The Mid-American Canoe and Kayak Race is accepting registrations for the 55th annual race to be held Sunday, June 5, on the Fox River.

The historic event will feature two different 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, 8 kayak divisions and 1 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 Jeff Long.

A 10-mile race will begin at 9 a.m. from Mount. St. Mary Park in downtown St. Charles, with a 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, cold 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, goodie bag, lunch fare with chips and drink and be eligible for prize drawings.

Visit www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org to register online. Group discounts available. Registration forms also are available at all Park District community centers. Pre-registration ends at noon on June 1. For more information, call (630) 859-8606.

Visit the Mid-Am Facebook page for hundreds of additional photos.

FEATURE PHOTO CAPTION: A cavalcade of canoes and kayaks will hit the Fox River on June 5, when the annual Mid-American Canoe & Kayak Race holds its 55th running. Registration is currently under way at www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org and #wherefunbegins.org.

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 National 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 inter-connected regional trails amid 2,500 acres of parkland. For more information, visit FoxValleyParkDistrict.org or the Fox Valley Park District Facebook page.

SOURCE: Fox Valley Park District news release