FARMINGTON — The University of Maine at Farmington Fitness and Recreation Center will hold their annual Canoe/Kayak Race and Fun Paddle on Sunday, May 4, on the Sandy River.

The fourth annual event is sponsored by the UMF fitness center’s Mainely Outdoors recreation program to promote communitywide fitness and outdoor fun.

The Fun Paddle features an approximately 10-mile course and will start at 1 p.m. in Strong and end in Fairbanks village in Farmington. The starting point is the Strong American Legion hall at routes 4 and 145; the landing is the Little League ball field on Route 4.

Participants 12 and older of all ability levels are welcome to compete in the timed race or to paddle for fun. Paddlers must provide their own canoe or kayak, paddles, personal floatation devices and other related equipment.

According to the Whitewater Classification System, this section of the Sandy River is identified as Class I, or moving water with small disturbances on the surface and a few small waves, to Class II, which is easy rapids with smaller waves and clear channels that are obvious with occasional maneuvering possibly required.

Registration fees are $10 per person and $5 for students. Registration forms can be completed by visiting the UMF Fitness and Recreation Center or on site the day of the race from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Racing categories include high school students; college students; men/women, ages 18-49; men and women ages 50 and older; and family. Children ages 12 to 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

For race rules, registration forms or more information, visit the UMF Fitness and Recreation website at http://frc.umf.maine.edu/, or call at 778-7495.