Fun Run planned

The Aroostook River Fun Run canoe and kayak race, an eight-mile flatwater event from Washburn to Presque Isle, takes place on Saturday, May 17.
Sponsored by the Presque Isle and Washburn Rotary Clubs, this year marks the sixth time paddlers from Danforth to Fort Kent have competed for bragging rights and a healthy dose of fresh air and exercise in the eight-mile race that starts at Thomas Brewer Park and ends at the PI Fish and Game Club. For those who prefer to pedal or run, an un-timed excursion along the rail trail is also offered this year.
The event was developed in 2008 as a joint project between the central Aroostook Rotary Clubs to celebrate the coming of warmer weather and the natural beauty of the region’s meandering waterway. Proceeds this year will benefit area Girl Scouts who assist as volunteers on race day.
The race day’s activities will begin with registration at Washburn’s Thomas Brewer Park starting at 8 a.m. with the competition set for 10 a.m. and ending 60 to 90 minutes later at the Fish and Game Club in Presque Isle with lunch and awards. A courtesy bus is available to shuttle racers back to Washburn to retrieve their vehicles.
Rotarians managing the finish line of the race will declare the winners in a variety of categories who will be awarded miniature wooden paddle trophies for their efforts. Prizes, including an Old Town kayak, donated by Healthy Hometowns/LL Bean and other sponsors will be randomly awarded to event participants. After the award ceremony, paddlers will be offered a barbecue lunch, sponsored by The Aroostook Medical Center.
The entry fee is $10 for participants if pre-registered, $15 on race day. A special $25 family rate is offered to those who pre-register; $30 family fee on race day. The first 75 entrants will receive a Fun Run T-shirt. For more information on the race or to register, contact Mark Putnam at 764-4471 (editor@
nepublish.com) or download a registration form directly from the PI Rotary website www.pirotaryclub.org.