PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — 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 the Harvest Half Marathon & Relay on Aug. 31, runners can now face that challenge, all while taking in the beauty that is northern Maine.
“This race is the perfect mix between serious road racing and attaining bigger goals for one’s running,” said event coordinator Jonathan Kelley of CompetitorME. “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 Harvest Half Marathon & Relay will begin at Riverside Park, 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 any participants of all ages. The race gets underway at 8 a.m. and concludes 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.
The Harvest Half Marathon & Relay is a collaboration of CompetitorME and TAMC.
“We are partnering with CompetitorME on a number of events this summer that support efforts to help people of all ages get active,” said Sylvia Getman, TAMC president and CEO. “We are committed to the health and wellness of the people in the communities we serve. Helping to offer activities that not only promote an active lifestyle but also support families doing these activities together is a win-win for all of us.”
Event registration must be completed online by Friday, Aug. 22. Registration closes after that date and there will be no race day registration. The cost is $65 for individuals or $85 for relay teams. Athletes will each receive an athletic shirt, a commemorative finisher’s medal and awards. To register for the event, go to www.competitorme.com.
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 for The Harvest Half Marathon & Relay, or other similar events being planned by CompetitorME, can register on-line by clicking on the “Volunteers” link on the CompetitorME website.
