I checked out a new race over the weekend, Paddle Round The Island, in Williamsburg, VA.
There were more than 75 paddlers overall, with an over-representation of SUP’s along with kayaks and surfskis.
The race started at Chickahominy Riverfront Park and you paddle approximately 2 miles up the Chickahominy River and then turn inland to circumnavigate Gordon Island before returning to the Start/Finish line for a total of 7 miles. (There is also a 2.5 mile out-n-back version.)

The water was glassy except for a little bit of churn at the start due to other paddlers.
You can watch my experience below but I thought this was a awesome race for a first-time event. The organizers did a wonderful job.
After the race (two heats which began at 8:30 and 8:45) we re-located to Billsburg Brewery just a few miles away for a wonderful, outdoor after-event and awards ceremony. There was live music, a food truck, and, of course, some really nice brews to sample.
Put this one on your list for next year. I have a hunch it will just be bigger and better.