Name: 2026 Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle
Start: 2026-05-17T09:00:00-04:00
Location: Paddle Boston : Blessing of the Bay, Somerville, Shore Drive, Somerville, MA, USA

2026 Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle

The Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle includes a 5K run/walk race and three paddling races (3, 9, and 12 miles). All events are held at Blessing of the Bay Boathouse in Somerville. The 5K course continues along the Mystic River bike path and through DCR Torbert MacDonald Park. There are no street crossings on this flat course. The paddle course is along the Mystic River. For the 12 mile paddle course there is a portage.

Event Details

Parking

Please park at the Somerville District Courthouse, 175 Fellsway. It is a 0.5 mile walk (11 minutes) to the Boathouse. On street parking is available, but limited. The Blessing of the Bay parking lot is reserved for boat drop-off only.

5K Teams

5K Teams consist of 3 or more runners. There are no designated teams for paddling races.

Prizes

Fabulous prizes are donated from local businesses.

Maps

Boat Classes

Single Recreational Kayak, Double Kayak, Sea Kayak, Racing K-1, Racing K-2, Solo Canoe, Tandem Canoe, Racing C-1, Racing C-2, Outrigger Canoe, Double Outrigger Canoe, Stand-Up and Prone Paddleboard. View Boat Class Descriptions here. Additional classes may be created based on registrations. Call Mark at 617-965-5110 if you have questions about boat classes.

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/.