For what has become a signature event at the Town of Lisbon’s annual Moxie Festival, the Androscoggin Land Trust has announced that registration is now open for the 13th Annual Chief Worumbo Androscoggin River Race. The annual fun-for-the-whole-family river event, which is set for Sunday, July 10, is one of the largest single-day paddling events on the Androscoggin River.

The Chief Worumbo Androscoggin River Race’s relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere has made it among the most popular paddling events in the Northeast, drawing hundreds of boats and participants from across New England. Paddlers in canoes or kayaks in 11 categories will kick off at the Durham Boat Access on Route 136 and race six miles downstream to the finish line under the railroad trestle where the Sabattus River meets the Androscoggin at Route 196 in Lisbon.

ALT has operated the race since 2009. Last year’s race saw record turn-out, with over 180 racers spanning the river at the starting line and plans are to continue growing the event to draw more recreational enthusiasts to experience the potential of the Androscoggin River. As the race has grown, ALT has moved to hire its first race director, Marnie Coleman of Auburn.  “I’m thrilled to be involved,” she said. “It’s fun from beginning to end and everybody has a great time. But the best part is seeing so many people paddling the Androscoggin.”

That added capacity is already paying off. ALT is proud to announce a new corporate partnership with Evergreen Subaru of Auburn. Any owner of a registered Subaru will qualify for half off their registration fee for this year’s race. Details on how to qualify are included in the registration form.

“ALT has worked aggressively over the last few years to raise the profile of the recreational asset these communities have in the Androscoggin River,” states Jonathan P. LaBonte, executive director of ALT. “When business leaders like Doug Weisz of Evergreen Subaru see the benefits of linking their business to our work on the Androscoggin, everyone wins. We are excited to try this approach to bringing new paddlers to the Androscoggin, and we hope to see a parking lot full of Subarus on race day.”

Founded in 1999 by Faye Brown of Lisbon, the event is now a major fundraiser for ALT, and race proceeds support conservation and recreation efforts along the river corridor that paddlers experience along the race route. The course passes multiple existing ALT-conserved lands, including the Durham River Park, the Katherine Breton Memorial Preserve in Lisbon and the Hallelujah Farm in Lisbon.

Registration is $20 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under if registered by end-of-business Tuesday, July 5. Registration includes T-shirt, lunch and free shuttle service. Late and race-day registration is $25 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under and includes shuttle service only. T-shirts and lunch will be available for sale at the finish line for late registrants and spectators.

Race-day registration begins at 9 a.m. at the Durham Boat Launch. Participants are encouraged to arrive well in advance of the 11 a.m. mass start.

To register online, follow the Active.com link on the Events page of the ALT website, www.androscogginlandtrust.org (Active.com will charge a small service fee), or call 312-5428. Registration forms may also be obtained by emailing worumbo@androscogginlandtrust.org.