30th Annual Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle
| Dates: | Sunday, May 17, 2026 - Sunday, May 17, 2026 |
| Hours: | 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm |
| Ages: | Kids, Teens, Adults |
| In/Outdoor: | Outdoor |
| Cost: | $ see below |
| Category: | Get Some Exercise |
Join us on Sunday, May 17th for the 30th 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 runs every May and celebrates the return of the river herring.
WHEN: Sunday, May 17th, 2026
8:00 AM Bib Pickup & Day Of Registration (ends at 11:00 AM for Paddle)
9:00 AM 5K run/walk
10:30 AM 5K Awards Ceremony
11:00 AM 12 mile paddling race
11:15 AM 9 mile paddling race, Bike to the Sea Bike Ride, Mobility Class with Wellness Blueprint
11:30 AM 3 mile paddling race
Race Day
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 0.5 miles away, or an 11 minute walk from the boathouse.
COST: For pre-registration the cost is $30 for run or paddle events or $50 for both if you register online. Pre-registration on ends at 11:59pm on May 12th, 2026. Day of registration is available—and costs $35 for the run or paddle or $55 for both. Compete in both the running race and paddling race to be eligible for the Iron Herring Award!
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/. If you are bringing your own boat, determine your boat class HERE before registering.
| COST | ↑ top |
$30 for run or paddle events or $50 for both if you register online | Day of registration is available—and costs $35 for the run or paddle or $55 for both
| WEBSITE | ↑ top |
mysticriver.org/herring-run-paddle
| LOCATION | ↑ top |
32 Shore Dr, Somerville, MA, 02145 map
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.
| TIPS | ↑ top |
- PARKING: You can park along the street on Shore Drive (free on Sundays) or in the Somerville District courthouse parking lot (175 Fellsway), about a 10 minute walk away. You cannot park in the paring lot at Blessing of the Bay Boathouse.
| RELATED LINKS | ↑ top |
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- 30th Annual Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle..., 5/17/26-5/17/26
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