MARATHON, Florida Keys — The Long Key Bike-Kayak Ride and Paddle is set for Saturday, June 5, and is to launch from Long Key State Park, mile marker (MM) 67.5 oceanside on Long Key.

The day’s activities, hosted by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Greenways & Trails, are to begin at 10 a.m. with a bike ride through the park and over the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail’s historic Long Key Bridge, the second longest bridge in the Keys. After crossing the 2.3-mile span, cyclists are to retrace their route back to the park to begin a paddle to Long Key Point and back.

There is no charge for the family-friendly event, and park entrance fees are to be waived.

Riders and paddlers can set their own pace, distance and event participation. Participants can attend the pedal, the paddle or both.

The Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail stretches the length of the Florida Keys beginning at MM 106.5 in Key Largo and ending at MM 0 in Key West. The trail now links distinctive ecological areas including Everglades National Park, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge, National Key Deer Refuge, Crocodile Lakes National Wildlife Refuge and 10 state parks.

The Florida Keys segment of the Florida Circumnavigation Saltwater Paddling Trail runs along Long Key.

For more information on the Long Key pedal and paddle contact Monica Woll at monica.woll@dep.state.fl.us or 305-360-0846; or Cristina Lindley at cristina.lindley@dep.state.fl.us or 305-360-2532.

For more information on the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail, visit www.FloridaGreenwaysandTrails.com.

To find out about area accommodations, call the Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce at 305-743-5417 or 800-262-7284, e-mail visitus@floridakeysmarathon.com or visit the Florida Keys & Key West website at www.fla-keys.com.

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