Registration underway for canoe and kayak race

Registrations are being accepted for the 56th annual Mid-American Canoe and Kayak Race on Sunday, June 4, on the Fox River.

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

The Mid-Am is open to paddlers of all ages and abilities, featuring 11 canoe divisions, eight kayak divisions and an open (noncompetitive) division.

"The Mid-Am is meant for everybody - from ultracompetitive, seasoned paddlers to first-timers and young families who want to enjoy a memorable paddling experience on the Fox River," event director Jeff Long said. "It's a celebration of river recreation."

The 10-mile race begins at 9 a.m. from Mount St. Mary Park, Route 31 and Pierce Street, in downtown St. Charles, with the 6-miler starting at 10:30 a.m. from the VFW, 645 S. River St., Batavia, just south of downtown.

Boats will be staged in heats of 10 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 both starting sites beginning 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, families, friends and spectators will take place at the finish area at McCullough Park, 150 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora. The party 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, goody bag, grilled lunch with chips and drink, and an entry for prize drawings.

Visit foxvalleyparkdistrict.org to register online. Registration forms also are available at all park district community centers. Registration closes at noon Wednesday, May 31, and day-of registration will not be available. For information, call (630) 859-8606.