While 5K races are becoming more common throughout The County, runners who want to take on a more challenging road race have had few local opportunities to do so. With the creation of a new Maine Running Festival on Aug. 30, runners can now face that challenge, all while taking in the beauty that is Northern Maine.
“This event is the perfect mix between serious road racing and attaining bigger goals for one’s running,” said event coordinator Jonathan Kelley. “It is an event that has something for the whole family, whether you’re 3 or 83. Athletes can compete as an individual, taking on the challenging course, or can form a relay team to run shorter segments. There isn’t a half marathon closer to home!”
The Maine Running Festival will begin at Riverside Park and features a Kids 1 Mile Fun Run, 5K Run/Walk, and Half Marathon with a relay option. The half marathon route will take athletes past the rolling fields of Centerline Road, the peaks of Aroostook State Park on the Spragueville Road, and finish along the beautiful banks of Presque Isle Stream.
The half marathon distance of 13.1 miles is only open to those 18 years of age and older, while the relay portion is open to participants of all ages. The 5K and Half Marathon races get underway at 8 a.m. and conclude with an awards ceremony at noon at Riverside Park.
Those who want to compete on a relay team but are having trouble creating a team are invited to post to the CompetitorME Facebook page (www.facebook.com/competitorme) for help, according to Kelley. A relay team consists of two to four members.
Registration is also done online, so to avoid lines, pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Registration can be found by searching “Maine Running Festival” at RunSignUp.com.
This is a fully supported running race, with an event athletic shirt (first 100 entrants) and a finisher’s medal for all participants. Entry is $20 per person The fee is $5 for Kids 1 Mile Fun Run, with increased pricing day of the event.
In addition to participants, volunteers are being sought to help with the event to ensure it is safe, fun and successful, according to Kelley. Community members who are interested in volunteering can register on-line by clicking on the “Volunteers” tab on the Maine Running Festival’s RunSignUp webpage.
