In the blockbuster film “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,” Harry — and three other candidates chosen from prestigious schools of witchcraft and wizardry — are tasked with defeating fire-breathing dragons to earn points in a magical challenge.

Dragons, a powerful symbol in Chinese culture, can be spotted in Marathon each May. (Photo courtesy of John Duke, Florida Keys Dragon Boat Club)

For Harry and his friends, dragons are dangerous opponents, to be outwitted and defeated and, above all, feared.

Dragons also loom large in Chinese legend. During the fourth century B.C. and the Ch’u dynasty in China, the emperor’s personal advisor Qu Yuan drowned himself in the Mi Lo River in defiance of the ruler’s corrupt and indulgent lifestyle. And that’s where the dragons came in.

Local fishermen, desperate to keep the river’s water dragons and fish from consuming Qu Yuan’s earthly body, beat drums and splashed the water with their boats’ paddles.

Which brings us to Marathon, a place where dragons have a far friendlier reputation. Instead of enemies, they’re actually “teammates” in a lively sport called dragon boat racing.

The modern dragon boat race pays tribute to the ancient fishermen’s courage by re-enacting their race to save Qu Yuan. And in Marathon’s “Battle in the Bay” challenge this year, you’ll find almost two dozen sleek, graceful dragon-headed boats whose teams will vie to propel them through the water faster than their competitors.

Dragon boat teams launch their colorful craft from Marathon's Sombrero Beach.

One of the world’s fastest-growing water sports, dragon boat racing involves 20 paddlers moving in unison in each vessel — in a breathtaking combination of strength, teamwork and synchronized competitive spirit. Teams can be made up of men, women, or both, and anyone age 14 or older can participate.

Marathon’s Sombrero Beach provides a perfect viewing spot for spectators and a direct-from-the-beach launch for the 40-foot-long race boats, whose elaborate dragon designs originated in ancient China.

Dragons, by the way, are also strong and powerful symbol of spring rains and growth in Chinese culture — and according to the Chinese astrology calendar, this just happens to be the year of the water dragon.

Strength and teamwork are required to succeed in a fast-paced dragon boat challenge.

It’s certainly the year for dragon boat racing in Marathon waters! More than 20 races are scheduled Saturday, May 12, becoming progressively more competitive as the slower teams fall by the wayside.

Notable entrants in the Marathon event include a senior team from Florida’s west coast named the Draggin’ Dragons, previous champions the Tampa Tarpons, and a team representing the Florida Keys’ colorful Conch Republic Navy. One of the hands-down favorites is Save Our Sisters, a team of Miami breast cancer survivors and supporters who regularly participate in a countrywide dragon-boat race circuit.

The entire racing event has a strong ethic of benefiting charities, including the Cancer Foundation of the Florida Keys.

The on-the-water action begins at 9 a.m. May 12, but there are plenty of land-based attractions too. For example, spectators can enjoy food and beverages, check out vendors selling items like kites and racewear in an Athletes’ Village, and view amazing performances by the troupe Fusho Daiko, masters of the 2,600-year-old art of Japanese taiko drumming.

In fact, chances are even Harry Potter and his friends would be enthralled with this dragon-filled challenge.