The following information was provided by the Charles River Watershed Association:
Paddlers from across New England have registered for the 37th Annual Run of the Charles: Boston’s Premier Paddling Race, taking place on Sunday, April 28, 2019. 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 with the help of nearly 150 volunteers.
Run of the Charles is the signature event of Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA), the leading science and advocacy organization for the Charles River and its watershed. The work accomplished 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.
“It is a joy to see people enjoying the Charles River any day, but especially during the Run of the Charles. For so many years the river was so dirty it wasn’t even safe to boat on much of the time. There is more work to be done but it is a much cleaner, healthier river and we are delighted to offer this opportunity for people to get out on it,” said CRWA Executive Director Emily Norton.
This year brings changes that better align the Run of the Charles with CRWA’s mission and values. To reduce the race’s carbon footprint, the courses have been redeveloped and now include a 14-mile relay, which attracts many corporate, government and university teams each year, along with 12-, 6- and 3-mile races, open to paddlers of any skill level.
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 music hosted by DJ Kim Collins. New this year: a taco truck, Sam Adams beer garden, festival tent, family canoe lessons and yard games!
Enjoy a savory cuisine from Amigos Locos American Cantina Food Truck including tacos, bowls, salads and a Sam Adams beer for participants of age.
Gold Sponsors of the 2019 Run of the Charles: Boston’s Premier Paddling Race include Boston Duck Tours and Paddle Boston Charles River Canoe & Kayak. Eversource joins as a silver sponsor. New England BioLabs and CDM Smith return this year as Bronze Sponsors. Supporting Sponsors include BETA Group, Bergmeyer, BR+A, Cultural Adventure Travel, ESP Solutions, Horsley Witten Group and Tetra Tech. Interfluve supports as a contributing sponsor and in-kind sponsors include the Marriott Boston Newton and Samuel Adams.
The Charles River Watershed Association is a nonprofit 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.