By Rebecca Danvers

Join the Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) for the 19th Annual Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle on Sunday, May 17.

The event includes a 5K road race (run/walk) on the USATF certified course along the beautiful 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 and Dave’s Fresh Pasta of Somerville. At 11:15 a.m. Bike to the Sea will lead an hour-long bicycle tour along existing paths on both sides of the Mystic River through Somerville and Medford.

EVENT DETAILS: Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle When: Sunday, May 17, 2015 Location: DCR’s Blessing of the Bay Boathouse, 32 Shore Drive, Somerville, M.

Schedule of Events:

• 8:00AM Registration and bib pick-up begins
• 9:00AM 5K run/walk begins
• 11:00AM 12 mile paddling race begins
• 11:15AM 9 mile paddling race begins; Bike to the Sea bicycle tour departs
• 11:30AM 3 mile paddling race begins

Parking on Shore Drive is limited. Please park at the Somerville District Court located at 175 Fellsway W, Somerville. A free shuttle bus will be provided from 7:30am to 2pm

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.

Boat Rental: Charles River Canoe & Kayak will deliver the boat or board to the race for you. Call Mark at 617-965-5110 or see http://www.paddleboston.com/rentals/herring.php to reserve a boat.

Register: Online at www.MysticRiver.org or day of the race at 8AM. Registration price is $25 for the 5K or paddle and $35 for both before May 17th. Day of race registration is $30 and $40 respectively.

Join in as they highlight both the treasures of the Mystic River and the challenges facing the Mystic River Watershed.

This event is generously sponsored by: Assembly Row (Title Sponsor), Boating in Boston, Charles River Canoe and Kayak, Exelon Corporation, ExxonMobil Pipeline, Preotle, Land and Associates, Rockland Trust, Wynn Resorts, Community Credit Union, Dennis K. Burke, Inc., Distrigas of Massachusetts, The Marvelous Jane Reindhardt, J D’Amico, Lumiere, Mystic River Engineering, Our Outhouses, Schnitzer Steel Industries, Sunrun Inc., UCANE, Whole Foods Market of Medford, Boston Line and Service Co., Inc., Boston Sand & Gravel Co., Cambridge Savings Bank, Copley Wolff Design Group, Inc., Law Office of Michael A. Fager, MTI Adventurewear, P.T. Kelley Inc., Saltmarsh Insurance Agency, The Flatley Company, Winchester Savings Bank, and Sports Authority Assembly Square. All race proceeds benefit the Mystic River Watershed Association.