The ninth annual Pittsburgh Dragon Boat Challenge will take place Sunday, July 5, at North Shore Riverfront Park.

Dragon boat racing is one of the world's oldest sports, having originated in China about 2,400 years ago. A worldwide revival began about 25 years ago, and since then dragon boat racing has been one of fastest growing water sports.

A dragon boat is a long, slim, colorfully painted boat with a dragon's head. It's paddled like a canoe. A typical dragon boat crew consists of 20 paddlers, a drummer in the bow who beats out cadence for the paddlers on a large, ceremonial drum, and a helmsman who holds the tiller at the rear of the boat.

There are two dragon boat clubs in Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Paddlefish associated with the Three Rivers Rowing Association at the Millvale Waterfront Park, and the Steel City Dragons at Fox Chapel Marina.

On July 5, teams ranging from 14 to 20 paddlers of all experience levels will compete in open, mixed, women and youth race categories on 250- and 500-meter courses.

Community groups with 14-20 paddlers are invited to compete in the novice category. The race entry fee is $200 per team. The Three Rivers Rowing Association also offers two "Quick Start" practice sessions for dragon boat teams for an additional fee of $200 per team.

Individuals and teams are encouraged to register by today. To register, or to get more information, visit www.threeriversrowing.org or call 412-231-8772.