Although the origins of the Bloody Run Canoe & Kayak Classic , began in 1982 with a group of friends, who simply had a passion for enjoying a good ‘paddle’ down the stretch of the Juniata River that passes through Everett, Pennsylvania, its immediate popularity….soon took on a life of its own. 

“A few of us had canoes and thought it would be fun to hold a race,” George England, one of the original organizers, shared in a 2023 interview. “As it grew, we had to add several categories to include seniors, juniors, men and women, different classes to introduce kayaks, teams and even a jr. and senior division for grandparents to participate with their grandchildren”, he continued.

Before long, the one day, recreational canoe race ‘for fun’ turned into an entire weekend excursion. As the “Classic” (a phrase coined by local residents) flourished, so did the community involvement and organic growth expanding the festivities. The additions included a flea market, gun show, car show, turkey calling competition, a pet show, the “Canoe Ball” dance, the Beast of the Bloody Run Strongman Competition (still an activity they host today) and then concluding the weekend with a Triathlon on Sundays. This opened up the ability to offer something for everyone. The local newspaper, Bedford Gazette, even provided an insert covering the event called the Bloody Run Times. 

Bloody Run And Tourism

Naturally, it became a perfect opportunity to encourage tourism as it has brought hundreds looking to spend their days enjoying the great outdoors followed by afternoon activities, evening nightlife and local dining before heading off to the establishment they chose for their lodging. 

There are quite a few of us that share the most cherished memories with neighbors, friends and family racing the Bloody Run over the past several decades.

Of course, outdoor enthusiasts from around the region and beyond have always traveled far and wide to take in the beautiful landscape that surrounds the river. This watershed comprises more than 6,500 streams with its main tributaries; the Little Juniata, the Frankstown Branch and the Raystown Branch. 

Conveniently located along many major transportation roadways in South Central PA including the PA turnpike, Route 30 (Lincoln Highway), I-99 and I-70, this creates an accessibility that allows visitors looking for a quick getaway to find everything they need to do just that, closeby.

If you’re not from the area, you might be asking “How did the race get its name?” We wondered that too but with a little research, we learned a couple of things that seem to factor in. Over 200 years ago, there was a small Indian trading post known as Bloody Run, which was located on a wagon road headed to Fort Duquesne in South Central Pennsylvania. 

Everett was also once named “Bloody Run” after an 18th century massacre of the settlers there. The Train Station Museum is a great resource to learn more on this and about the town adopting its current name of Everett in 1870.

The Bloody Run Race

The starting point of the race, Juniata Woolen Mill (1805-1910) in Everett is as picturesque as the landscape when you’re on the river.  This historic mill is a two-and-a-half story building that stands along the Raystown Branch. The mill along with three of the four limestone walls still stand today, the east wall however, was destroyed in the flood of 1936. 

There have been several regional canoe and kayak clubs that have been extremely supportive over the years, but one club was quite instrumental in helping get the Bloody Run off the ground in its early stages. The Benscreek Canoe Club in Johnstown, Pa. has always been a great friend and resource. It’s that kind of comradery you’ll find when it comes to paddlers.  They come from all walks of life and just want to enjoy the river, see old friends, make new ones and explore all nature has in store for them.

Negley’s Water got involved in 2023, when one of our team members became part of the committee. Since then, we look forward to helping organize the event, keeping race participants hydrated and being part of something that has been a great opportunity for outdoor recreation, a little friendly competition and watching family, friends, local businesses and the community at large come together to create something pretty incredible for all. 

When is the Race?

The race currently takes place the weekend prior to Memorial Day due to more favorable temperatures and less wind but when it started, April was the chosen date because the water level was the most dependable. Over the years, there have been several groups, businesses and individuals that have maintained the race once the creators stepped back in the early 90’s and after just a few short years in hiatus, it’s still going strong today!

With so much to offer local residents and visitors looking to get on the water, the current Leadership Bedford County,Class of 2025 has chosen their community project (each class chooses something to benefit the county in some way during their 10 month course to be completed prior to graduating in June each year) and will be rebuilding several launch sites throughout the area to ensure easier access for future race participants & generations to come.

Race Feedback

In a 2023 interview (consequently the first year the series was held since covid), the current committee President, Dr. Kaci Batzel had this to say; 

“After the success of last year’s event, the number of vendors and participants alike are already asking questions about the upcoming year’s classic. I am excited to see what 2025 brings”.

She concluded; “We are thrilled to be bringing back the 9 mile race in addition to the 5 mile held last year, and I hope to continue to see the network of people coming into our small town grow as the Classic continues to gain traction in the years to come. Whether it’s for the river races, the music, the Beast of the Bloody Run, or food and craft vendors, there is now something for everyone”.

Original organizers: 

Left to Right: Edward Milward, Tom Zimmerman, Dennis Drenning, Steve Claycomb and George England.  (Missing From Photo: Dan Whetstone)

 

As of 2024, Current Committee Members: 

 

Dr. Kaci Batzel, Timber Ridge Chiropractic 

Nicole Spade, M & T Bank 

Lane Miller, Miller’s Handyman Service 

Rene Calhoun, Everett Lions Club 

Jeff & Kayla Hetzel, Black Valley Barbell 

Deanna Weaverling, Negley’s Water 

Koren Woy-Smith, First National Bank 

Dustin Wilson, Bedford Co Beverage 

Katie Fink, United Way of Bedford County 

Jenn Hall, Everett Lions Club 

& Dr. Peggy Steinbrunner, Horizon Behavioral Health

Pictured L to R: Lane Miller, Deanna Weaverling, Nicole Spade, Charlie Miller, Dr. Peggy Steinbrunner, Dr. Kaci Batzel, Jenn Hall, Koren Woy-Smith, Jeff Hoffman, Rene Calhoun & Dustin Wilson.  (Missing from photo: Jeff & Kayla Hetzel & Katie Fink)

Both groups have partnered to provide a family friendly fun atmosphere that will continue to leave Everett, Pa a special stronghold in the hearts of many that take on the Bloody Run.

Why the Bloody Run Race?

Since its inception, the canoe classic was never about making money for itself and uses the proceeds raised to help other non-profit organizations and provide funding for community projects to keep Everett the place you want to live, work and raise a family. Its motto, Small Town, Big Heart lives up to its name and as far as we’re concerned, it will continue to bless all that visit. 

You can learn more about future races and other activities that surround the Bloody Run here.