Olympian Greg Barton and Teammate Kevin Olney Win Inaugural SEVENTY48

-

- Advertisment -

Before the eastern sky could begin to turn grey, four-time Olympic medalist Greg Barton and his teammate Kevin Olney of Team Epic crossed the finish line as the first winners of the inaugural SEVENTY48; a self-supported, human-powered boat race between Tacoma, WA and Port Townsend, WA. The team pulled in around 3:09 AM, taking a mere 9 hours and 39 minutes to complete the 70 mile course. That averages to over 7 miles per hour.

The team credits their success to the work they put in before the race. “We trained really well,” said Olney. Before the race, the team ran portions of the course during the night in order to prepare themselves for the low light conditions. “Paddling a surf ski in the dark in rough water is kind of nerve-racking the first time.”

Team Epic arrives at the City Dock in Port Townsend at 3:09 AM to win SEVENTY48. (Photo by Zach Carver)

Fortunately, most of the night had ideal paddling conditions. It wasn’t until the last 10 miles of the race that Olney and Barton faced some wind and waves. “With all the spray coming off the waves my eyes were full of salt…I could barely see [Barton] to match his stroke,” said Olney.

Olney gave some advice to future racers, “If you want to be great for 10 hours you have to put in 1,000 hours of work. Or just get in a boat with an Olympian.”

Seventy48 is hosted by the Northwest Maritime Center, based in Port Townsend. They are a non-profit that works to engage and educate people of all ages in maritime experiences. For more information about the race, go to http://www.Seventy48.com.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

- Advertisement -

Latest news

Tahiti Host 30th Annual Hawaiki Nui Va’a (Outrigger Canoe) Race Nov 1-4

Get your outrigger on. Tahiti’s 30th annual Hawaiki Nui Va’a race will take place in the Islands of Tahiti, from ...

NRS, Pyranha Form Strategic Partnership: Combine Sales, Marketing in Europe

Northwest River Supplies(NRS), a leading supplier of equipment and apparel for water recreation, safety and rescue, has announced a...

Dick’s Closing Moosejaw Stores

Paddlesports consumers are losing another brick-and-mortar chain where they used to be able to buy boats and other gear...

Slalom Worlds Wrap Up in Great Britain; Next Stop: Paris Olympics!

The ICF World Slalom Championships just wrapped up at Lee Valley, London, this weekend, with home country hero Joe Clarke...
- Advertisement -

Jackson Kayaks Brand Manager Jameson Redding Leaves Role

 Jackson Kayak announced that longtime brand manager Jameson Redding will be leaving his role as Brand Manager for the company’s...

Chums Celebrates 40th

Chalk it up to another idea born on the river by a guide looking to make things better and...

Must read

Tahiti Host 30th Annual Hawaiki Nui Va’a (Outrigger Canoe) Race Nov 1-4

Get your outrigger on. Tahiti’s 30th annual Hawaiki Nui...

NRS, Pyranha Form Strategic Partnership: Combine Sales, Marketing in Europe

Northwest River Supplies(NRS), a leading supplier of equipment and...
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

You might also likeRELATED
Recommended to you