- Published on
by Mark Fisher
On Saturday at Pinkham’s Notch, New Hampshire, the 63rd running of the Mount Washington Road Race took place on a mostly clear, but very windy and cold Saturday morning.
We had a strong contingent of Central Maine Striders participate this year and we were also able to renew our commitment for volunteer support. I want to thank the following Striders for their assistance with parking on Friday evening.
Thank you to:
Rebecca McGinty
Peter Leone
Linda Fisher
Brett Harder
Jeff Ziehler (who stayed to the bitter end!)
Doug Allen
Mark Fisher
With the threat of severe weather all parking and packet pickup took place on the headquarters side of Route 16. With about an hour of intense parking logistics (too many cars, too few slots) the cool heads from CMS prevailed. No fender benders and all seemed to find a spot (eventually) to park and pickup their bibs.
The race itself was noteworthy for cold and wind as gusts up to 55 mph and wind chills in the mid to upper 20’s. Thankfully none of that was coupled with any humidity or precipitation which made for a much more manageable (temperature wise) trip up the Rockpile. We can’t use the term comfortable to describe the experience.
105 John McGinty 1:32:34
193 Billy Kobin 1:41:43
203 Ryan Goebel 1:45:14
347 Chris Chadwick 1:54:08
353 Mark Fisher 1:55:18
382 Jeff Ziehler 1:56:18
632 Dean Rasmussen 2:11:42
660 Beth Allen 2:13:43
731 Peter Leone 2:18:21
I sorted by team name in the results, so apologies if I missed any Striders in this listing that may not have been noted in the official results under CMS.
For those interested in the 2025 running, please reach out to me early in 2025. For each slot taken (we get 5 bibs by supplying 5 volunteers) we need to supply a volunteer.
On Saturday at Pinkham’s Notch, New Hampshire, the 63rd running of the Mount Washington Road Race took place on a mostly clear, but very windy and cold Saturday morning.
We had a strong contingent of Central Maine Striders participate this year and we were also able to renew our commitment for volunteer support. I want to thank the following Striders for their assistance with parking on Friday evening.
Thank you to:
Rebecca McGinty
Peter Leone
Linda Fisher
Brett Harder
Jeff Ziehler (who stayed to the bitter end!)
Doug Allen
Mark Fisher
With the threat of severe weather all parking and packet pickup took place on the headquarters side of Route 16. With about an hour of intense parking logistics (too many cars, too few slots) the cool heads from CMS prevailed. No fender benders and all seemed to find a spot (eventually) to park and pickup their bibs.
The race itself was noteworthy for cold and wind as gusts up to 55 mph and wind chills in the mid to upper 20’s. Thankfully none of that was coupled with any humidity or precipitation which made for a much more manageable (temperature wise) trip up the Rockpile. We can’t use the term comfortable to describe the experience.
105 John McGinty 1:32:34
193 Billy Kobin 1:41:43
203 Ryan Goebel 1:45:14
347 Chris Chadwick 1:54:08
353 Mark Fisher 1:55:18
382 Jeff Ziehler 1:56:18
632 Dean Rasmussen 2:11:42
660 Beth Allen 2:13:43
731 Peter Leone 2:18:21
I sorted by team name in the results, so apologies if I missed any Striders in this listing that may not have been noted in the official results under CMS.
For those interested in the 2025 running, please reach out to me early in 2025. For each slot taken (we get 5 bibs by supplying 5 volunteers) we need to supply a volunteer.
- Published on
by Sapan Bhatt
Race Date: May 12, 2024
Location: Eustis, ME to Kingfield, ME
Distance: 26.2 miles
Pre-Race:
The Sugarloaf Marathon is one of the few Spring Maine marathons and hugely popular Boston Qualifying race due to its elevation drop of ~1000ft from miles 10-26. I chose to drive up from Waterville the morning of the race, leaving at 4:45am to make the 7am start time. Cathedral Pines, the starting location, is quintessential Maine forestry; picturesque pines growing tall standing guard over the two-lane road. The campground buzzed with excitement; runners warming up, bib check-in (which was very quick, only 5min of waiting), and a nice bag drop.
Bathroom situation was a bit squirrely, there were plenty of them but a parked bus prevented people from lining up properly in front of them. That led to Billy and I lining up about a minute before start.
Miles 1-5:
The race began with a surge of adrenaline as we crossed the starting line. It’s a flat shot out of the pine trees on route 27. Conditions were pretty ideal, about 40F at the start warming to 50F as the day progressed. The pace seemed speedy from the start; with 60+ runners all going out at 6:40 pace or faster. Many thanks to course feedback from Julie, Ryan, Drew and others who all said to go conservatively until you crest to hill at mile 10. The scenery reminded me of the Downeast Sunrise Trail with the added beauty of mountains in the background. For anyone from a city, I can see why this would be a destination race.
Miles 6-10:
The rhythm set in nicely by mile 5. This was true for me in much of my training too; you don’t loosen up until about mile 4. There were plenty of fluid stops which were well stocked (many thanks to all the volunteers). I planned on using 4 GU gels (miles 8,13,18, 23). For the next one, I would probably add another 1 or 2. The major climb goes from mile 8 to about mile 10.5 and I took down my first gel before the ascent. I tucked in with a couple of guys who were also planning for 2:56 finishes and slowed down about 20 sec/mile. This worked very well, keeping the strain off the legs. There are 2 steeper sections during the climb, 1 at the beginning and 1 at the end, the rest is more gradual. I stuck with my running buddies until we crested the hill and was grateful to be feeling fresh.
Miles 11-20:
The downhill after the climb is also no joke. It’s fairly steep and can do a number on your quads. My goal was to keep in control and try to stay loose. That mile was about 20 sec quicker than goal pace so you can definitely make up some time lost on the climb. The course is very forgiving after the hill, flat to slight decline. It was relatively easy to get back into a rhythm and stack some more miles at the 6:40 goal pace. After the halfway mark, a larger pack started to form (we went from 3 of us to about 8) and it was fun rolling along until mile 17/18 as a nice group.
Legs were still feeling very good at this point and I was debating to push the pace with about an hour left of racing. I remembered my first marathon, Maine Coast 2018, where I bonked after mile 16. The loss of speed, the burning in my legs, were fresh in my mind and I decided to stick to the 6:40 pace plan until mile 19/20 and then see what was possible.
I felt the Saucony Pro 4 was a great choice for a super shoe. It helped keep my legs fresh and kept my momentum going forward.
Miles 21-26.2:
From 19 on, I was starting to feel it and see the effects of the marathon around me. A few competitors slowed to a walk and the time between miles seemed to stretch. Although I was putting in more intention and energy into picking up the pace, fatigue was dampening my efforts. It’s during the last 8 miles where that extra gel might have left me fresher. After each mile, I envision the distance remaining (just a 10k left, just a 5 miler, just an out and back on Ridge Road, etc.) Another thing which helped was I set my watch to lap time. While it was a little more effort to press the button at each mile, it kept me focused on just the mile I was running and helped me stay in the moment. Once I entered Kingfield, the crowd swelled and I let that adrenaline push me over the finish. 2:53:49, a Boston qualifying time and 17 min off my previous best.
Still feeling strong. One complaint I heard was about the camber of the road on this course. I felt the cars were very respectful giving runners the full lane so it was easy to run in the middle where it was level vs. on the shoulder
Post-Race:
I was able to sync up with Julie and Ron who graciously stuck around the finish for over an hour. Billy and Stephanie came in soon after and it was great to recap with them. Shannon drove from the start to the finish so it was great to see her on course and at the end. The food was on point, basic but well executed. Delicious soups and pastry, chocolate milk (my favorite). If you’re looking for a great entry into the marathon, Sugarloaf is hard to beat. Weather has been ideal for the past couple years, it’s much less hilly than MDI or Maine Marathon in the Fall. Thanks again to everyone who shared advice about training, gear, the course, etc.
This was almost a year in the making for me. I was 5+ years removed from the marathon, always saying next year I would train for one. Last June, both my achilles and thought my best running days were behind me. Starting with the Quarry Road summer series, I’ve been building fitness and results which culminated in this race. I did much of my speed work on the treadmill, so if that’s something that fits your schedule/lifestyle better than roads, feel encouraged. Here’s to an exciting summer and more adventures ahead.
Race Date: May 12, 2024
Location: Eustis, ME to Kingfield, ME
Distance: 26.2 miles
Pre-Race:
The Sugarloaf Marathon is one of the few Spring Maine marathons and hugely popular Boston Qualifying race due to its elevation drop of ~1000ft from miles 10-26. I chose to drive up from Waterville the morning of the race, leaving at 4:45am to make the 7am start time. Cathedral Pines, the starting location, is quintessential Maine forestry; picturesque pines growing tall standing guard over the two-lane road. The campground buzzed with excitement; runners warming up, bib check-in (which was very quick, only 5min of waiting), and a nice bag drop.
Bathroom situation was a bit squirrely, there were plenty of them but a parked bus prevented people from lining up properly in front of them. That led to Billy and I lining up about a minute before start.
Miles 1-5:
The race began with a surge of adrenaline as we crossed the starting line. It’s a flat shot out of the pine trees on route 27. Conditions were pretty ideal, about 40F at the start warming to 50F as the day progressed. The pace seemed speedy from the start; with 60+ runners all going out at 6:40 pace or faster. Many thanks to course feedback from Julie, Ryan, Drew and others who all said to go conservatively until you crest to hill at mile 10. The scenery reminded me of the Downeast Sunrise Trail with the added beauty of mountains in the background. For anyone from a city, I can see why this would be a destination race.
Miles 6-10:
The rhythm set in nicely by mile 5. This was true for me in much of my training too; you don’t loosen up until about mile 4. There were plenty of fluid stops which were well stocked (many thanks to all the volunteers). I planned on using 4 GU gels (miles 8,13,18, 23). For the next one, I would probably add another 1 or 2. The major climb goes from mile 8 to about mile 10.5 and I took down my first gel before the ascent. I tucked in with a couple of guys who were also planning for 2:56 finishes and slowed down about 20 sec/mile. This worked very well, keeping the strain off the legs. There are 2 steeper sections during the climb, 1 at the beginning and 1 at the end, the rest is more gradual. I stuck with my running buddies until we crested the hill and was grateful to be feeling fresh.
Miles 11-20:
The downhill after the climb is also no joke. It’s fairly steep and can do a number on your quads. My goal was to keep in control and try to stay loose. That mile was about 20 sec quicker than goal pace so you can definitely make up some time lost on the climb. The course is very forgiving after the hill, flat to slight decline. It was relatively easy to get back into a rhythm and stack some more miles at the 6:40 goal pace. After the halfway mark, a larger pack started to form (we went from 3 of us to about 8) and it was fun rolling along until mile 17/18 as a nice group.
Legs were still feeling very good at this point and I was debating to push the pace with about an hour left of racing. I remembered my first marathon, Maine Coast 2018, where I bonked after mile 16. The loss of speed, the burning in my legs, were fresh in my mind and I decided to stick to the 6:40 pace plan until mile 19/20 and then see what was possible.
I felt the Saucony Pro 4 was a great choice for a super shoe. It helped keep my legs fresh and kept my momentum going forward.
Miles 21-26.2:
From 19 on, I was starting to feel it and see the effects of the marathon around me. A few competitors slowed to a walk and the time between miles seemed to stretch. Although I was putting in more intention and energy into picking up the pace, fatigue was dampening my efforts. It’s during the last 8 miles where that extra gel might have left me fresher. After each mile, I envision the distance remaining (just a 10k left, just a 5 miler, just an out and back on Ridge Road, etc.) Another thing which helped was I set my watch to lap time. While it was a little more effort to press the button at each mile, it kept me focused on just the mile I was running and helped me stay in the moment. Once I entered Kingfield, the crowd swelled and I let that adrenaline push me over the finish. 2:53:49, a Boston qualifying time and 17 min off my previous best.
Still feeling strong. One complaint I heard was about the camber of the road on this course. I felt the cars were very respectful giving runners the full lane so it was easy to run in the middle where it was level vs. on the shoulder
Post-Race:
I was able to sync up with Julie and Ron who graciously stuck around the finish for over an hour. Billy and Stephanie came in soon after and it was great to recap with them. Shannon drove from the start to the finish so it was great to see her on course and at the end. The food was on point, basic but well executed. Delicious soups and pastry, chocolate milk (my favorite). If you’re looking for a great entry into the marathon, Sugarloaf is hard to beat. Weather has been ideal for the past couple years, it’s much less hilly than MDI or Maine Marathon in the Fall. Thanks again to everyone who shared advice about training, gear, the course, etc.
This was almost a year in the making for me. I was 5+ years removed from the marathon, always saying next year I would train for one. Last June, both my achilles and thought my best running days were behind me. Starting with the Quarry Road summer series, I’ve been building fitness and results which culminated in this race. I did much of my speed work on the treadmill, so if that’s something that fits your schedule/lifestyle better than roads, feel encouraged. Here’s to an exciting summer and more adventures ahead.
- Published on
The DESTR was first held in 2014. The Central Maine Striders have taken on this race for the past six years, starting in 2017. This summer additional Striders members voiced an interest in tackling this race. Martha Nadeau stepped up to establish the team CMS 2point0.
The 2point0 team was made up of mother-daughter pair Martha Nadeau (captain) and Silvia Ryan, mother-daughter pair Alicia and Maeve Wilcox, mother-daughter pair Amy and Alison Stabins, Heather Cable, and Emiko Peck (daughter of OG racer Ron Peck).
Julie Millard would captain the CMS ‘OG’ team, largely made up of the original CMS relay runners: Julie, Ron Peck, Drew McCormick, Sapan Bhatt, Tracy and Pat Cote, Brian Morin, and Jess Beers.
DESTR is a run-through-the-night race, with a staggered start based on anticipated finish time- the goal is to have all teams, regardless of pace, finish between 10 am and 12 pm the next morning. The OG team is a speedy group, with an average pace around 7.5 minutes. Their start time was 9:30 pm. The 2point0 team is a touch slower, with a 4:30 pm start time. We were all impressed that four teams had a 1:30 am start time!
This whole race is a blur of adrenaline rush and sleep deprivation. The sixteen legs of the race range in distance from 3.5 miles to 10.9 miles. Darkness fell around 8:30, and we were all impressed with the willingness of teenagers Emiko Peck and Maeve Wilcox to run through the absolute darkness. Alison Stabins ran the last few miles before dawn with a dead headlamp. Speed demon Heather Cable offered to take the two longest legs, starting with the first leg. She then gallantly offered to take on an extra leg when one of our members came down with food poisoning- Heather ran almost a whole marathon distance! Silvia Ryan took the last leg, facing hills, traffic, and rising temperatures. Alicia Wilcox had such a good time that she offered to captain the team next year.
All of the teams gathered at the finish line in Eastport to cheer on the final runners. Sapan flew across the finish line at 10:36 am. Silvia was not far behind at 11:05 am.
After the race both teams backtracked to Pleasant Park for an amazing potluck breakfast, complete with pancakes, fruit, vegan and non-vegan bacon, and homemade bagels from Chef Emiko.
We all agreed that this was a fantastic experience we won’t soon forget.
The 2point0 team was made up of mother-daughter pair Martha Nadeau (captain) and Silvia Ryan, mother-daughter pair Alicia and Maeve Wilcox, mother-daughter pair Amy and Alison Stabins, Heather Cable, and Emiko Peck (daughter of OG racer Ron Peck).
Julie Millard would captain the CMS ‘OG’ team, largely made up of the original CMS relay runners: Julie, Ron Peck, Drew McCormick, Sapan Bhatt, Tracy and Pat Cote, Brian Morin, and Jess Beers.
DESTR is a run-through-the-night race, with a staggered start based on anticipated finish time- the goal is to have all teams, regardless of pace, finish between 10 am and 12 pm the next morning. The OG team is a speedy group, with an average pace around 7.5 minutes. Their start time was 9:30 pm. The 2point0 team is a touch slower, with a 4:30 pm start time. We were all impressed that four teams had a 1:30 am start time!
This whole race is a blur of adrenaline rush and sleep deprivation. The sixteen legs of the race range in distance from 3.5 miles to 10.9 miles. Darkness fell around 8:30, and we were all impressed with the willingness of teenagers Emiko Peck and Maeve Wilcox to run through the absolute darkness. Alison Stabins ran the last few miles before dawn with a dead headlamp. Speed demon Heather Cable offered to take the two longest legs, starting with the first leg. She then gallantly offered to take on an extra leg when one of our members came down with food poisoning- Heather ran almost a whole marathon distance! Silvia Ryan took the last leg, facing hills, traffic, and rising temperatures. Alicia Wilcox had such a good time that she offered to captain the team next year.
All of the teams gathered at the finish line in Eastport to cheer on the final runners. Sapan flew across the finish line at 10:36 am. Silvia was not far behind at 11:05 am.
After the race both teams backtracked to Pleasant Park for an amazing potluck breakfast, complete with pancakes, fruit, vegan and non-vegan bacon, and homemade bagels from Chef Emiko.
We all agreed that this was a fantastic experience we won’t soon forget.
- Published on
Photo by Ryan Goebel
Thanks to all of the runners and volunteers who came out to our rescheduled 45th annual January Thaw Road Race!
More photos coming soon!
More photos coming soon!
Photo by Ryan Goebel
Results:
- Published on
by Billy Kobin with photos by Julie MIllard
Several Striders ran well on the trails of Lost Valley in Auburn and then also drank well at the Backyard Brew Festival on Novemberr 4.
The Saturday morning event offered a 5K, 10K, and 15K race up, down and around the Lost Valley ski area that had nice and muddy trails in late fall.
Lindsey Madison and Billy Kobin were the top female and male finishers, respectively, in the 5K. They cheered on Julie Millard as she won her age group in the 10K and then kept encouraging Ron Peck as he braced three loops of the tough course to take home first place in the 15K.
The real fun came afterwards, when a dozen or so brewers - all from Maine - set up tents and offered pours of various beers that tasted even better after a morning trail run.
Julie’s favorite beer came from Fluvial Brewing in Harrison (perhaps a field trip to Harrison should happen one of these days).
Billy most enjoyed the Mr. Grumpypants (coffee stout) from Norway Brewing Company in Norway. Lindsey and Ron both liked best the choices from Side By Each Brewing Co. in Auburn.
Cheers to more runs, beer fests, and fun times!
The Saturday morning event offered a 5K, 10K, and 15K race up, down and around the Lost Valley ski area that had nice and muddy trails in late fall.
Lindsey Madison and Billy Kobin were the top female and male finishers, respectively, in the 5K. They cheered on Julie Millard as she won her age group in the 10K and then kept encouraging Ron Peck as he braced three loops of the tough course to take home first place in the 15K.
The real fun came afterwards, when a dozen or so brewers - all from Maine - set up tents and offered pours of various beers that tasted even better after a morning trail run.
Julie’s favorite beer came from Fluvial Brewing in Harrison (perhaps a field trip to Harrison should happen one of these days).
Billy most enjoyed the Mr. Grumpypants (coffee stout) from Norway Brewing Company in Norway. Lindsey and Ron both liked best the choices from Side By Each Brewing Co. in Auburn.
Cheers to more runs, beer fests, and fun times!
- Published on
by Ryan Goebel, with photos by Alicia MacLeay and Ryan Goebel
The lead pack of Harrison Mosher (3rd overall), Billy Kobin (1st overall), Andrew Knightly (1st masters / 2nd overall), and Jeff Tucker (4th overall) head back down Mayflower Hill Dr about 3.5 miles into the race.
The Central Maine Striders hosted their 4th annual Central Maine Striders Fall Classic 10k on Sunday, October 8th. There was a light rain at the start and during most of the race, but with the temperatures being a bit warmer than in previous years, it seemed that most of the runners didn't mind.
The race's top finishers provided a thrilling finish, with the first three runners crossing the finish line within 22 seconds of each other. Newcomer to Maine and to the Central Maine Striders club, Billy Kobin edged out the competition for first place overall with a time of 35:38. Bangor's Andrew Knightly finished three seconds behind Billy to nab second place overall and the award for 1st place Master's Male runner. Last year's champion, Harrison Mosher, finished third overall with a time of 35:50, which was nearly 30 seconds faster than his winning time last year.
Similar to the men's race, the women's open and master's winners placed first and second overall for their gender. Winslow resident Alanna McDonough won the Women's Open division and came in 11th overall with a time of 40:20. Susan Cooney of Belfast took the prize for fastest Master's Women, as the 2nd overall woman and 14th overall runner, crossing the finish line with a time of 45:55.
This year's race saw 9 runners finish under 40 minutes, compared to four in each of the last two years and seven in the inaugural race in 2020. For both the men and women, the winning times this year were the fastest seen in the race since 2020 when Joshua Way beat Casey Gallant by less than a second, both recording times of 34:52, and Kristina Guerette established the women's course record with a time of 39:07.
After four years of the Central Maine Striders Fall Classic 10k, only two runners have finished it all four years: Drew McCormick and David Benn.
A huge thanks to all of the runners and volunteers who continue to make this race a success!
The race's top finishers provided a thrilling finish, with the first three runners crossing the finish line within 22 seconds of each other. Newcomer to Maine and to the Central Maine Striders club, Billy Kobin edged out the competition for first place overall with a time of 35:38. Bangor's Andrew Knightly finished three seconds behind Billy to nab second place overall and the award for 1st place Master's Male runner. Last year's champion, Harrison Mosher, finished third overall with a time of 35:50, which was nearly 30 seconds faster than his winning time last year.
Similar to the men's race, the women's open and master's winners placed first and second overall for their gender. Winslow resident Alanna McDonough won the Women's Open division and came in 11th overall with a time of 40:20. Susan Cooney of Belfast took the prize for fastest Master's Women, as the 2nd overall woman and 14th overall runner, crossing the finish line with a time of 45:55.
This year's race saw 9 runners finish under 40 minutes, compared to four in each of the last two years and seven in the inaugural race in 2020. For both the men and women, the winning times this year were the fastest seen in the race since 2020 when Joshua Way beat Casey Gallant by less than a second, both recording times of 34:52, and Kristina Guerette established the women's course record with a time of 39:07.
After four years of the Central Maine Striders Fall Classic 10k, only two runners have finished it all four years: Drew McCormick and David Benn.
A huge thanks to all of the runners and volunteers who continue to make this race a success!
Alanna McDonough, women's open division winner.
Susan Cooney, women's masters division winner.
The Winners (from left to right): Alanna McDonough (Women's Open), Billy Kobin (Men's Open), Susan Cooney (Women's Masters), and Andrew Knightly (Men's Masters)
Official Results and More Photos:
David Benn, one of only two runners to finish the Fall Classic 10k all four years.
Drew McCormick, the other runner who has finished the Fall Classic 10k all four years.
Paula Sawyer and Donnajean Pohlman.
Jessica Mosher enjoying the moment.
A rainbow shines over finish line volunteers Koren Coughlin and Amy Stabins.
Ron Paquette.
- Published on
by Julie Millard
These days, you can’t get much for 5 bucks. A cup of fancy coffee, a movie rental, a gallon of gas…or a delightful 5k at the Baptist Church in Smithfield. I last ran this family friendly race in 2012, and it was easy to convince Lindsey Madison and Ron Peck to join me this year. The modest entry fee, the prospect of running early to beat the heat, the tantalizing assortment of prizes, and the promise of a post-race breakfast at Early Bird were all powerful selling points.
Clearly, most Central Maine Striders appreciate a bargain (what other club offers a year-long family membership for only $20?), and so I was not surprised to see several other members at the venue. Camp Manitou was also well represented with counselors and what seemed like dozens of young campers in the field of about 50 runners. The out-and-back course along the shores of North Pond seemed like a walk in the park compared to my most recent 5k, but it could have been the nostalgia for simpler times that propelled me through to the finish.
The Striders cleaned up, winning many of the age group awards, and proudly claimed several loon-themed items, including a pillow, mug, and towel, as well as maple syrup and homemade jam. The race lived up to my memory as one of Maine racing’s “hidden gems,” an all-around great way to spend a Saturday morning in July with friends!
Clearly, most Central Maine Striders appreciate a bargain (what other club offers a year-long family membership for only $20?), and so I was not surprised to see several other members at the venue. Camp Manitou was also well represented with counselors and what seemed like dozens of young campers in the field of about 50 runners. The out-and-back course along the shores of North Pond seemed like a walk in the park compared to my most recent 5k, but it could have been the nostalgia for simpler times that propelled me through to the finish.
The Striders cleaned up, winning many of the age group awards, and proudly claimed several loon-themed items, including a pillow, mug, and towel, as well as maple syrup and homemade jam. The race lived up to my memory as one of Maine racing’s “hidden gems,” an all-around great way to spend a Saturday morning in July with friends!
- Published on
By Martha Nadeau
According to the race organizers:
"THIS SCENIC COURSE ON THE ST. GEORGE PENINSULA BEGINS AT DRIFT INN BEACH IN PORT CLYDE. IT OFFERS SOME FANTASTIC VIEWS OF THE MAINE COAST AS IT WINDS ITS WAY TOWARDS THE LIGHTHOUSE, DOWN THROUGH THE VILLAGE OF PORT CLYDE, AND ENDING BACK AT DRIFT INN BEACH".
This annual race is located just south of Rockland/Thomaston, for those not familiar with the area. After a 1-1/2 drive from my house, the small parking lot had already been filled and I had to locate parking on the road, which isn't easy to find since the road is fairly narrow. Having done this race before, I was aware this might be the case and allowed some extra time. Snagging a prime spot, I head to the folding table set-up in the small dirt parking lot, to register. Registration can be done ahead, by printing out the form and sending a check for $15 or on race day for $20, between 7:30-8:30. T-shirts were guaranteed, if registered ahead, but I lucked out and there were choices available to me. This parking lot is also where the port-o-potties are located. TMI? I don't think so.
Following the kids fun run, at 8:30, the 5k starts at Drift Inn Beach, heading uphill, taking a left turn up and down the hilly road to the amazing turnaround that is Marshall Point lighthouse (cue Forrest Gump-yep, the lighthouse from the movie). While the turn stops short of the lighthouse, itself (because it would be a nightmare for all those runners to crowd the walkway out and back-and selfies?-who could resist that opportunity? The race would come to a standstill.) We take a turn around an orange cone, and with the ocean on our side, we head back down and then another uphill, taking a left that opens to a view of the Port Clyde waterfront, and a nice recovery downhill to take in the scene. Passing the Monhegan ferry terminal and the ice cream store, the right turn takes us through a quinessential Maine small town. Yep, the Post Office is decorated with lobster traps. A last right turn, with a brief, but brutal uphill, leads back downhill to the finish line, where the volunteers record times with pen and paper. This year I wanted the whole experience, so I ran the lowtide flats, to jump into the ocean. After everyone had finished, awards were handed out and prizes given to fastest overall and age group winners.
It is a must to go to the lighthouse and visit the museum. If you have patience, you may even get a picture alone at the lighthouse.
This race is part of an annual festival, complete with yard sale and cornhole tournament. Details will be available on their website (but not easily found) at www.stgeorgemaine.com and on Facebook at St George Parks & Rec.
- Published on
by Lindsey Madison
To close out the summer, Quarry Road Trails hosted the inaugural Quarry Road TrailFest with a 5k fun run and 15k challenge trail race on October 30th.
I have my sights set to tackle my first Half in Millinocket in December, so I was eager to get my mileage up. What better way than a 15k trail race through the woods of Quarry Road Trails? To add to the fun, two other Striders and I dressed up with the theme of "Cook-out Essentials", dressing as a Hamburger (Heather Cable), Ketchup (Ron Peck), and Reye's Mustard (myself).
The course was two laps of a 7.5k loop. It started in the middle of the big field near the yurt, followed a single track trail up The Big Hill, and then joined with South Koons to head down the hill. We then did the North Koons loop before continuing across the field, and down the hill toward the stream. We followed along the Messalonskee Stream for a stretch and then returned to the big field to repeat the loop.
The race was advertised as a challenge and with the hills and water features, it lived up to the hype without being extreme. The single track trail up The Big Hill was dry and leaf free, making the climb nearly pleasant. Watching my steps over the rocks and roots distracted me enough from that lactic acid burn building up in my legs. Sailing down the South Koons trail (also leaf free) was practically delightful! At the bottom of the hill, the boggy trail that ran along the Messalonskee fulfilled the promise of the race director, Jeff Tucker. My shoes did indeed get soaked, despite my best efforts to hop over the puddles (ponds) in the trail.
Overall, the race was quintessential type II fun!
The after party was a perfect reward. It featured beer from Cushnoc Brewing, grilled food from Grandpa's Kitchen, an awards ceremony, and a raffle. It was an all around pleasant time relaxing and chatting with the other runners. I am looking forward to tackling this race again next year!
Full race results from the Quarry Road TrailFest 5k and 15k races can be found here.
I have my sights set to tackle my first Half in Millinocket in December, so I was eager to get my mileage up. What better way than a 15k trail race through the woods of Quarry Road Trails? To add to the fun, two other Striders and I dressed up with the theme of "Cook-out Essentials", dressing as a Hamburger (Heather Cable), Ketchup (Ron Peck), and Reye's Mustard (myself).
The course was two laps of a 7.5k loop. It started in the middle of the big field near the yurt, followed a single track trail up The Big Hill, and then joined with South Koons to head down the hill. We then did the North Koons loop before continuing across the field, and down the hill toward the stream. We followed along the Messalonskee Stream for a stretch and then returned to the big field to repeat the loop.
The race was advertised as a challenge and with the hills and water features, it lived up to the hype without being extreme. The single track trail up The Big Hill was dry and leaf free, making the climb nearly pleasant. Watching my steps over the rocks and roots distracted me enough from that lactic acid burn building up in my legs. Sailing down the South Koons trail (also leaf free) was practically delightful! At the bottom of the hill, the boggy trail that ran along the Messalonskee fulfilled the promise of the race director, Jeff Tucker. My shoes did indeed get soaked, despite my best efforts to hop over the puddles (ponds) in the trail.
Overall, the race was quintessential type II fun!
The after party was a perfect reward. It featured beer from Cushnoc Brewing, grilled food from Grandpa's Kitchen, an awards ceremony, and a raffle. It was an all around pleasant time relaxing and chatting with the other runners. I am looking forward to tackling this race again next year!
Full race results from the Quarry Road TrailFest 5k and 15k races can be found here.
- Published on
by Heather Cable
For some reason, I have always been compelled to get a hot dog costume and run in it… It’s probably because going around saying, “well hot dawg!” is oddly compelling. On October 29th, I finally decided to give it a try at the Wicked 10k with my brother and his wife, dressed as mustard and ketchup, respectively, who were running the 5k.
The race was full of other runners wearing a variety of costumes which made for an interesting and fun experience. The day started off cool which was perfect considering the full body hot dog costume I was wearing. As I toed the line, I figured I would just take it easy and have fun with it. Shooting for my typical easy run pace. That all changed when the air horn went off signaling the start.
As the run started, my legs were moving surprisingly comfortably despite the outfit I chose to wear. Since there was a dual start for the 5k/10k, there was no way to tell who was competing in which event or gage where I was in the 10k pack, so I just tried to maintain the comfortably hard pace. Once we completed the first loop, 10k runners continued for a second and the field decreased to me and another runner I had been with for nearly the whole race. It was at this point that I realized I may win this thing… as a hot dog. We cruised along the beautiful coastal course for a second loop and came in for the finish. I was the first hot dog finisher/first female finisher!
The race was full of other runners wearing a variety of costumes which made for an interesting and fun experience. The day started off cool which was perfect considering the full body hot dog costume I was wearing. As I toed the line, I figured I would just take it easy and have fun with it. Shooting for my typical easy run pace. That all changed when the air horn went off signaling the start.
As the run started, my legs were moving surprisingly comfortably despite the outfit I chose to wear. Since there was a dual start for the 5k/10k, there was no way to tell who was competing in which event or gage where I was in the 10k pack, so I just tried to maintain the comfortably hard pace. Once we completed the first loop, 10k runners continued for a second and the field decreased to me and another runner I had been with for nearly the whole race. It was at this point that I realized I may win this thing… as a hot dog. We cruised along the beautiful coastal course for a second loop and came in for the finish. I was the first hot dog finisher/first female finisher!
Full results from the 2022 Wicked 5k & 10k in Kennebunk can be found here:
www.secondwindtiming.com/result-page/?id=224442&utm_source=resultEmail&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=emailResults
Race photos can be found here:
jumpshare.com/b/ifApTVgZW9UfytWGWuxf/nI47qu4kOuwkCuSGveY0
www.secondwindtiming.com/result-page/?id=224442&utm_source=resultEmail&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=emailResults
Race photos can be found here:
jumpshare.com/b/ifApTVgZW9UfytWGWuxf/nI47qu4kOuwkCuSGveY0
Note from the editor: On the very next day, Heather ran a very difficult 15k course at the Quarry Road Trailfest in Waterville dressed as a hamburger.