Staff Writer
Whether participating for competition, exercise or aesthetics, competitors in the second annual Aroostook River Fun Run will experience just that: fun.
What began last year as a fundraiser for local non-profit organizations quickly evolved into an activity to promote exercise and movement during the summer months in the county. Sponsored by the Presque Isle and Washburn rotary Clubs, the Aroostook River Fun Run invites kayakers and canoers alike to travel down the scenic Aroostook River to experience the beauty of the the river and surrounding areas.
Last year, funds from the Fun Run were donated to the Wintergreen Art Center and this year they’ll be donated to area Girl Scouts.
“We were looking for a charitable organization that could use a helping hand in these economic times and that’s why we thought of the Girl Scouts,” explained committee co-chair Keith Brown. “We were going to ask a few of the girl scouts to help us with some minor assistance at the finish line, so we figured we would donate to their cause.”
With over 70 participants last year despite the rain and cold, Brown is hoping for an even bigger turn-out this year.
The event will kick off at 6 a.m. at the Washburn Snowmobile Club with a Hunter’s Breakfast complete with pancakes, ham, beans juice and coffee and a last-minute chance to register for this event.
Split into a total of 22 classes, the groups will have staggered starts, with the exception of the experienced class, which will start all of its participants at once. The classes are not only split up by experience, but also by age and boat type, since the event includes both kayaks and canoes. The course follows the Aroostook River from Washburn to Presque Isle and lasts for 8 miles this Saturday, May 30.
Though registration will be held on Saturday from 6-8 a.m., pre-registration is also possible and the first 100 people to register receive a free T-shirt. Registration forms may be downloaded off the website at www.aroostookfunrun.org and the entry fee is $15, $12 for seniors and $10 for youth.
Additionally, first place finishers in each of the categories will be awarded trophies prizes and even a kayak.
For more information contact Brown at 455-4717 or by email at krbrown@mfx.net or Gretchen Morse at 764-0802 or gretchen.morse@edwardjones.com.
