The unfortunate demise of the New York City Mayor’s Cup Kayak Race has left a void for the many paddlers wishing to experience the scenic skyline of the Big Apple and challenging waters surrounding the island of Manhattan.


All is not lost, however, thanks to the efforts of Joe and Dick Traum, and their organization benefiting disabled athletes, Achilles International (http://www.achillesinternational.org). They have stepped forward to stage The Intrepid Challenge, a fundraising event to benefit four New York City charities, open to all human powered watercraft on Saturday, September 24, 2011. Comprising 7 and 14 mile distances, racers will start and finish at The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum (http://www.intrepidmuseum.org/) on the west side of Manhattan on Pier 86, and make their way up the majestic Hudson River to the George Washington Bridge, where they’ll spin around and head back. 7 mile races will start at the same point and complete half the distance. The historic skyline of Manhattan will provide the backdrop for a fun-filled event to challenge paddlers and all human-powered watercraft alike.


Achilles International is a not for profit organization that provides athletes with disabilities with a community of support. Able-bodied volunteers and disabled athletes come together to train in an environment of support and community. Within this community, athletes gain measurable physical strength and build confidence through their sense of accomplishment, which often transfers to other parts of their life. I first had the privilege of competing with one of their athletes, USMC Sergeant Michael Blair, injured serving in Iraq, in the 2008 Mayor’s Cup Race. Together, paddling a tandem sea kayak, we were the first boat to make it to the halfway point, before the race was called due to weather conditions. Since that time, I’ve had the pleasure of cheering on fellow competitors and friends, Robin Francis and Gary Williams, as they teamed up with other disabled athletes for a variety of events. Gary has gone on to manage the Achilles Kayak Team. I’m personally looking forward to working together with Team Achilles and its athletes once again this year.

Registration is open at http://www.achillesinternational.org/kayak/intrepid_challenge, so mark September 24 on your calendars, and come race in the Intrepid Challenge Race!  ~Mark