As a surfski race, many people find the Blackburn Challenge aggravating. There's seldom any significant downwind, but there's always confused chop. It's nearly 20 miles long. At various points you'll have to contend with suck water, weeds, aggressive tidal currents, heavy traffic, fishing lines, lobstermen hauling traps, and a heart-breaking [...]
I was pleasantly surprised when Bob Blair, Race Director of the Blackburn Challenge asked the racers to show hands of the first timers. It seemed like half of the crowd eagerly raised their hands. Blackburn Finish I knew a few these folks like Jean Kostelich who I met years ago [...]
Another Year, Another "Good Blackburn" The racing goal for the past 16 years has been to have a "Good Blackburn". The Blackburn is a different kind of race than the other races we do in New England. First of all, it is long: 19.5 miles give or take a few [...]
Six months ago my son Tyler let us know that he and Jen would be getting married in the summer. The date had not been set so I naturally give my Fatherly input. I let them know that the Blackburn Challenge is July 22 and asked if they could pick [...]
The Blackburn Start from Olga Sydorenko on Vimeo.
