One of the Fox Valley’s great spring events is open to registration today: the 54th annual Mid-American Canoe and Kayak Race.

The Fox Valley Park District is accepting registrations for the 2015 races to be held Sunday, June 7, 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 6-miler from Batavia — with both races finishing at McCullough Park in Aurora.

The event is open to paddlers of all ages and abilities, featuring 11 canoe divisions, eight kayak divisions and one open (non-competitive) division.

“The Mid-Am is meant for everybody — from ultra-competitive, experienced river runners to young families and novices who just want to enjoy a memorable paddling experience on the Fox River,” said event coordinator Cody Kamp.

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 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, friends, families and spectators will take place at the finish area at McCullough Park and feature food, music, 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, goodie bag, lunch fare with chips and drink and be eligible for prize drawings.

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

About the Fox Valley Park District

The Fox Valley Park District is a dynamic and growing park district that serves a diverse population of more than 233,000 people. Recognized as an Illinois Distinguished Agency, Fox Valley holds the nation’s highest honor as a two-time Gold Medal Award winner for excellence in park and recreation management. Serving the communities of Aurora, Montgomery and North Aurora, the district maintains 165 parks and 48 miles of interconnected regional trails amid 2,500 acres of parkland. 

SOURCE: Fox Valley Park District press releases