CARIBOU, Maine — More than 250 runners from 14 states, and even Spain, already have signed up for this year’s Caribou Marathon, with more than three weeks left to sign up online.
Race Director Chris Bernier, city officials, and community sponsors convened at the Caribou Recreation Center on Aug. 14 for a press conference in which newly crafted medals, T-shirts, and paintings were unveiled, along with details of only the city’s second Boston Marathon qualifying race.
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- Cary Medical Center presented a $10,000 contribution to the upcoming Caribou Marathon during an Aug. 14 press event at the recreation center. Race Director Chris Bernier, left, poses next to Cary’s Community Relations Coordinator Tami Kilcollins, Caribou City Councilor David Martin, Police Chief Michael Gahagan, and City Manager Dennis Marker. (Christopher Bouchard)
Caribou Marketing and Events Director Christina Kane-Gibson thanked “platinum” sponsors Cary Medical Center and Pines Health Services, which each donated $10,000 to help put on the race.
“The City of Caribou is in the fast lane when it comes to the 2017 Caribou Marathon’s plans and preparations,” Kane-Gibson said. “We want to take a moment to recognize our sponsors who helped us grow as a Boston Marathon qualifier.”
Newly hired City Manager Dennis Marker spoke highly of the location and environment of this year’s race which will be held on Sept. 17.
“What a great opportunity and environment to race,” said Marker. “I’m sure [police] Chief Gahagan will keep moose and bear off the trails, and there is plenty of wildlife and beauty in this area. We appreciate our sponsors and staff, and look forward to a great year.”
Bernier, who managed last year’s marathon and co-owns New Hampshire-based Sub 5 Racin
New Caribou City Manager Dennis Marker addresses those gathered during an Aug. 14 press event on the upcoming Caribou Marathon, the city’s second Boston Marathon qualifying event. (Christopher Bouchard)
g with his wife, spoke of some changes and improvements being made to the event.
Based on feedback from last year’s marathon, the course itself was reconfigured to have less hills and to be one continuous route instead of two laps. Bernier said that on the whole, the feedback was excellent, with the primary complaint being too many hills.
“In essence,” Bernier said, “we don’t want to kill anyone this year. We didn’t last year, so we’re hoping to keep up with that theme. We’re re-routing through the River Road, and hope everyone enjoys it just as much, or more, than last year.”
Kane-Gibson said on Tuesday that 440 runners participated in last year’s marathon and that, in terms of people signed up for the upcoming race, organizers are just under where they were at this time last year.
“This is the month where it ramps up,” Kane-Gibson said. “We’re pretty sure we’ll have as many as we did last year.”
Two racers qualified for the Boston Marathon during last year’s race.
Tami Kilcollins and Casey Bouchard, respectively representing sponsors Cary Medical Center and Pines Health Services, spoke Monday about their organization’s contributions to the race and emphasized the importance of community engagement.
“Part of our mission and vision at Pines and Cary is all about community,” Bouchard said. “We are honored to be platinum sponsors two years in a row. We love getting out in the community, and are absolutely honored that we can do this again.”
“We will be doing chicken stew again, and new to this year’s event is our baked potato bar,” Kilcollins said, adding that, like last year, first-aid stations will be placed along the course, and volunteers will be out on the course providing water to any parched runners.
To create an event bigger than last year’s marathon, Bernier said his plan is to “capitalize on community support” by sending fliers out to residents’ mailboxes along with increasing online promotion.
Caribou Marathon Race Director Chris Bernier shows off new medals for the upcoming Caribou Marathon during an Aug. 14 press event at the recreation center. He also talked about changes made to the event based on feedback from last year’s inaugural marathon. (Christopher Bouchard)
The fliers will ask community members to support the race, and to cheer on those participating. In addition, the fliers urge people to come out and make signs to encourage the racers. Kane-Gibson said a prize for the best sign will be announced on the marathon’s official website and Facebook page.
“I’ve managed races all over the country,” said Bernier, “and the support from this community is unprecedented and unmatched by any other community I’ve been in.”
