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18/08/2005 | 14:07
The annual Queen Liliuokalani Outrigger Canoe Race is taking place next month in Hawaii
The race in Kailua-Kona is the largest long-distance outrigger paddling challenge in the world.
A total of around 2,500 canoeists are expected to attend the event from all over the globe, including Australia, Japan and United States.
On September 3rd women will race first from Kailua to Honaunau, then the men race back.
The course covers around 18 miles and the competitors aged from 18 to those in their seventies, paddle fibreglass canoes of various designs and colours. There is also a special division made up entirely of canoes carved from native Koa logs.
On day two, September 4th, women race double hull canoes from Kailua Bay to Keauhou Bay, and the men race back in the opposite direction to the Big Island. In addition to the five-and-a-half mile team race there are single and two-person canoe races over the same course.
The first day's racing is followed by a torchlight parade down Kailua's Alii Drive and dancing, while Sunday's races finish with a traditional Hawaiian luau, an awards ceremony and entertainment.
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