He (or she) with the fastest paddle wins at the 49TH ANNUAL DESPLAINES RIVER CANOE MARATHON. This 19.5-mile ride is the largest one-day canoe event in the country. May 21, 2006 from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., race day registration, 3:00 p.m. results announced. Registration is $18. Lake Avenue near Des Plaines River Road, Mount Prospect, 847-604-2445, www.canoemarathon.com