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2026 Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle

location_on

Somerville, Massachusetts, United States

calendar_today 17 May, 2026

directions_bike Cycling

nordic_walking Others

directions_run Running

pool Water sports

language Official Website

sell $34.09

About the Event

The 30th Annual Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle is a landmark multi-sport community event scheduled for Sunday, May 17, 2026, in Somerville, Massachusetts. Staged at the Blessing of the Bay Boathouse, the event celebrates the annual migration of alewife and blueback herring up the Mystic River. The festival is organized by the Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) and features a combination of road racing and competitive paddling, serving as a primary fundraiser for river conservation and advocacy.

Event Type	Distance(s)	Course Highlight
5K Run/Walk	5 km (3.1 miles)	Flat bike path through Torbert MacDonald Park.
Paddle Races	3, 9, and 12 miles	12-mile course includes a physical portage.

The 5K running course is notably fast and beginner-friendly, as it remains entirely on the riverfront bike path with no street crossings. The paddling segment is highly diverse, accommodating various vessel classes including recreational and racing kayaks, solo and tandem canoes, outriggers, and stand-up paddleboards. For those who do not own equipment, Charles River Canoe & Kayak provides on-site boat deliveries for pre-reserved rentals. The event also fosters team competition, requiring at least three runners to form a 5K team, though paddling events remain individual or tandem efforts.

The city of Somerville is one of the most densely populated and diverse municipalities in New England. According to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau data, the population of approximately 79,800 is roughly 67.4% White (Non-Hispanic), 12.3% Hispanic or Latino, 9.3% Asian, and 5.9% Black or African American. This multicultural environment is reflected in the extensive list of local sponsors, ranging from Somerville-based Aeronaut Brewing Company to diverse culinary landmarks like Vinny’s Ristorante and The Greek Corner. The Mystic River itself acts as a vital recreational artery for these diverse neighborhoods, and the event aims to engage all residents in environmental stewardship.

Logistically, the event begins at 9:00 AM EDT at the boathouse on Shore Drive. Due to the high volume of participants and limited space at the waterfront, official parking is directed to the Somerville District Courthouse, approximately a half-mile walk from the start. Post-race celebrations feature "fabulous prizes" donated by dozens of local businesses, emphasizing the deep integration of the event within the Somerville and Medford business communities. The MyRWA uses the proceeds from the 30th annual run and paddle to fund water quality monitoring, invasive species removal, and the continued restoration of the herring habitats that give the race its name.

Races Offered

5K Run

May 17, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5K

terrain

Type — Cycling, Others

timer

09:00

sell

$34.09

12 Mile Paddle

May 17, 2026

straighten

Distance — 19.3K

terrain

Type — Cycling, Others

timer

11:00

sell

$34.09

9 Mile Paddle

May 17, 2026

straighten

Distance — 14.5K

terrain

Type — Cycling, Others

timer

11:15

sell

$34.09

Bike to the Sea Bike Ride

May 17, 2026

straighten

Distance — 17.7K

terrain

Type — Cycling, Others

timer

11:15

sell

Free

3 Mile Paddle

May 17, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5K

terrain

Type — Cycling, Others

timer

11:30

sell

$34.09

Weather History

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in Somerville.

thermostat Temperature

9.9° / 19.2°

wb_sunny Feels like

6.9° / 16.7°

light_mode Avg sunshine hours

10h 11m

water_drop Avg rainfall

3.9 mm

ac_unit Avg snowfall

—

air Avg wind speed

13.1 km/h (Gentle breeze)

opacity Sweat loss rate

Low

terrain Course conditions

Firm and slightly soft

sunny Max UV Index

High (6.0)

humidity_mid Humidity

71.9%

wb_twilight Sunrise

05:21

nightlight Sunset

19:59

About Somerville

Learn more about the host city, Somerville.

Older Bostonians might still derisively call it "Slummerville", but today that tired old moniker couldn't be further from the truth. Packed with upwardly mobile professionals and longtime residents, Somerville is often voted an "All-America City" and the best-run city in Massachusetts. It would seem civically engaged folks can achieve uncommon results; and Somerville fosters an environment of cooperation like no other. Its 81,000 residents (2020) are quick to enjoy the fruits of their artistry, and you'll find top notch options for dinner, drinks, and dancing all in abundance within Somerville's borders. Lurking just to the south, big brothers Boston and Cambridge provide options and opportunities for many of Somerville's creative class residents.