Weston-Connected Rowers Register for 'Run of the Charles'

Weston residents George P. Bates, Bob Kattef, Carina Peritore and Town of Weston employee Stephen Fogg have registered to put their rowing skills to the test during the Charles River Watershed Association’s (CRWA) 31st Annual Run of the Charles Canoe and Kayak Race on April 28.

The race "celebrates the ongoing improvements of the Charles River," according to a press release and draws about 1,500 paddlers as well as countless spectators.

According to the release, "Bates is entered in the Masters Category of the 19-Mile Race. Kattef is entered in the Mixed Category of the 24-Mile Race. Peritore is entered in the Mixed Category of the Pro-Mile Race. Fogg is entered in the Gov Category of the 24-Mile Race." 

Races are held for all paddling skill levels, from beginners to experts. The Professional Flatwater Canoe Marathon "draws elite paddlers from across the United States and Canada." Many corporate teams participale in the 24-Mile Relay Race, according to the release,  and the 19-Mile, 9-Mile, and 6-Mile races attract recreational paddlers ranging in age from 11 to 80.

At the race's finish line, at DCR’s Artesani Park in Brighton, a day-long event with entertainment and music is free to all paddlers and spectators.

Wayland band Mid Life Crisis, will be on hand to provide the live music ranging from Oldies to Classic Rock to Motown to R&B to New Wave.

The press release concludes:

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, please call (508) 698-6810, e-mail rotc@crwa.org or visit www.charlesriver.org.

Editor's Note: The original article indicated all individuals were Weston residents. We've since learned that isn't true and have corrected the article above.