ROCK FALLS – The Rock Falls River Chase is canceled.
The event, which typically draws 50-60 boats to race along the river near Rock Falls, was slated to run Aug.15-16. Organizers had hoped to see more boats this year, as other races on the Marine Racing Club schedule were scrapped by COVID-19.
The club usually runs a full slate of races in Ohio, Wisconsin and Illinois from mid-May through mid-September, but most of those races are off the schedule this year as the pandemic continues through the summer.
“Canceling a race is never an easy decision, and this is the first time we have had to cancel the River Chase in 7 years, since the races returned to Rock Falls in 2014,” promoter Terry Hicks said.
Hicks cited Phase 4 Restore Illinois restrictions that limit crowds to fewer than 50 people. The River Chase has been known to draw more than 2,000 fans.
The focus now turns to preparing for a full slate of racing in 2021, Hicks said.