On the run: Run the Back Cove 5K

And help maintain one of Portland’s vital resources

By John Rogers

2007-06-26

Five years ago, Stu Palmer had been intrigued with starting a race that simulated the “Fresh Pond” five mile Saturday morning races in Cambridge, MA and the Wednesday night race that the Lowell Spinners put on during the summer months. His solution in 2002 was to create the Back Cove 5K every Wednesday night in Portland from May thru Columbus Day in October. Runners and walkers could participate in a race at no charge, receive a time and go home. Early on, participation was in the single digits in early May with a peak of 40+ participants in August.

In 2005, Stu and I collaborated on how to take the event and make it more meaningful to the running and Portland community, without changing the integrity of a “free” weekly race. The race had grown and Stu needed support to keep things structured and organized. At every race he also was offered money and/or people wanted to contribute to support what they saw as a great event and weekly effort by Stu.

We came up with the idea that the race was made possible by the Portland Parks Department, Portland Trails and the Trails Network. This is often mentioned as one of the reasons Portland is ranked in the top ten of healthiest and fittest cities in America. The Back Cove is littered with multitudes of runners and walkers every day and night. Often, we take for granted what a wonderful and important resource the Back Cove is. We wanted to raise the awareness and create a way to raise money to help maintain this resource. After all, if runners were going to offer or contribute money, we might as well have “Our Host” meaning “Portland Trails” be the beneficiary.

With the help of Nan Cumming, executive director of Portland Trails, Mark Goettel, Mizuno and The Maine Running Company, The Back Cove 5K Series was created. The series maintains the integrity of a free event, but participants can contribute or purchase a “Weekly Back Cove Series” technical tee provided by Mizuno, for $20. All the contributions and proceeds go to support “Portland Trails.” Additionally, there are overall series standings, with the top male and female’s best six average times receiving a year’s supply (four pair) of Mizuno Running Shoes.

Last year the event raised approximately $4,000. This year the event is well on its way to surpassing that total and participation is already hovering around 90 runners every Wednesday night. There could be roughly 120 runners at our peak in August. With the Patriot’s Day storm damage to the Back Cove, Portland Trails can use all the help they can get to maintain, preserve and repair this precious resource.

So next time you see a herd of runner’s go by you on a Wednesday night, remember it is all part of helping our community maintain and protect a vital resource that makes Portland the jewel that it is.

John Rogers is the owner of Maine Running Company on Forest Ave. in Portland. Send
questions or comments to him at jr@runwalkcompany.com or check out the store’s website at www.mainerunning.com