'Summer of Fun' Continues With 5K, Swimmable Water Float

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The Coosa River Basin Initiative’s (CRBI) “Summer of Fun” continues this weekend with two events to celebrate clean water.

The Run for the Rivers 5K Race and a Swimmable Water Float trip on the Oostanaula River will be held Saturday and Sunday, July 25-26.

The 5K race kicks off at Saturday at 8 a.m. at Rome’s Ridge Ferry Park. The 3.1-mile run and 1-mile walk include water-based obstacles ranging from water balloons and squirt guns to a giant water slide at the finish line.

“This will be the coolest 5K race this summer,” said CRBI membership and events coordinator Shira Kerce. “Just when you’re getting hot, we’ll cool you off with some water.”

Registration is now open online. For the procrastinators, participants may also register on the day of the event. Online registration is $25 through Friday, July 24. Race day registration is $30.

The fun continues Sunday at 2 p.m. with the organization’s Swimmable Water float trip on the Oostanaula River from Ridge Ferry Park to Heritage Park.

Last year, more than 60 people swam or floated the 1.5-mile route through downtown Rome as part of the international Waterkeeper Alliance’s Swimmable Water Day. This year, CRBI is expecting an even larger crowd.

“The purpose of the trip is to highlight our swimmable local water,” said CRBI Riverkeeper Amos Tuck. “Over the past three decades Coosa River communities have made great strides in cleaning up our rivers. This float trip is just plain fun.”

Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite float (pool float, tube, etc.) and a life jacket. CRBI will provide complimentary shuttles for all participants.

CRBI is a non-profit organization and member of the International Waterkeeper Alliance. Its mission is to inform and empower citizens to protect, preserve and restore North America’s most biologically diverse river basin.

For more informationn, contact Shira Kerce at 706-232-2724 or skerce@coosa.org.

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Photo credit: Coosa River Basin Initiative