NORTHFIELD — Grab your paddles, lace up your shoes and strap on your helmet as you prepare to row, run and bike around Northfield in the eighth annual Great River Challenge this weekend.

On Saturday morning at 10 a.m., participants of all skill levels will paddle, run and cycle their way around the Connecticut River and the Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center, as the region’s annual nontraditional triathlon returns.

“It’s family-friendly … but the elite athlete can find something in there as well. The weekender can also participate and feel good about it,” said Joan Stoia, who helps organize the race. “You don’t have to have an elite boat to get out there.”

Online registrations are open until Friday evening. Registration for the long course runs between $75 and $220, and the short course costs between $55 and $220, depending on the style of race selected. Race proceeds support the Northfield Recreation Commission. More information can be found at greatriverchallenge.com.

The race, which usually attracts more than 100 racers, is open to people with all levels of experience and features a short 11.25-mile course and a longer 16.5-mile course. Teams of four, three or two can participate in a relay race or people can take it on themselves. Professional race timing will be available.

The race kicks off at the Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center, 99 Millers Falls Road, with a 9:15 a.m. pre-race meeting being held in advance of the 10 a.m. start time. Awards will be given out at 2 p.m.

The triathlon begins with a boat race on the Connecticut River wrapping around Captain Kidd’s Island. Once people reach the dock, they’ll ditch their boat and start running a mixed road/trail course leading them to the Recreation Center. After running, the race concludes with a mountain biking course that will lead people up and around Northfield Mountain before bringing them back down to the finish line. The short course, however, does not go to the top of the mountain. Northfield and Gill first responders will be working to ensure everyone is safe.

Following the race, Tito’s Taqueria will cater lunch and racers will receive a complimentary beer from The Brewery at Four Star Farms. Fogbuster coffee will also be available, as well as water, cider doughnuts and apples. Local band The Can Collectors will provide music.

“One of the things that’s been a hallmark of it, is we’re told a lot of races, you just pull up with your car in the shopping mall parking lot, you do the race and you’re gone,” Stoia said. “The facility itself at Northfield Mountain … it’s so commodious there. People appreciate that it’s not just some parking lot.”

Other race sponsors include the Northfield Kiwanis Club, which provided the seed money for the inaugural event; the Northfield Golf Club, FirstLight Hydro Generating Co.; the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce; and Billy Goat Boats, among others.

“The support that we’ve had from our sponsors has been really, really great,” Stoia said.

Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com.