GWN introduced Major League Dragon Boat in 2009, a racing series that brings camaraderie and spirit with a competitive edge to nine cities across North America. Each event delivers a unique day of racing, combining the local culture of each host community with the executional excellence of GWN and MLDB Racing.
The MLDB Racing series welcomes both recreational and competitive teams, featuring multiple divisions at every event. Every team can grow and benefit from the experience that comes with participating in MLDB events, whether that’s having a blast trying dragon boat for the first time, or racing on a new course while facing unfamiliar crews.
Depending on the event and division, teams can take part in 200m, 500m and 2k races. Read up on our different host communities and find out which event is the best fit for you or your team. Many of our events take place in desirable destinations in North America, with many paddlers choosing to extend their trip into a paddling vacation.
Vendors and giveaways, a beer garden, live music and kids’ entertainment populate most events’ festival grounds. Other events keep the spotlight on racing, with clear grounds and a laid-back vibe. In either case, you can count on having GWN’s top staff, equipment and a professional racecourse at every event.
Major League Dragon Boat (MLDB) delivers premier racing experiences across North America, offering a dynamic mix of race formats and unforgettable destinations. Depending on the event and division, teams compete in thrilling 200m sprints, classic 500m distance, and the endurance-testing 2K.
Whether you’re a seasoned crew or new to the sport, each location has its own unique vibe—explore our diverse host communities and discover the event that’s the perfect match for your team. Many of our races are held in top-tier travel destinations, making them ideal for combining competition with a well-earned paddling vacation.
From high-energy festivals to race-focused events, MLDB offers something for every paddler. Festival-style events feature lively vendor villages, free giveaways, beer gardens, live music, and family-friendly entertainment. Others keep things simple and focused, with a relaxed, race-centered atmosphere. No matter the setting, you can always expect GWN’s best-in-class race staff, high-performance equipment, and a professionally managed event at every stop.
Teams are welcome to participate in as many events as they like, with discounted registration available for those entering multiple races through our MLDB Rewards program. Whether you’re chasing medals or memories, MLDB is your gateway to the best of dragon boat racing in North America.
The MLDB Rewards Program is designed to thank and reward mixed teams that compete in multiple GWN-hosted events throughout the season. The more MLDB races you attend, the more you save—it’s our way of supporting your team’s passion, commitment, and love for the sport.
Discounts are applied per team, per season, and stack up the more you race. It’s simple, flexible, and built to reward loyal teams that make MLDB a key part of their racing calendar.
To take advantage of MLDB Rewards, contact GWN before registering to receive your exclusive promo code.
NOTE: Discounts apply to standard Canadian and U.S. registration fees only. Out-of-Country Rates offered at MLDB events are not eligible for Rewards Program discounts.
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