Foxborough Paddler to Compete in CRWA’s Run of the Charles Canoe & Kayak Race

Foxborough resident Alan Hawksley has registered for the Charles River Watershed Association’s (CRWA) 31st Annual Run of the Charles Canoe and Kayak Race, which will be held on Sunday, April 28.

The race, which celebrates the ongoing improvements of the Charles River, draws approximately 1,500 paddlers and thousands of spectators to enjoy a day on the river full of fun and festivities.

 Hawksley is entered in the Open Category of the 6-Mile Race. The Foxborough resident is a lead volunteer at the Riverdale Park site in Dedham, leading a group of eight people in helping other paddlers register for the second leg of the relay, the 19-mile race, or the professional race before competing in the 6-mile race. Hawksley has been competing and volunteering for “many years,” according to Meg Schermerhorn, Race Director of Run of the Charles Canoe & Kayak Race.

The Race features paddling races for all skill levels, from expert to beginner. The $5,000 Professional Flatwater Canoe Marathon draws elite paddlers from across the United States and Canada while the 24-mile relay race attracts many corporate teams ready for a great bonding experience. Along with those events, the 19-mile, 9-mile, and 6-mile races bring out recreational paddlers ranging in age from 11 to 80.

The race’s Finish Line Festival at DCR’s Artesani Park in Brighton is free to all racers and spectators and hosts day-long entertainment with live music from Wayland band Mid Life Crisis, where you will hear some Oldies, Classic Rock, Motown, R&B and New Wave. Vendors will be on site to showcase their products and talents, all kinds of food will be for sale and there is also a playground for children of all ages to use. 

Gold Sponsors of the 2013 Run of the Charles include Boston Duck Tours, Charles River Canoe & Kayak and Wicked Local. Bronze Sponsors include New England BioLabs, CDM Smith, Keewaydin, Skanska, Weston Solutions and Supporting Sponsors include ESP Solutions, VHB, Tetra Tech EC, GenOn, BR+A, and Horseley Witten Group.

The Charles River Watershed Association is a non-profit organization committed to protecting and enhancing the health, beauty and accessibility of the Charles River and its tributaries and watersheds.  Every government and private stakeholder in the watershed knows CRWA’s advocacy for environmental protection.

The work of CRWA encompasses all 80 miles of the Charles River, which meanders through 35 eastern Massachusetts towns and cities within the 308 square miles of the Charles River watershed. CRWA’s successes have led many organizations across the country to emulate its science methods and watershed management models.

Registration remains available up to and including race day, but it is recommended that racers register now to avoid late fees. For more information on registration, becoming a volunteer, or any other aspect of the race, call (508) 698-6810, e-mail rotc@crwa.org or visit www.charlesriver.org.