29th MYSTIC RIVER HERRING RUN AND PADDLE

Runners in the 2024 HRP, Photo by Daria Clark

Pre-race photo by Daria Clark

Paddlers in the 2024 HRP, Photo by David Mussina

Join us on Sunday, May 18th for the 29th Annual MYSTIC RIVER HERRING RUN AND PADDLE! You can run, walk, and/or paddle—or volunteer to make this event a success! No matter how you participate it will help the Mystic. The annual Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle, which runs every May and celebrates the return of the river herring.

WHEN: Sunday, May 18th, 2025
8:00 AM Bib Pickup & Day Of Registration (ends at 11:00 AM for Paddle) 9:00 AM 5K run/walk starts 10:00 AM Fish on Wheels Exhibit
10:30 AM Bike to the Sea Bike Ride 11:00 AM 12 mile paddling race starts
11:15 AM 9 mile paddling race
11:30 AM 3 mile paddling race starts

Need a boat? Paddle Boston will deliver the boat or board to the race for you. 

 COST: For pre-registration the cost is $25 for run or paddle events or $40 for both if you register online. Pre-registration on ends at 11:59pm on May 14. Day of registration is available—and costs $30 for the run or paddle or $45 for both. Compete in both the running race and paddling race to be eligible for the Iron Herring Award!

WHERE: All events take place at the DCR Blessing of the Bay Boathouse, 32 Shore Drive, Somerville, MA 02145. Paddlers may drop their boats off in the boathouse parking lot at anytime. You cannot park in this lot! Street parking is available or you can park at the Somerville District Courthouse, 175 Fellsway. It is an 11 minute walk from the boathouse.

MAPS:

5K Running Course

3 Mile Paddle Course

9 Mile Paddle Course

12 Mile Paddle Course

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 see https://paddleboston.com/rentals/events/mystic-river-herring-run-race/.

VOLUNTEER: Sign up to volunteer for the Herring Run and Paddle HERE. If you are part of a community or corporate group who would like to volunteer together, email our Race Director.

BIKE RIDE: Join our friends, Bike to the Sea, on a FREE, family friendly, 14 mile bike ride along the Malden and Mystic Rivers from 11am to 1pm. All ages and abilities are welcome. They will ride at a leisurely pace, and you must bring a helmet to wear! Fill out this waiver to participate (if you have not in the past year).

SPONSORSHIP: We are currently looking for sponsors for the 2025 Herring Run & Paddle! If you are interested or have questions in being an individual or corporate sponsor, please email ShaSha Kingston at shasha.kingston@mysticriver.org.