The 40th running of the Run of the Charles River Watershed Association Race was held today under perfect skies on the mighty Charles River. This race was revived after COVID-19 thanks to Meg Rivett (Race Coordinator), Charles River Canoe and Kayak, Paddle Boston (Mark Jacobson, Bryce Morris), and the many great sponsors and volunteers to make this wonderful event happen! Races were of varying distances including the 3, 6, 9, and 14 with all types of paddlers( sup, canoe, kayaks, surfskis). I raced the 6 mile which is featured here.
It was great to see everyone including Leslie Berchtold Chappell, Chris Chappell, Chris Sherwood, Mike Florio, Greg Lesher, Matt Drayer, Bill Kuklinkski, Mary Beth, Timothy P. Dwyer, Tim Hudyncia, Cliff Roach, Jean, Hank, Joe, James Legrand, Joel Pekosz, Olga and Max, Eli Gallaudet, Ted Composite Engineering – Van Dusen Racing Boats and Anna, Chris Sousa and many more.
In the 6-mile race, Mike Florio once again reigned supreme for flat water racing for his 1st ROTC coming in 4 minutes ahead of Joel(2nd) and Greg was 5 seconds behind to take 3rd after missing the start as a few races did. It’s always best to hang around the start line once you have warmed up and know ROTC starts promptly at 10 am. The course was different from the past turning on the Elliot Bridge and then proceeding to the turn buoy 2.5 miles in the opposite direction and back to the start. I got off to a great start, ready to go on the line. At the approximate 2-mile mark, Tim passed me ultimately catching Cliff near the end. I took turns with James drafting until I got dropped by James and Matt(missed start) before the 2nd turn buoy. Max and Olga in their double passed me after I hitched a ride for a few minutes. They caught James who got a ride to close the gap on Matt and out sprinting him by a mere few seconds. Chris came in 5th while Eli(young and fit) came in 4th in a very good showing looking forward to breaking 3 hours in the Cape Ann Rowing Club/Blackburn Challenge this year. It was a very enjoyable time at Herter Park with people walking, running, cycling, rowing, and of course, paddling!!! Thanks to all sponsors, Meg, Mark/Bryce for making this happen. Hope to see everyone next year.
Next big race is my race, the Sakonnet River Race, 12 miles of ocean/small bay conditions. https://paddleguru.com/races?search=sakonnet&sport=all June 8th. Get Registered !!
