Among the top concerns of Black Fly Challenge organizers is safety. Given the size of the starting field and the limited space of our starting facilities we have considered various strategies to improve safety and maintain fair competition.
The race committee has considered the observations of numerous people including race volunteers, police, Fire and EMS personnel and the racers that have taken the time to contact us. We sincerely appreciate all their input.
Decisions have already been made that:
- The 5-mile Wakely Golf Course water station will be eliminated on odd years (Indian Lake to Inlet, 2019, 2021, etc.).
- No one under the 9 year-old minimum age for Juniors will be allowed in the race.
- No tow-behind devices will be allowed in the race.
We are also considering a staggered start with Cat2 leaving a few minutes behind Cat1 to alleviate the congestion of the first several miles. This has not yet been finalized and may only apply to the Indian Lake start because the pack at the Inlet start seems to thin out much faster.
These decisions are and will be made solely in the interest of racer safety and fair competition. We want to make sure the Black Fly Challenge continues to be The Adirondacks’ Greatest Race.
