I just found out some special information from the AZDBA festival committee:
1000-Meter Race Course: We’ve listened to the teams and there will be a new format to the 1000-meter races! Instead of racing four boats at the same time, we will be releasing boats in waves, so that all teams will race the same lane, ensuring a more fair race.
 Here is the cool part:
500-Meter Relay Fun Race: This year, we will be introducing a new relay race on Saturday just for fun! Each “team†will be made up of two boats with a minimum of 16 paddlers on each boat.  Teams may combine with other teams. The first boat will start at the finish line and race to the 250-meter mark, in which the second boat will take over and race from the 250-meter mark back to the finish line. If you’re interested in participating, please let us know! There is no charge for this special Relay Fun Race