Local Paddlers Among Early Entries for Charles River Watershed As

Local Paddlers from across New England have registered for the 36th Annual Run of the Charles: Boston’s Premier Paddling Race, taking place on Sunday, April 29, 2018. Kicking off the paddling season, the event is the largest flat-bottom boat race in New England and draws over a thousand racers and spectators each year.

Run of the Charles is the signature event of Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA), the leading advocacy and science organization for the Charles River and its watershed. The work done by CRWA over the past 50 years has significantly improved the health of the 80-mile long Charles River. CRWA has played a major role in restoring the Charles River, re-establishing it as a destination for paddlers and nature lovers alike.

With races ranging from a 6 mile loop to a 24 mile relay race, there is a race for any level skill. Paddlers from across the U.S. compete in the 19-Mile, 9-Mile, and 6-Mile events, while many corporate teams test their out-of-office teamwork in the 24-Mile Relay Race.

“This marks the 36th year for the Run of the Charles, and we are pleased to bring spectators and competitors together again for a day full of sportsmanship, recreation, and the chance to renew our determination to keep the river we all love beautiful and clean,” said CRWA Executive Director Robert Zimmerman.

The fun doesn’t stop with the races! The Finish Line Festival at DCR’s Artesani Park in Brighton offers a range of entertainment for spectators and participants of all ages, free of charge. Paddlers and spectators can enjoy live music by featured band Mid Life Crisis. Vendors will be on site as well showcasing their products and talents.

Enjoy authentic Middle Eastern cuisine from Chik Chack Food Truck including falafel and baklava or grab a hot coffee and a burger from All Purpose Bakery who will be onsite all day, providing fresh and hot meals to paddlers, attendees and spectators.

Last year, over 40 corporate teams including Dedham Savings Bank, Nauset Construction, Suffolk Construction and National Grid, and 15 non-corporate relay teams, including the Quinobequin Canoe Club, MWRA plus several universities competed. We are hoping to attract even more relay teams this year. The corporate relay race is perfect for engineering, law and consulting firms while non-corporate, local colleges, government agencies and neighborhood groups compete in their own relay divisions. This is a great challenge for companies to go up against some of these high powered organizations.

Gold Sponsors of the 2018 Run of the Charles: Boston’s Premier Paddling Race include Boston Duck Tours, Charles River Canoe & Kayak and ESP Solutions. The Bronze Sponsor is New England BioLabs. Supporting Sponsors include BETA Group, Bergmeyer, BR+A, CDM Smith, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Tetra Tech.

The Charles River Watershed Association is a non profit organization committed to protecting and enhancing the health, beauty and accessibility of the Charles River and its watershed.

CRWA welcomes sponsorships for Run of the Charles. For more information on sponsorship, registration or any other aspect of the race, please call (508) 698-6810 x10, e-mail rotc@crwa.org or visit www.charlesriver.org/ROTC.