County Open hosts half-marathon, relay

    Right off the heels of the Island Falls Summer Fest 5K Run is the County Open half-marathon on Saturday in Island Falls.
    The 13.1-mile course is TAC certified and begins at 8 a.m. on Saturday.
    Racers start in downtown Island Falls, run toward Houlton on Route 2 and back to the start/finish line for the first quarter and then they proceed onto quieter roads, some dirt, to complete the loop.
    “Views are terrific, deer are often seen by runners as they progress over the rolling hills (but mostly flat) course,” said race organizer John Walker. “With little or no automobile traffic, the race is a favorite of runners who prefer a peaceful, natural setting.”
    First-place male and female runners are awarded $200, while second-place males and females, $150; third-place male and female, $100 and first-place male and female master runners, $50.
    Other prizes will also be awarded to the top finishers in various age divisions. The race has been included in the Aroostook Musterds’ summer circuit promising a competitive race between runners from around the state of Maine and eastern Canada.
    For those who aren’t up to a full 13.1-mile individual run, the County Open offers a half-marathon/relay division.
    Runners form relay teams of between two and four runners to compete. Each runner will run 3.1 miles with the last runner finishing with 3.4 miles.
    Awards will be presented to the top finishers in the all-male, all-female and mixed categories. The race is run on the same course and at the same time as The County Open Half Marathon.
    For more information on the half marathon/relay, call John Walker, race director at jswalkerinc@gmail.com.