Root River Poker Run
Hospice Alliance’s annual Root River Poker Run is scheduled to return Saturday, July 19, 2026, in Racine, bringing together boaters, kayakers, drivers, walkers, and community supporters for a unique charity poker run benefiting hospice and palliative care services throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. Organized by Hospice Alliance, the growing event combines waterfront activities, marina stops, raffles, food, and live entertainment while raising funds for nonprofit hospice care programs.
The event is centered around Racine Riverside Marina, where participants will gather for registration, poker hand scoring, dinner, and the post-run afterparty. Unlike traditional performance boat poker runs, the Root River Poker Run is designed as an accessible community event that allows participants to travel the route by land or sea using boats, kayaks, canoes, dinghies, cars, or even on foot.
According to organizers, check-in and same-day registration activities begin from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Racine Riverside Marina Clubhouse before participants depart for the poker run route running from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Participants travel between designated stops collecting poker cards in hopes of building the strongest final hand before returning to the marina clubhouse for awards and evening festivities.
The afterparty begins at 4:00 p.m. with food service scheduled shortly afterward. Dinner for participants will once again be catered by Joey's Yardarm, while raffle winners and poker hand awards are expected to be announced beginning around 5:00 p.m. Organizers noted that participants must be present to claim prizes during the award presentations.
Registration pricing is listed at $30 for early preregistration completed before July 11, with pricing increasing to $35 afterward and on the day of the event. Registration includes one poker hand and one afterparty meal, while additional poker cards are available for purchase separately.
The 2026 poker run route is expected to feature several waterfront stops throughout the Racine harbor and Root River area, including locations such as Joey's Yardarm, Harbor Lite Yacht Club, Bridge Tender Tavern, Chartroom Restaurant, and Tiki Bar Corner House before finishing back at Riverside Marina.
Organizers say all proceeds from the event directly support Hospice Alliance’s mission of providing nonprofit hospice and palliative care services across Kenosha, Racine, Walworth, and Southeastern Milwaukee counties. Additional registration information, sponsorship opportunities, and donation details are available through HospiceAlliance.org Poker Run Page.