Jen McKenna Paddle and Run 6.0

Welcome to the 2026 edition of the Jen McKenna Paddle and Run 6.0. Join us for this great event experience. The Jen McKenna Paddle and Run will return to its location at Higgens Point. We are offering two race distances this year: the normal short course and the brand new long course. Short course: Athletes will begin just east of the Higgens Point boat launch and paddle around Higgens Point into Blue Creek Bay to the turn around and double back to the paddle exit. Paddle distance is approximately 1.6 miles. Then, runners head along the Centennial Trail to the turn around and double back before a short trail run and finish at the Higgens Point Park at the end of the Centennial Trail.  Run distance is approximately 4 miles.  This is an individual or 2-person team (1 paddler, 1 runner) event. Long Course individual or 2- or 3-person team (1 paddler and 1 or 2 runners): It will be a paddle-run-paddle-run event. Athletes paddle into Blue Creek Bay to the day use park on the east side, disembark and head out on the Blue Creek Trail system, doubling back to the day use park, paddle back to Higgens Point, and disembark to run the Centennial Trail to the turn around, and double back to the day use park at Higgens Point. Total distance will be approximately 10 miles. if you choose the team option, there are 2 runners and 1 paddler - one runner runs the first run course, the second runner runs the second run course, and the third person paddles between the two run courses.

Awards will be given for the top 3 men and women for short and long course and top team (short and long course). Participants will also enjoy a post-race event of food and beverages.

Jen loved the outdoors, including running and kayaking. She had cystic fibrosis, but she did not let the disease define her or what she was able to do in life.  In February 2019, Jen and her family relocated to the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill to wait for a double lung transplant.  She received a set on May 23, but due to cystic fibrosis-related complications, Jen McKenna passed away on June 27, 2019, at the age of 41. Proceeds from the event benefit Companions Animal Shelter.