Registrations are being accepted for the 57th annual Mid-American Canoe and Kayak Race that will be held Sunday, June 3, on the Fox River.
The historic event will feature two lengths for paddlers to choose from, a 10-mile run starting in St. Charles, and a six-mile race from Batavia, with both races to finish at McCullough Park in Aurora.
The Mid-Am is open to paddlers of all ages and abilities and will feature 11 canoe divisions, eight kayak divisions, and one open, non-competitive, division.
“The Mid-Am is something everybody should experience, from ultra-competitive racers to first-timers and young families who want to enjoy a memorable day of paddling on the Fox River,” said event director Jeff Long. “It’s a celebration of River recreation.”
The 10-mile race will begin at 9 a.m. from Mount. St. Mary Park in downtown St. Charles, with the six-miler to start at 10:30 a.m. from the VFW in Batavia, just south of downtown Batavia.
Boats will be staged in heats of 10 each and then launched individually at 15-second intervals from both start areas. Free shuttle buses for participants and spectators will run continuously from McCullough Park to each starting site to begin at 7 a.m..
All-inclusive canoe and kayak rental packages are available for both races at discounted prices, with start area delivery and finish line pickup of rental boats included.
A riverside party for all paddlers, friends, families, and spectators will take place at the finish area at McCullough Park and will feature food, music, beer, prize drawings, local vendors, and live interviews with paddlers. An awards ceremony will conclude the event, with awards for first, second, and third-place finishers in each division for both races.
All registered paddlers will receive a commemorative T-shirt, grilled lunch with chips and drink, and be eligible for prize drawings.
Visit www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org to register online. Registration forms are available at all Park District community centers. Registration will close at noon May 30, and day-of registration will not be available. For more information, call 630-859-8606.
—Fox Valley Park District
