HOULTON, Maine — The seventh running of the LP Miracle Mile takes place Wednesday, July 3, with registration beginning at 4 p.m., followed by the race at 6 p.m.
The race was first held in 2012 and has traditionally drawn a large number of participants. Last year, about 200 runners participated, while in 2017, a record-high 250 runners and walkers participated. Since its inception, the event has raised more than $25,000 for cancer research.
“My reason for this event and inspiration is not only my own daughter’s fight with cancer, but the thousands (12,500) of kids who are diagnosed yearly,” said Kirk Ward of Houlton. “LP Miracle Mile will also benefit Diamond Blackfan Anemia, a rare blood disorder in which the bone marrow fails to make red blood cells.”
Makenna Ward, the daughter of Kirk and Amy Ward, was just 6 years old when she died Dec. 29, 2013, after a lengthy battle with cancer.
The race is a 1-mile, downhill event for runners and walkers of all abilities. Registration will be held 4-5:30 p.m. The race begins promptly at 6 p.m. for runners and walkers. Event parking and registration has been made possible by Military Street Baptist Church, located at 307 Military St.
After the event, runners and walkers are invited to the Houlton Lodge of Elks where a reception and award ceremony will be held. Refreshments will be made available.
The race also serves as the opening event of Houlton’s Midnight Madness festival, an annual gathering of local communities to kick off the Fourth of July celebration. Participants are invited to take part in all festivities after the LP Miracle Mile as the night would just be getting started.
Funds raised by the LP Miracle Mile will go to benefit two specific organizations: CureSearch, an organization dedicated to Research and Awareness of Pediatric Cancer; and Diamond Blackfan Anemia Foundation, which provides similar Research and Awareness support.
To pre-register for the race, visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/ME/Houlton/LPMiracleMile.
