CARIBOU — City officials report the 2016 Caribou Marathon was a success, drawing more than 450 athletes, their friends, families, over 200 volunteers, 60-plus corporate sponsors and endless support from the community. Now Caribou is looking toward this coming September.
The city has announced they will host the 2017 Caribou Races, and Cary Medical Center and Pines Health Services recently joined the effort as platinum sponsors.
The Caribou Marathon, with a USATF Certified Course — meaning one is eligible to qualify for the Boston Marathon — will be held on Sunday, Sept. 17. The marathon is the city’s largest event and one of the largest events in Aroostook County, said Lydia Kieffer-Till, who is organizing the event for the city.
“We are overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and excitement that was portrayed by the 2016 event, and we’re enthusiastic about what is yet to come,” said Kieffer-Till, who is Caribou’s marketing and events coordinator.
“We have many running enthusiasts here in Caribou and throughout the County. Last year we had athletes from across the state, out of state and from four different Canadian provinces,” she said. “We are very grateful for the sponsorship of Cary Medical Center and Pines Health Services, who have taken a leadership position for the event.”
The city recently presented a $5,000 check to Camp Adventure, the main beneficiary of the 2016 Caribou Marathon. Cary and Pines put on Camp Adventure, a summer camp for children ages 12-17 with type 1 diabetes, and a number of employees volunteer and work at the event, helping to educate and encourage the kids to live healthy, active lifestyles.
The Caribou Races will feature a number of events including a full marathon, half marathon, marathon relay, half marathon relay, Handcycle Marathon, Pushrim Marathon and Caribou Kids Marathon.
According to Kieffer-Till, a number of runners have already registered for the 2017 Caribou Races. Registration is open and can be done online at caribouraces.com.
