by Rebekah W. Metzler

Despite the rain, over 185 runners participated in this year’s 9th annual Mystic Herring 5K Run on Sunday May 1 at the Blessing of the Bay Boathouse.

“The Mystic Herring Run is an annual spring river festival timed to accompany the annual migration of Blueback Herring and Alewives from the ocean to spawn in our local rivers,” said Janet Kovner, the Director of Stewardship and Outreach at the Mystic River Watershed Association. “It provides a unique opportunity to engage residents in protecting the river.”

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, who was the star participant, posted a time of 25 minutes, 50 seconds, which was good enough for 72nd overall.

“My goal this year was to match my performance of last year,” Curtatone said.  “This was my first race of the year and I was a little slower than usual, but I am happy because I finished strong.”

David Wilson, 20, of Cambridge, bested the mayor and the rest of the field with a time of 16 minutes, 48 seconds.  The overall winner on the women’s side was Nadia Cooper, 28, of Somerville, who clocked in at 20 minutes, 38 seconds.

A local singing group Riversong performed at the conclusion of the race.

The event was sponsored by the Mystic River Watershed Association and co-sponsored by the City of Somerville, the Alewife Mystic River Advocates, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Middlesex County, Kovner said. 

Curtatone said that while he participated in the Herring Run for the thrill of the race, he was also performing in a professional capacity. 

“I think it is important to have events that emphasize support efforts to make the Mystic swimable and fishable,” he said.  “It is a great jewel that we have and we need to take care of it to fully take advantage of the opportunities it can provide.”

Kovner said that the Mystic River watershed suffered from again sewer systems, toxic waste sites, storm water runoff, flooding, and limited open space.

“The Mystic River watershed encompasses 21 cities and towns near Boston, including many low-income, minority, and immigrant communities that bear more than their share of environmental problems,” Kavner said.

The Mystic River Watershed Association was founded in the early 1970’s, Kovner said.  The association performs volunteer water quality monitoring, promotes open space and improved access to the river, improves the scientific understanding of environmental problems, increases public awareness of the watershed, and represents the watershed’s interests in government agencies, she said.

Curtatone said that he supports Kovner’s goals.  “Supporting the clean-up and the development of Assembly Square is important to me,” the mayor said. “The clean-up is an important part of our overall economic development plan.  The access and use of the Mystic River are important things to highlight.”

The large turnout at the Herring Run on such a rainy day encouraged Kovner, she said. 
“Community support is critical,” Kovner said. “The watershed includes over a half million residents, many of whom are unaware of the watershed’s resources, the actions residents may take to improve water quality, or of the many local efforts to educate the public and improve water quality.”

Kovner said that one of the association’s educational efforts was the installation of three interpretive signs alongside the river.

“These signs describe some of the Mystic River’s history, typical flora and fauna that are found along a river, including many of the invasive species that are crowding out native species in the Mystic, and some of the actions that residents can take to protect the river,” she said.

Shelby V. Graham of Somerville, who was watching the race, said, “I’m really happy to be here watching such an important event.  The Mystic River is a valuable resource for the residents of Somerville.”

Graham said she had a longstanding interest in the Mystic and is proud of the efforts of the Mystic River Watershed Association. 

“The Herring Run is one of our greatest efforts to increase the communities’ engagement to the river and educate people about safe recreation and some of the steps that individuals may take to improve the river’s health,” Kovner said.