Thousands of racers take to the water as part of Vancouver Dragon Boat Festival

VANCOUVER — Racers took to the water for what organizers say is North America’s largest dragon boat festival in Vancouver.

More than 6,000 racers and 250 entries from across North America and Australia are expected to compete in the two-day event racing a special fleet of 12-metre, 250-kilogram boats for a variety of distances.

The competition went ahead even after sewage leaked from a broken pipe earlier in the week into False Creek where the races are held.

Organizers set up hand-wash stations and mobile showers for racers to use.

They previously said that, after consulting with city and health officials, the leak would not have a significant impact on the race.

About 125,000 visitors are expected to attend the weekend festival, which also includes Vancouver’s first ever public drone show.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 22, 2024

The Canadian Press