The Weekly Back Cove Series, held every Wednesday night from May 14 through Sept. 10, is already in full swing. Where else can you line up, get a time and support a great cause. Runners may purchase a WBCS Tech Tee for $20 or make a donation with all proceeds going to support Portland Trails, the foundation of our fitness community.
June 14 starts things off with the Women On The Move 5K in Brunswick. This all-women’s event is on a flat, fast course and goes 10 deep in age group awards.
On June 21, the Christopher Scott 5K in Old Orchard Beach raises money for the Capt. Christopher Scott Scholarship Fund. Cash prizes and a full breakfast after the race, combined with a fast course, makes this an up-and-coming event.
July 4 starts things off with a bang with the 31st L.L. Bean 10K in Freeport and the Four on the 4th in Bridgton. This year L.L. Bean is giving away a pair of New Balance 1062’s and a Tech Tee to the first 500 registered runners. Both races offer an opportunity to participate in holiday classics with plenty of family fun, including parades.
July 19 is the “Pat’s Pizza” 5 Mile Classic. This race, including a great Kid’s Fun Run, starts on the town common in Yarmouth and offer’s an opportunity to run before embarking on a day full of Clam Festival events.
July 26 presents an opportunity to run one of New England’s most underrated events, the Peaks Island 5 Miler. This event features a scenic course, and pre-race registration participants receive an Island Artist T-shirt, a lobster bake and an opportunity to run one of “New England Runner” magazine’s best road races in New England.
Aug. 3 features the 11th TD Banknorth Beach To Beacon 10K. Online registration filled up in 24 hours this year, catching some Mainers off guard. Runners point to this race as the peak of the summer season and this event will only continue to grow into one of country’s elite races.
Aug. 9 is the first women’s-only Tri For A Cure to raise money for the Maine Cancer Foundation. This event sold out quickly and has a cap of 500 participants and a waiting list of 400. The race will only continue to grow and features great organization and a worthy cause.
Sept. 21 brings the Portland Trails 10K and last year it had almost 1,000 participants. The race is sponsored by Shipyard Brewery and Portland Pie Company. Where else can you get a post race beer and pizza party early on a Sunday morning?
Finally, Oct. 4 brings the Peak Performance Maine Marathon and Half Marathon. With a new title sponsor and great organization, this event draws participation from all over New England. Named New England Road Race of the year in 2004, many Mainers point to this event as a way to cap their summer training season.
So have a great summer and remember — run happy!
John Rogers is the owner of Maine Running Company on Forest Ave. in Portland. Send questions or comments to him at jr@mainerunning.com or check out the store’s website at www.mainerunning.com.