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| The 5th annual Blackstone River Valley Greenway Challenge will take place Saturday, September 24, 2006 |
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UXBRIDGE, MA -- The 5th annual Blackstone River Valley Greenway Challenge will take place Saturday, September 24th starting at the Grafton Common in Massachusetts at 9 am and winding it way south to end with a festival at the Kelly House at the Blackstone River State Park in Lincoln, Rhode Island.
It is truly "an adventure race like no other" because a new route is carefully designed each year to challenge the outdoor enthusiasts who participate. It also showcases the Blackstone Valley's wonderful historic sites and its natural scenery. "While it is a competition, it is also a celebration of just how far the rebirth of the Blackstone River Valley has come over the years," explained Gregory Maas, co-chairman of the Greenway Challenge Advisory Board. "It has become a catalyst for people to come together around the area's recreational opportunities and it's exciting for us and the event's sponsors to see it evolve."
Organizers and over 25 sponsors and friends expect nearly 75 teams with as many as nine participants each to bike, paddle and run against each other and the course terrain to complete the 54 mile route that includes segments on paved roads, the Blackstone River and the Blackstone River Bikeway.
New divisions have been added this year to encourage broader participation. They include a: Championship Level for serious teams intent on upsetting the perennial Greenway Challenge favorites from Great Canadian Canoe Company and a Corporate Cup for teams comprised of members all from the same company. An All-women Teams Division encourages participation from female competitors; a Masters Division for Seniors over the age of 55; a Recreational Team Division is open to teams of any combination (and can include young people over the age of 16); and a Tri-athlete Division is for those hardy souls who choose to go it alone. All teams and tri-athletes are allowed to be supported by one vehicle that transports the team's bicycle or canoe or kayak as the participants progress through the course.
This year's Greenway Challenge will support students in the Blackstone Valley Youth Leadership Academy. Collaboration with the Greenway Challenge will help 9th and 10th grade participants to develop the skills they will need to become the future stewards of the Blackstone River Valley. The Greenway Challenge also relies on the generosity of volunteers and if you are interested in helping out, please call Barbara Dixon at 401-762-0250.
The Greenway Challenge concludes with a festival for participants, family and friends. Organizers encourage you to join everyone at the Kelly House Field on Saturday, September 24th as the first finishers are expected to cross the finish line between noon and 1:00 pm. Live music will be provided by the band True Gin and there will be entertainment throughout the afternoon. The Awards Ceremony for each division will start at 3 pm. You won 't want to miss southern New England's very own unique adventure race so visit www.GreenwayChallenge.org for more details
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