LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Labor Day was the time for several thousand people to head down to Waterfront Park for some exercise and friendly competition. It was all part of the Hike, Bike, and Paddle event.
Any good trip begins with preparation. Bikers had to make sure their helmets were secure, and they checked to see that their tires were properly inflated.
For those taking to the water, a quick check of their paddles was in order.
As for getting all those boats and canoes down to the water -- some Boy Scouts like Cameron Brown were there to help out: "We start up here helping everybody get their boats down to the boat launching area," Cameron said, "and when the paddle portion of the race starts, we help launch the boats."
He continued, "This is my second time here, and enjoying every second of it."
Paddler Howard Danzy said, "I like it because of all the exercising and all the movements, people out of their houses doing something for Labor Day."
Cameron added, "It's a great time for people to exercise and have a sense of what fun things to do during the summer and early school year."
For some people, once the racing starts, it can turn into a bit of a family competition.  Young runner Kala Vandgrift told WDRB News, "I have fun and then I try to beat my cousin whenever we race and stuff, and then she tries to beat me." When asked who wins that race, Brittany Caldwell piped up: "Me," she said. "I win that race."
"No you don't," Kala countered, and both laughed.
The event wasn't just about racing. You could also take part in some tai chi or meditation. Or if you were looking to get your heart pumping a little faster, you could dance to some music.
Cameron pointed it, "It gives them a little bit of a break from the everyday toil of like, work and their job."
The Hike, Bike, and Paddle event is part of the Mayor's Healthy Hometown initiative.
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