PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Northern Light AR Gould Hospital and Northern Maine Community College are once again joining forces to offer a fun, healthy St. Patrick’s Day-themed event. The two will host the second annual Sneakers & Shamrocks 4K on Sunday, March 15.
With the commitment both organizations have toward community wellness, it was a natural fit to team up for this event according to organizers. Despite cold weather, last year’s event was a success, with about 30 taking part and having fun with the theme.
“We are proud to again partner with Northern Light AR Gould Hospital for the Sneakers & Shamrocks 4K,” says Eric Pelkey, an NMCC humanities instructor and advisor for Phi Theta Kappa, the college’s honor society. Pelkey is co-organizer of the event, and his PTK students provide critical volunteer support. “This event offers students the opportunity to volunteer in our community and to promote a healthy lifestyle. We look forward to cheering on the participants and ensuring they have a fun, positive experience.”
“Eric and the folks at the college have been wonderful to work with. This is an ideal partnership, with the college’s location providing a great route, the students bringing needed volunteer support, and the commitment of both organizations to wellness,” says Dawn Roberts, community health specialist, who is leading the event on behalf of the hospital.
The event plays off the idea of the four-leaf clover in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. With that in mind, the distance to run or walk will be 4K and the registration cost will only by $4. St. Patrick Day pins and stickers will be available for participants to decorate their event bibs, and all will earn a pair of green shoe laces for taking part.
Since promoting a healthy lifestyle is an important goal, all participants will receive a free day pass to the Nordic Heritage Center and all participants over the age of 18 will also earn a free one-day pass for the NMCC Smith Wellness Center. The top female and male finishers will be presented a free one year membership at the Nordic Heritage Center.
“We hope participants will also get into the spirit of the day and wear green for the race, the more creative the better! A special award will be presented to the best dressed person,” says Roberts.
Registration will begin at noon on March 15 in the lobby area of the Smith Wellness Center at NMCC. The 4K run/walk begins at 1 p.m., starting and ending on campus. The course travels around the Presque Isle Industrial Park.
Questions about the event can be directed to Dawn Roberts at 207-768-4248 or droberts@northernlight.org.
Submitted by the Communications Office of Northern Light AR Gould Hospital.
