PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Though the event is still a couple of months away, organizers for the Aroostook County Sled Run are already encouraging local riders to join them in supporting Relay for Life.
The 3rd annual Sled Run will occur on Saturday, March 5. This year’s participants can choose between two route options: the 80-mile Fight Back Ride and the 60-mile Remember Ride. The exact trails and towns covered by both rides will be determined closer to the event date based on snowfall and trail conditions at that time.
Event organizer Heidi Estabrook, a member of MMG Insurance’s Striking Out Cancer team, said that the Sled Run has quickly become one of Relay for Life’s most anticipated fundraisers.
The 2021 and 2020 events raised $10,267 and $6,500, respectively, for cancer research. Organizers hope to raise at least $15,000 this year.
“[The Sled Run] has doubled in size compared to the first year. We’ve gotten overwhelming support from businesses and individuals,” Estabrook said. “Last year we were just shy of our $10,000 goal and, by word of mouth, money came in from people wanting to support the cause.”
People can register for the Sled Run online or at the Presque Isle Snowmobile Club from 7:30 to 9 a.m. the day of the event. The club is located at 29 Mountain Road.
At 9 a.m., all riders will gather at the nearby Double Eagle II balloon launch site for a group aerial photo. Rides begin at 10 a.m. All will be invited to a rider’s social at 3 p.m. at the Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center’s Time Out Sports Bar.
With 60 riders participating in 2021, organizers hope for another successful turnout this year.
“Striking Out Cancer wanted to bring a new, exciting activity but target a new audience, and we have done just that,” Estabrook said.
