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 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 Mid-Am 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 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 begins at 9 a.m. from Mount. St. Mary Park in downtown St. Charles, with the 6-miler starting at 10:30 a.m. from the VFW in 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, friends, families and spectators will take place at the finish area at McCullough Park and 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 also are available at all Park District community centers. Registration closes at noon on May 30, and day-of registration will not be available. For more information, call 630-859-8606.

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

• FEATURE PHOTO CAPTION: With two different race options, the Mid-Am welcomes paddlers of all ages and abilities when it hit the Fox River on June 3. Registration is under way at www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org and www.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 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 168 parks and 48 miles of interconnected regional trails amid 2,500 acres of parkland.