Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle Sunday May 16
14th Annual Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle
Celebrate the Mystic River and one of the largest alewife and herring migrations in the state!
Join the Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) for the 14th Annual Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle on Sunday, May 16. The event includes a 5K road race or walk along the USATF certified course beside the Mystic River and a 3, 9 or 12 mile canoe or kayak race through Somerville, Medford and Arlington to the Mystic Lakes.
Participants may compete in the 5K race and 12 mile paddle race and be eligible for the Iron Herring Award for the top male and female with the fastest overall time. Teams of participants are encouraged, and many wonderful prizes have been donated by local establishments. Music, children’s activities, and educational exhibits by local advocacy groups add to the festivities as well as food generously provided by Whole Foods Market of Medford. In addition, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will unveil their annual Mystic River Report Card at 10:45AM. This presentation will be followed by a free boat demonstration by the Somerville Boys and Girls Club at 11:15AM – new this year! The boat demonstration is a great opportunity to get out on the Mystic River.
Come to the river and run, walk or paddle for the fish!
Event details
Annual Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle
Location: Sunday, May 16th at the DCR Blessing of the Bay Boathouse on Shore Drive in Somerville
Time: 8AM registration, 9AM 5K starts, 10:30AM paddle races start
Parking: Parking on Shore Drive is limited. Please park at the Somerville District Court located at 175 Fellsway W, Somerville. A shuttle bus will be provided from 8am to noon.
Boat Classes: Single Kayak, Single Racing Kayak, Double Kayak, Tandem Canoe (must meet 16% rule), Tandem Racing Canoe, Solo Canoe, Stand-Up and Prone Paddleboard (new this year!). Additional classes may be created based on registrations.
Register: Online at www.MysticRiver.org or day of the race at 8AM. Registration price is $20 for the 5K or paddle and $30 for both.
Join us as we highlight both the treasures of the Mystic River and the challenges facing the Mystic River Watershed.
This event is generously sponsored by Winchester Savings Bank, Charles River Canoe and Kayak, Exxon Mobil Pipeline, Gold’s Gym, Distrigas of Massachusetts, Industrial Equipment Supply, Environmental Resources Management, Schnitzer Steel, Boston Line and Service Co., Inc. and Federal Realty Investment Trust.
All race proceeds benefit the Mystic River Watershed Association.
Information from the Mystic River Watershed Association