Dozens of boats on Saturday will start in Lawrence and head down to the end of the Kansas River at Kaw Point as part of the Gritty Fitty 50-mile race.

“The Kansas River is really a beautiful river through this stretch, and people who come from out of the state always comment on it,” race director Scott Mansker said. “We’re lucky to have it.”

The race, sponsored by Kansas City Paddler, will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Eighth Street boat ramp in North Lawrence. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Participants can still register the morning of the race, but they are encouraged to do it before at www.rivermiles.com.

Mansker said about 50 participants had registered their kayaks and canoes, and he expected the number to increase closer to the race. The race will be separated into divisions as well.

Other than Kansas, racers are expected to come from Iowa, Texas and Missouri.