2026 USCA Champs celebrate kickoff with Biathlon
ASHTON PETERS/FOR THE EXPRESS Competitors in this year’s kick-off Biathlon ahead of the USCA National Championships are seen padding their canoes in the Susquehanna River at Lock Haven.
ASHTON PETERS/FOR THE EXPRESS A group of people is seen at the at Woodward Township Boat Launch during the USCA event. held recently for the third year in a row.
ASHTON PETERS/FOR THE EXPRESS First, second and third place competitors for the Biathlon event are pictured.
ASHTON PETERS/FOR THE EXPRESS Competitors in this year’s kick-off Biathlon ahead of the USCA National Championships are seen padding their canoes in the Susquehanna River at Lock Haven.
ASHTON PETERS/FOR THE EXPRESS A group of people is seen at the at Woodward Township Boat Launch during the USCA event. held recently for the third year in a row.
ASHTON PETERS/FOR THE EXPRESS First, second and third place competitors for the Biathlon event are pictured.
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LOCK HAVEN -- Competitors took to both land and water as the Biathlon helped kick off the 2026 U.S.C.A. National Championships (United States Canoe Association National Championships) in Lock Haven, bringing together runners and paddlers for an event centered on competition, camaraderie and tradition.
The Biathlon challenges participants to run approximately 1.5 miles on a loop course before returning to the boat launch for an approximately three-mile paddle. Participants can tackle the entire course individually or compete as a two-person team, with one person completing the running portion and the other taking on the paddle.
While the event provides plenty of competition, its history carries a deeper meaning.
The Biathlon was originally started by Tom Walton, who was known for encouraging competitors to give their best regardless of their ability or finishing position. Following Walton's passing, Mike Herbert approached organizers in 2023 about bringing the event back to honor his memory.
Organizers Danny and Deb Glover, who also knew Walton, agreed, and the Biathlon returned to the U.S.C.A. Nationals in 2023 with Herbert serving as chairperson.
After its successful return, organizers again included the Biathlon in 2026, this time using it as a kickoff to the National Championships.
The event is designed to be welcoming to experienced competitors and newcomers alike. Unlike competition in the U.S.C.A. Nationals, which requires membership in the organization, participants do not need to be U.S.C.A. members to enter the Biathlon. There is also no registration fee.
Organizers said the event provides an opportunity for people to meet one another, including those who may not be competing in the National Championships, while continuing Walton's philosophy of encouraging everyone to simply do their best.
This year's competition featured men's and women's individual divisions along with men's and mixed-team divisions.
In the men's individual competition, John Dunkelberger recorded a time of 34:21, followed by Alan McCracken at 37:18. Samantha Weaver completed the women's individual event in 38:25.
In the men's team division, runner Scott Manning and paddler Daniel Glover recorded the top time at 33:08. Runner Michael Josefik and paddler Luke Josefik finished at 42:35.
The mixed-team division saw runner Alison Williams and paddler Mike Herbert finish in 30:22, while runner Waylon Winiarski and paddler Dawn McCracken recorded a time of 50:08.
The Biathlon served as the opening event for several days of competition surrounding the U.S.C.A. Nationals. Youth events and orienteering followed before national championship racing took place Aug. 7 through Aug. 9.
Organizers also extended their appreciation to the many volunteers, friends, family members, sponsors and community partners who helped make the event possible. Volunteers assisted throughout the week with everything from water safety and race operations to daily setup and cleanup.
Local businesses also supported the championships by donating supplies, items for competitor goodie bags and a trailer that served as Race Headquarters.
Special recognition was given to Woodward Township for maintaining the boat launch area, public restrooms and Riverview Park, which provided accommodations for campers during the event.
Organizers also thanked the Clinton County Recreation Advisory Committee, which submitted the bid to bring the U.S.C.A. Nationals to the area and provided continued support to the local organizing subcommittee throughout the planning and execution of the championships.