A kayaker and a group of canoers race in the most recent ‘Round the Mountain Canoe and Kayak Race in Saranac Lake in May 2019. (Enterprise photo — Justin A. Levine)

SARANAC LAKE — The ‘Round the Mountain Canoe and Kayak Race is set to return to Saranac Lake on Saturday, May 8.

This is one of several boat races the Northern Forest Canoe Trail bought from Brian and Grace McDonnell’s Adirondack Watershed Alliance. Others include the more famous 90-mile Adirondack Canoe Classic, the Celebrate Paddling Invitational in Saranac Lake and the Long Lake Long Boat Regatta.

‘Round the Mountain first heat will start at 11 a.m. at the Ampersand Bay Resort, located at the foot of Ampersand Avenue on Lower Saranac Lake. Parking will be limited.

The race course begins there at Ampersand Bay. Paddlers head west on Lower Saranac Lake to the mouth of the Saranac River across from Bluff Island. The course continues down the river, with a short carry around the lower locks, then to Oseetah Lake and ending at Lake Flower. The race distance is approximately 10.5 miles.

The entry fee is $30 per person; NFCT members receive a 15% discount.

Last year’s event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.