Charles River Watershed Association Unveils the 34th Annual Run of the Charles T-Shirt Artist and Design

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Meg Rivett (508) 698-6810 or rotc@crwa.org

Charles River Watershed Association Unveils the 34th Annual Run of the Charles

T-Shirt Artist and Design

Weston, MA – April 1, 2016 – The Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) is excited to announce that Brianna Florio of Warwick, RI who is studying at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) in Boston, MA, has won the t-shirt design contest for the 34th Annual Run of the Charles: Boston’s Premier Paddling Race, taking place Sunday April 24, 2016. As the winner, Florio’s design will be featured on this year’s t-shirt.

Florio is a junior at MassArt majoring in Illustration with a minor in sculpture. In between classes Florio is a Resident Advisor (RA) at MassArt and can be found competing in 5Ks around Boston and actively training in Judo and Jiu-Jitsu. Her inspiration for the winning 2016 design came from the introduction of paddle boarding in this year’s race and the shape of paddles used in kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding. “The paddles signify what the sport is about. Each paddle is easily recognizable,” said Brianna. “It is so exciting to create a design that will equally represent every participant at the Run of the Charles.”

MassArt students who participated in the challenge received insight and critiques to push the envelope of their creations and make them stand out from past designs. Nick Edlund is a lecturer at MassArt who teaches graphic design to students majoring in illustration and has worked as a mentor in the design process to students.

“I always encourage students to try something new compared to what they’ve seen in previous designs and it is good to see that advice taken and showcased in this year’s choice,” said Nick.

Every year, volunteers and racers look forward to seeing the new design and wearing their new t-shirt during and after the event. “Brainna’s design was very different from past designs,” said Meg Rivett, Race Director. “Its bold approach highlights the Run of the Charles as Boston’s Premier Paddling Race!”

The Run of the Charles welcomes racers with a wide range of skill level—from beginner to expert. Paddlers enjoy the 19-Mile, 9-Mile, and 6-Mile events, while many corporate teams test their out-of-office teamwork in the 24-Mile Relay Race. All sites require assistance of the wonderful volunteers to assure everything runs efficiently and on time. Race starting points include Dedham, Needham, Newton, and Brighton. All of the races end at DCR’s Artesani Park on Soldiers Field Road in Brighton.

The Finish Line Festival at DCR’s Artesani Park in Brighton offers a range of entertainment for spectators and participants of all ages, free of charge. Paddlers and spectators can enjoy live music by featured band Mid Life Crisis—kick back and enjoy some Oldies, Classic Rock, Motown, and R&B. With a playground for the kids, free entertainment for all ages, and several options for delicious food, it’s a celebration you won’t soon forget!

Gold Sponsors of the 2016 Run of the Charles include Boston Duck Tours, Charles River Canoe & Kayak and Wicked Local. Bronze Sponsors include ESP Solutions and New England BioLabs. Supporting Sponsors include CDM Smith, BR+A, Horsley Witten Group, L.L. Bean, Skanska, Tetra Tech EC and VHB, Inc.

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 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.

For more information on registration, volunteering or any other aspect of the race, please call (508) 698-6810, e-mail rotc@crwa.org or visit www.charlesriver.org.