Guinness World Records confirmed a group of 1,619 small-craft boaters set a world record in Pittsburgh for largest raft of canoes and kayaks.

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The record-keeping organization said the June 5, 2010, event, which was organized by non-profit Venture Outdoors, surpassed the record of 1,104 set by Inlet Area Business of New York, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported Monday.

Guinness officials said they created an official count using a high-resolution photograph taken during the "Paddle to the Point" event at the Point, the place where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers combine to form the Ohio River.

"I hope that this accomplishment will help to raise public appreciation for the water resources we have right here in Pittsburgh, and to encourage residents and visitors to take advantage of our remarkable rivers," said Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, who participated in the event.