HOULTON, Maine — The race to cure cancer is a marathon not a sprint, but that doesn’t mean one can’t do some sprinting to raise money for a good cause.
On July 3, the second annual “Miracle Mile: Makenna and Maggie’s Race for Research” one-mile road race will take place. All proceeds from the race will go to two worthwhile organizations working to find cures for childrens’ cancers — “Curesearch” and the “Diamond Blackfan Anemia Foundation.”
This year’s race will be dedicated to Makenna Ward, the daughter of Kirk and Amy Ward who died Dec. 29, 2013 after a lengthy battle with a rare form of cancer called neuroblastoma. The race was created last year in her honor and is being held six days after what would have been her 6th birthday.
Once again serving as a kickoff to Houlton’s Midnight Madness celebration, the one-mile race finishes at the intersection of Main and Court streets. An awards ceremony will follow at the Houlton Elks Lodge. Refreshments will be served.
“We are really encouraging folks to pre-register to make things go more smoothly,” said Christopher Rines, race director.
A link is available on a special Facebook page created for the event. The cost is $11.05 online. On the day of the race, registration will be $15. More than 50 people had signed up by last Friday, but Rines anticipates many more come race day.
A straight, downhill one-mile run/walk, the event is suited for runners and walkers of all abilities. Check-in for the race is from 4-5:30 p.m. at the Military Street Baptist Church, with the race commencing at 6 p.m.
Last year’s champ, Spencer McElwain of Caribou, will return to defend his title. McElwain finished the course in 4 minutes, 13 seconds. There were more than 200 runners and walkers last year and race officials hope for even more this year.
For more information, visit the group’s Facebook page or email Rines at Christopher.Rines@
countypt.com.
