Large turnout for Harris Memorial Mile race in Patten

3 years ago

PATTEN, Maine — A large field of nearly 100 runners and walkers turned out Saturday for the Spc. Dustin J. Harris Memorial Mile road race.

The event is held in honor of Army Spc. Harris, who was killed while serving in the military on April 6, 2006 in Bayji Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom by an improvised explosive device (IED). He was just  21 years old. This year’s race marked the 15th anniversary of his passing.

Harris was born May 11, 1984, in Millinocket, the son of Lorna and Scott Harris of Patten and graduated from Katahdin High School in June 2002. He joined the U.S. Army in 2004. graduating from Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson, in Columbia, South Carolina. 

Spc. Harris’ awards and decorations included the Army Achievement Medal, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Parachutist Badge, Combat Action Badge and Weapons Qualification Badge.

All proceeds from the race go to the Patten Main Street Flags and the Patten ATV Club. 

Last year’s event was held virtually due to COVID-19. Back in 2019, more than 200 people attended the walk/race when it was held in April.

The top  25 results from Saturday were: 1, Daniel Streinz, 23, Hersey, 4:49.00; 2, Caleb Streinz, 21, Hersey, 4:53.33; 3, Jason Bigonia, 44, Walpole, 5:15.76; 4, Luke Streinz, 16, Hersey, 5:17.85; 5, Mathew Savage, 36, Patten, 5:31.47; 6, Abigail Streinz, 19, Hersey, 6:09.69; 7, Jason McGlaughlin, Baring Plantation, 6:13.77; 8, Marek Arbogast, West Point, New York, 6:30.84; 9, Chris Streinz, 55, Hersey, 6:40.55; 10, Josey Arbogast, 17, West Point, New York, 6:47.29; 11, Nal Tero, PAtten, 6:57.51; 12, Dylan Harris, 34, Sherman, 6:59.91; 13, Lydia Streinz, 27, Caribou, 7:03.63; 14, K. Arbogast, 12, West Point, New York, 7:05.16; 15, Vickie Arbogast, 42, West Point, New York, 7:06.06; 16, Elisabeth Audet, 13, Brewer, 7:08.09; 17, Matthew Arbogast, 44, West Point, New York, 7:20.30; 18, David Barnard, 52, Baileyville, 7:34.83; 19, Emily Robinson, 45, Bangor, 7:37.26; 20, Michelle Martin, 34, Patten, 7:58.69; 21, Veronica Arbogast, 13, West Point, New York, 8:15.70; 22, Sarah Brennan, 22, Rockport, 9:21.92; 23, Johanna Johnston, 34, Houlton, 9:37.38; 24, Shawn Boutaugh, 45, Millinocket, 9:58.47; and 25, Michelle Gallant, 52, Rockport, 10:34.31.

Complete race results can be found online at www.competitorme.com