On your mark, get set, paddle: BluzCruz, a 22-mile race down the Mississippi River, is back for a 12th year this Saturday.

Committee member Laura Callaway said about 200 people have already registered for Saturday’s trek down the river.

“It’s 22 miles, and 21 of those are actually on the Mississippi River,” she said. “We actually have the Coast Guard close barge traffic during the race.”

The race typically takes an hour and a half to five hours to complete.

“The draw is it’s on the Mississippi River,” Callaway said. “There’s one in Memphis that’s on the Mississippi River, but it’s only a three-mile race. The last mile of the race is actually upriver, going up the Yazoo Diversion Canal. You can be going upriver with the wind at your back helping push you up the river.”

Paddlers are coming from across the nation, from Montana to Washington D.C., as well as several southern states to compete in the race. Callaway said there are many returning competitors as well as first-time racers.

“It is an amazing adventure if you’ve ever wanted to get out on the river paddling,” she said. “We also have the Quapaw Canoe Company out of Clarksdale, Miss. Providing two large canoes, so if you’re not real sure about being on the river by yourself in a kayak, you can be on these larger boats with other paddlers.”

The race is a benefit for Service Over Self, a local mission facilitated through Crawford Street United Methodist Church that partners youth with local seniors to help do chores and make repairs to their homes.

The Warren County Sheriff’s Department, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and local volunteers will be present with safety boats, Callaway said.

Canoers and kayakers will take off Saturday morning at 9 a.m. from the Madison Parish Port north of Tallulah, La.

Late registration and packet pick-up is Friday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Martin’s at Midtown. Competitors will receive one free beer or soft drink along with their swag bag.

For more information or to register, visit bluzcruz.com.