Name: Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle
Start: 2026-05-17T09:00:00-04:00
End: 2026-05-17T14:00:00-04:00
Location: Blessing of the Bay Boathouse

Road and paddle races to raise awareness of the river herring returning to the river to spawn, promote stewardship and provide access to all
About this Event

Join the Mystic River Watershed Association 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. This event runs every May to celebrate the return of the river herring. You won’t want to miss it!

WHEN: Sunday, May 17th, 2026, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

9:00 AM 5K run/walk starts

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 $30 for run or paddle events or $50 for both if you register online. Pre-registration ends at 11:59pm on May 12th, 2026. Compete in both the running race and paddling race to be eligible for the Iron Herring Award!