Column: Paddlers flock to Machias River for April race

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • May 18, 2026

After a four-year hiatus, the Machias River Race was scheduled this spring on April 25 and 26. A unique aspect of this year’s event was competitors could race on either day or both. At age 78, I’m running out of time, so I was in. At my age, I didn’t expect to be competitive with experienced racers, or inexperienced racers for that matter. I intended to compete with myself. My goal was to complete the course in 150 minutes, about 14-minute miles. I missed my goal by 32 seconds. The best times were about 40 minutes faster. ~ Ron Chase