RUN OF THE CHARLES CANOE & KAYAK RACE Sunday, April 29, 2012

WHAT:                       The biggest and best canoe and kayak event in New England!

                                    The 30th anniversary of the Run of the Charles Canoe & Kayak Race celebrates the Charles River Watershed Association's 48 years of improvements to the health, beauty and enjoyment of the Charles River and its tributaries.

WHEN:                       Sunday, April 29, 2012

First race check-in at 8:30 AM. Races continuing all day long. Concluding at approximately 4:30 PM at DCR's Artesani Park.

WHERE:                     On the Charles River, with races starting in Dedham, Needham, Newton, and Brighton.  All races finish at DCR's Artesani Park on Soldiers Field Road in Brighton where race fans and families gather to enjoy a day of music, refreshments, exhibits, raffle drawings, picnics and awards at the free Finish Line Festival.

WHO:                         Nearly 1,500 canoe and kayak enthusiasts, professional, amateur, and  recreational, from throughout the US and Canada, ages 12 and up, compete in a variety of races, including the $5,000 Professional Flatwater Canoe Marathon, the 24-Mile Relay Race, and 19-, 9-, and 6-mile races. 

5,000 - 10,000 spectators line the riverbanks to watch the Run of the Charles.

FEATURING:             Corporate and college team challenges.  Family fun at the Finish Line Festival with food, live music, awards, outdoor sports demonstrations, and post-race picnics.

ADMISSION:             FREE admission to the Finish Line Festival at DCR's Artesani Park. Race entry fees range from $35- $55 per individual to $350 - $400 per relay race team.

MEDIA                       Charles River Watershed Association

CONTACT:                c/o Classic Communications

                                    38 Mechanic Street, Suite 101, Foxboro, MA 02035

                                    Phone: (508) 698-6810; Fax: (508) 698-6811

                                    rotc@crwa.org

www.charlesriver.org