This year will mark the 31st running of the Great Race in Auburn.

When organizers first created the race, which incorporates, running, bicycling and paddling in a canoe or kayak, the idea was to make a race that was competitive, but also accessible to the average person who isn't always focused on athletics.

Over the years, the race has served to inspire many people to lead more active lifestyles and to pursue a variety of athletic endeavors.

Jim Genkos of Auburn, said that it was the race that first inspired him to take a serious interest in canoeing.

“I think it probably was the race,” Genkos said. “The Great Race was what really got me into it and it is something I have been doing ever since.”

For the last decade, Genkos along with fellow canoeing enthusiast David Sennett, have been hosting an instructional practice session starting in July and running every Wednesday leading up to the Great Race.

But the roots of these informal practice sessions go back much further.

“I think they really started around the same time as the race,” Genkos said. “We've just been the ones to keep them going all these years.”

Genkos said at one point there was also a bike practice group that has since tapered off, but that the paddling aspect of things is still going strong. Year after year, Genkos and Sennett have found ever growing interest in the practice sessions.

“As it gets closer to the race more and more people come out,” Genkos said.

“I think people like to use it as a sort of time trial and practice and see how they are doing. I also think they like to race against other people. I think in the (great) race there are a lot of little races. There is the big race, but there are also littler aces between friends and teammates to see who can beat who and this gives people a chance to work on this aspect of things.”

At the sessions, which begin every Wednesday at the boat launch near Emerson Park at 6 P.M., Genkos and Sennett, take a very easy going approach.

“It is really informal,” Genkos said. “Anybody is welcome. We do the long and the short course out on the lake and if there is really bad weather we'll do the course along the outlet.”

Both Genkos and Sennett have many years and numerous competitions under their belts in canoeing.

For many years, Genkos has not taken part in the Great Race, generally he has been out of state competing in national events, but he has had an unwavering dedication to keeping the practice sessions going.

“I just like to help people out,” Genkos said. “I just like to help and keep the whole thing going.”

“Every weekend between April and October there is an event somewhere,” Genkos said. “And we are usually out there somewhere competing.”

Experience, which both are happy to share.

“We'll help out and give pointers,” Genkos said.

“The biggest thing is technique. It is something you are always working on no matter how long you do this and it is something you never get exactly right so you are always working on it. But really it is all in your technique. That is why a little guy can beat out a big, strong, guy in an event like this. It is all about your technique.”

And while generally Genkos has not been part of the Great Race, this year will mark his return.

With nationals being held in Indiana this year and gas prices skyrocketing, Genkos said it is too far to go, but he is anticipating his return to the Great Race.

“I'm excited,” Genkos said. “I'm looking forward to it and to seeing all the people. It should be a lot of fun.”

For more information contact Jim Genkos at 253-3880 or David Sennett at 253-6522.