HOULTON, Maine — This year’s proceeds from the Miracle Mile: Makenna and Maggie’s Race, will all go directly to the two earmarked charities, as Louisiana-Pacific has stepped up to become a lead sponsor for the race.
The charities, “Curesearch” and the “Diamond Blackfan Anemia Foundation,” support research to find cures for childrens’ cancers.
“Some of our employees have taken part in the Miracle Mile in the past couple of years,” said Ryan Bushey, LP human resource manager. “Everyone has been affected by cancer or a blood disease of some sort in their family. It is something we all can relate to.
“Makenna and her battle inspired many people in the community,” he added. “That inspiration moved us and moved a lot of people and families of LP, so what better event to be part of. Our monetary donation can help offset the costs of organizing this event.”
This year’s one-mile race will be held once again during Midnight Madness at 6 p.m. on Drake’s Hill, with registration at Military Street Baptist Church.
“We are happy and excited to be working with LP,” said Chris Rines, race organizer. “We hope to continue on in the future. It brings both of our brands together and we will strengthen one another for a great cause. I think it is a positive step for both organizations and it legitimizes exactly what we are trying to do.”
With a lead sponsor in place means that all money collected through race registrations or donations goes straight to the cause.
“This seemed like a really good fit,” said Bushey. “We were looking to partner locally with a specific event that all of our employees and their families could take part in. An event where walkers would walk, the families with young children could bring them in strollers; and the runners could run.”
The Miracle Mile fits the bill perfectly.
In its first year, the Miracle Mile drew about a 50-50 field of walkers and runners. Last year, the race hit the 180 mark for participants, who were mostly runners.
“We encourage walkers and runners to get involved,” said Rines. “We lost a little bit of the walking population last year. But, we hope to recover that group this year, as well as, add more along with the runners.
“We want as many people who can come out as possible,” he added. “The last two runs were tremendous events. The race is one of the biggest north of Bangor. The attendance is unreal and this is a great community, which can come out to support good causes and the Ward family, as well.”
Makenna lost her battle to cancer in December of 2013 at the age of 6.
“Both organizations — Curesearch and Diamond Blackfan Anemia Foundation — send letters to the race organizers to tell them what the funds raised went toward and how many lives were really helped.
“We have a network of people who love hearing from these letters,” said Rines. “That in itself is enough for some people to come out and join the race.”
The first year of the race, the event raised $7,000 and last year, it brought in $6,000.
“This is an event where everyone can come together as a community,” Bushey added. “We have a common goal. There are these young girls who inspired us. They have left a lasting legacy. When young people battle courageously like these young girls, I think it inspires others to do good things, great things, and move forward together. It is a great event for all of the LP family to be a part of.”
Though there will be top racers from Maine, including Spencer McElwain from Caribou, who was the first Maine finisher in this year’s Boston Marathon and one of the best runners at University of Maine Orono for the last two years.
However, Rines said it is not about competition.
“We do get some big names that come and run,” he said. “But, the whole race is about what you can do yourself more than against each other.”
LP becoming a lead sponsor of the race encourages participation not competition.
“We are always looking for events that can be part of our wellness activities at Louisiana-Pacific,” Bushey said. “When [cancer] touches young people in the community, we all want to be a part of a way to help.”
Online registration is now open. For more information, visit the Miracle Mile: Makenna and Maggie’s Race on Facebook. Packet pick up for race is at 4 p.m. on July 3 at Military Street Baptist Church, with the one-mile race starting at 6 p.m. and awards afterward at the Houlton Lodge of Elks.
