May is National Military Appreciation Month in the United States and on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 21, Aroostook County’s very own service members, who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation’s freedom, will be honored and funds will be raised on their behalf.
Run for HEROES is a 5K run and walk that will honor the lives of the eight fallen heroes from the region who have served since Sept. 11, 2001. The event will also show support for those who currently serve, have served, and others who have given the ultimate sacrifice.
“It is the sacrifices that our men and women of the US Armed Services make daily that protect our beloved land,” said Jonathan Kelley, CompetitorME owner and race director. “It is important to me, knowing many veterans and Gold Star Families, that their sacrifices are not forgotten.”
The fallen heroes from northern Maine who will be recognized are: SGT Blair Emery of Lee, SPC Dustin Harris of Patten, SFC Aaron Henderson of Houlton, MSG Robert Horrigan of Limestone, SGT Joel House of Lee, Cpl Dustin Libby of Presque Isle, SFC Jonathan Lowry of Houlton, and 1st Lt James Zimmerman of Houlton.
This year’s beneficiary is the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery, which brings awareness, respect and options for a final resting place for our nation’s honorably discharged veterans. In support of this mission, CompetitorME is donating all proceeds from Run for HEROES to the cause.
Run for HEROES will kick off at County Physical Therapy in Presque Isle. The first event of the CompetitorME Community Wellness Series, Run for HEROES includes a Kids 1 Mile Fun Run and 5K (3.1 mile) run or walk. New this year, packet pick up and registration will be on Friday, May 20 from 4-6 p.m. at Bike, Board, and Ski in Presque Isle. Registration on event day is from 7-8 a.m., with the Kids Fun Run beginning at 8:15 a.m. and the 5K beginning at 9 a.m.
Registration can also be done online, so to avoid lines, pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Registration can be found by visiting www.competitorme.com.
“In developing Run for HEROES, it was important to offer events everyone in our community could participate in. Having two wonderful events in the Kids 1 Mile Fun Run and 5K run/walk, we can all show our support,” said Kelley. “It is my hope that our communities will come together, lining the streets if they are not participating, to show respect to these heroes and their Gold Star Families who are in attendance.
“In addition to honoring our own, I am so proud that the proceeds from Run for HEROES stay right here in Aroostook County. It isn’t always a given with fundraisers that this happens,” he added.
The Community Wellness Series was created by CompetitorME to encourage youth and adults to make fitness a lifestyle. CompetitorME events are designed to be an experience rather than a race, including both walkers or runners, and all ability levels.
The first 100 registrants get Atayne event shirts, finisher medasl, age group and overall awards, chip timing, personalized bibs, plus a fully-supported and staffed course.
For more information about Run for HEROES, including registration, and for all other
CompetitorME events throughout Maine, please visit www.competitorme.com.
