brackenridge Park Trail. Our team is actively working to correct the issue and expects repairs to be completed by the end of business tomorrow.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience as we work to restore lighting. Please use caution when traveling through this area, especially during evening hours.

Trail Closure Alert – Calder Alley, San Pedro Creek

Maintenance work will be done in Calder Alley starting Wednesday, September 18, 2025.

  • Trails will remain open during this work.
  • One bench at a time will be temporarily barricaded while improvements are completed.
  • There may be occasional contractor pickups in the area.

We appreciate your patience as we continue to maintain and improve San Pedro Creek for all to enjoy!

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail

The SASPAMCO paddling trail is open from River Crossing Park to Helton Nature Park.
*Please Note: Paddling Trail from Helton Nature Park to HWY 97 is still closed due to blockages. 

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail Temporarily Closed

Staff have removed two large log jams just downstream of Helton Nature Park, keeping the southern portion of the SASPAMCO Paddling Trail temporarily closed. Staff are working to contact adjacent landowners to support a land-based removal solution.

Goliad Paddling Trail Alert

NOTICE: HWY 59 Landing Site Closed

Due to TxDOT construction on the HWY 59 Bridge, the HWY 59 landing site is closed until further notice. However, the Goliad Paddling Trail remains open, and paddlers can still access the river at the Riverdale, Ferry Street, and Goliad State Park landings.

Please plan accordingly and check back for updates.

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