On July 14, swimmers can test their mettle and prep for the “Urban Epic” Triathlon with the 26th Annual YMCA Peaks to Portland 2.4-mile swim.
July 21 is the 26th annual “Pat’s Pizza” 5-mile classic. This race starts in the town common in Yarmouth and offers an opportunity to run before embarking on a day full of Clam Festival events. It’s one of the can’t miss races of the summer.
July 28 brings one of the season’s favorites — the Peak’s Island 5-miler. Pre-race registration participants receive an Island Artist T-shirt ,a lobster bake and an opportunity to run one of the “best kept secret” road races in New England.
Aug. 4 is the 10th anniversary of “Joanie’s Race.” (Of course the real name is the TDBanknorth Beach To Beacon 10K.) The race has become a national and world class event but Mainers also point for this race as the peak of the summer season. This race has come to rival the Falmouth Road Race in Massachusetts as one of the pinnacle summer races in New England.
Aug. 10 is the 21st St. Peters Road Race on the East End. This race represents an event full of Italian heritage, family, fun and food. Friday night races are rare, but this one is worth it.
Aug. 18 is the debut of the “Urban Epic” Triathlon and, though it goes head to head with the Timberlake in New Hampshire, it offers a real challenge and more exciting venue than the former, with a swim off a barge to East End Beach and a 10K around Back Cove. There is an Urban Music festival and lobster bake in the transition zone and this should become a favorite of Maine and New England triathletes for years to come.
Sept. 18 brings the Portland Trails 10K as part of New England Runner Magazine’s Pub Series. Last year it produced a record field and with the Sunday “Brew Fest” from Shipyard Brewing Company it’s one of the end of summer must race events.
Finally, Oct. 7 brings the SportShoe Center Maine Marathon and Half-Marathon. Named New England Road Race of the year in 2004, many Mainers point for this as a way to cap the summer training season.
With plenty of events to choose from, it’s no wonder we call this “the most wonderful time of the year!”
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.