Sign up now for Mid-American Canoe and Kayak Race

Want to paddle your own canoe?

The Mid-American Canoe and Kayak Race is accepting registrations for the 51st annual race, which will be Sunday, June 3, on the Fox River.

The popular community event will feature two different lengths for paddlers to choose from — a 10-mile race starting in St. Charles and a 6-miler from Batavia — with both races finishing at McCullough Park in Aurora.

The 10-mile race will begin at 9 a.m. from Mount St. Mary Park in downtown St. Charles, with the 6-mile race starting at 10:30 a.m. from the VFW in Batavia, just south of downtown.

Boats will be launched in heats of 10 every four minutes from both start areas.

Free shuttle buses for participants and spectators will run continuously along the route beginning at 7:30 a.m.

All-inclusive canoe and kayak rental packages are available for both races at discounted prices, with delivery and pickup of rental boats included.

A tailgate-style party for all paddlers, friends and families will take place at the finish area at McCullough Park and feature food, prize drawings and local vendors. Unique awards handcrafted at Blackberry Farm will be given for first-, second- and third-place finishers in each division for both races.

All registered paddlers will receive a commemorative T-shirt, goody bag, sub sandwich lunch with chips and drink and be eligible for prize drawings at the post-race party.

Visit foxvalleyparkdistrict.org to register online. Registration forms also are available at all Fox Valley Park District community centers. For information, call (630) 859-8606.