16th Annual MYSTIC RIVER HERRING RUN AND PADDLE
Run, Walk, or Paddle for the Fish!
Thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate the herring and for supporting MyRWA! Race results are below and additional photos are coming soon.
What: Join the Mystic River Watershed Association for a fun day along the Mystic River. The day's events include a 5K run/walk race, three paddling races (3, 9, and 12 miles), a bicycle tour, educational booths, children's activities, and more. At 11:30AM enjoy a play presented by youth from the Wild Tales program in Somerville: When Fish Run: The Tale of a Small Fry. Download the flyer here.
When: Sunday, May 20, 2012
8:00AM day-of registration begins (Pre-registration closed 5/17/2012)
9:00AM 5K run/walk starts
11:00AM 12 mile paddling race starts
11:15AM 9 mile paddling race starts & Bicycle tour departs
11:30AM 3 mile paddling race starts
Where: DCR Blessing of the Bay Boathouse, 32 Shore Drive, Somerville, MA 02145.
On-street parking is available (although limited) with additional parking at the Somerville District Courthouse, 175 Fellsway, and a free shuttle bus is provided from 8AM - 2PM.
The 5K course continues along the Mystic River bike path and through DCR Torbert MacDonald Park. There are no street crossings on this flat course. View the 5K Course Map here.
The paddling races head upstream towards the Mystic Lakes. All experience levels are welcomed!
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. Additional classes may be created based on registrations. View the paddling map here.
Boat Reservations: Do you want to paddle but don't have a canoe, kayak, or stand up paddleboard? Charles River Canoe & Kayak will deliver the boat or board to the race for you. Call Mark at 617-965-5110 or click here for details and to reserve a boat.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Get your company's name and logo on the race website, T-shirt and included in all promotional materials! In-kind donations of items for race prizes are also encouraged. Your tax-deductible sponsorship covers race expenses and supports this fun community event.
Click here for 2012 SPONSORSHIP Opportunities.
THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS IN 2012!
TITLE SPONSOR
PLATINUM SPONSORS
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GOLD SPONSORS
Utility Contractors Association of New England, Inc (UCANE)
DISTRIGAS of Massachusetts LLC
The Law Office of Michael A. Fager
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
MyRWA seeks volunteers to assist with race planning and race-day events. Are you interested in helping out or making a tax-deductible donation? Groups are welcomed. Contact Beth@MysticRiver.org or (781)-316-3438. Sign up as a VOLUNTEER here!
Attend a Planning Meeting! Next meeting: May 14th, 7pm, 20 Academy St., 2nd floor, Arlington. RSVP here. Our final meeting!
Join us one and all! There’s fun for all ages:
- Age Groups: 10 and under, 11-14, 15-17, 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+
- Team Divisions (3+ persons): Male, Female, Mixed, Corporate. Team members should submit individual forms
- Iron Herring Award - this coveted award goes to the fastest overall male and female in both the 5K and 12 mile paddling race
- 8-mile recreational bicycle tour
- Kids activities
- Fabulous prizes donated by local businesses
PAST HERRING RUN AND PADDLE RESULTS
2011: 5K Road Race and Paddle Race Results
2010: 5K Road Race Results; Paddle Race Results
2009: 5k Road Race Results; Paddle Race Results
CELEBRATE THE HERRING
The Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle celebrates the return of the blueback herring and alewives that make their way up the Mystic River in order to reach their native spawning grounds. In the past, millions of herring swam through the Mystic, but their numbers have dropped considerably due to offshore fishing, pollution and the building of dams on the river. But no matter what hurdles they face, the fish keep returning year after year. For the past 14 years, local residents have been running along the banks and paddling up the river to show their support of the river and the tenacious herring and alewives that call it home. In addition to running, paddling, volunteering or sponsoring the event, we also invite you to become a MyRWA member as a way to advocate for clean water for herring and recreation alike. Join by clicking on Network for Good!
Learn more about the Mystic River by watching the video "Meet The Mystic".
DID YOU KNOW HERRING IS A TYPE OF FISH?
There are two types of herring in the Mystic River Watershed: Alewife Herring (Alosa pseudoharengus) and Blueback Herring (Alosa aestivalis). Herring spend their lives in the ocean except when they swim upstream to lay their eggs, or spawn, in rivers such as the Mystic River. The Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle celebrates the return of this anadromous species to the Mystic River each spring.
