The epic silver jubilee 25th running of the Blackburn Challenge is Saturday July 23. This oar or paddle human powered race in dory, kayak, outrigger canoe or even SUP; Stand Up Paddle, can enter this race around the entire circumference of Cape Ann.
Over 300 boats are all in. Registration ends this Saturday at midnight, July 9. Do not regret missing this race. Gloucester High School start, up the Annisquam, then clockwise all the way around until you paddle under the greasy pole finish line back in Gloucester Harbor. Besides the ability to say that you paddled around the entire island you get a cool Patagonia shirt you can proudly wear showing you completed the race.
Your humble scribe kayaked it last year and was a bit surprised that most every entrant took the race “seriously.” No duffers in the lot. All I wanted to do was finish before the beer keg was drained and I made it. The pulled pork sandwiches were dee-lish. This year I am taking Rubber Duck and my protege, Ed Collard, The House Doctor, around the island. Ed has kayaked exactly three times in his life, (past four weeks), but he is pumped and may very well tow me over the line.
There will only be one 25th running of the Blackburn Challenge. Sign up now, do it for a charity, but find a vessel and a paddle, slap a GMG sticker on the bow and meet us July 23.
Register here. Countdown here (18 days left!) My detailed map of course with all the pitfalls here.
Rubber Duck Quick Tip: No dory or boat? Check out Cape Ann Stand Up Paddle right on Pavilion Beach. I bet you could rent for the race, paddle over the finish line right to their rental location. Paddleboards get a head start at Blackburn Challenge!
Good Morning Gloucester 