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. 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
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.  Day of registration is available. Compete in both the running race and paddling race to be eligible for the Iron Herring Award! 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.

More information and registration may be found at https://mysticriver.org/herring-run-paddle. Sponsored by Great Sky Solar.