30th MYSTIC RIVER HERRING RUN AND PADDLE
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
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.
MAPS:
BIKE RIDE: Join our friends, Bike to the Sea, on a FREE, family friendly, 11 mile bike ride along the Malden and Mystic Rivers from 11:15am to 1:15pm. Group ride leader Pete Sutton, Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Coordinator for MassDOT and Bike to the Sea Board Member, will provide an update of all new trails across the region and state scheduled to open in 2026 and will host Q&A on all trails under construction and funded for construction. All ages and abilities are welcome. They will ride at a leisurely pace. Bring your bike and bring a helmet to wear (mandatory)!
MOBILITY CLASS: Join our friends, Wellness Blueprint, for a FREE Move with Purpose: Hip and Spine Mobility Class from 11:15am 10 11:45am. This 30 minute class is designed to restore your hips, spine, and activate your core. Led by Wellness Blueprint, this all-levels, bodyweight class blends gentle movement, targeted stretching, and controlled mobility drills to help you loosen up, improve range of motion, and feel ready for whatever’s next. A perfect recovery session to close out your day on the Mystic. Open To All.
VOLUNTEER: If you are part of a community or corporate group who would like to volunteer together, email our Race Director. Individual sign ups to volunteer will open mid-February.
SPONSORSHIP: We are currently looking for sponsors for the 2026 Herring Run & Paddle! If you are interested or have questions in being an individual or corporate sponsor, please email ShaSha Kingston at shasha.kingston@mysticriver.org.
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Race Results
