Posted by 
Are You Ready?
With only a couple days until the 12th Annual Beach to Beacon 10k Road Race in Cape Elizabeth, we’re already starting to see many runners on Route 77 and Shore Road preparing for the big day. The tradition continues, Saturday, August 1st as over 6,000 runners converge on the 10k picturesque course joining some very elite and world-class company.
Maine Runners Could Break Records
Spectators could be in store for quite a treat from our local Mainers, who look to eclipse the Beach to Beacon course records. After a strong showing and a course record (23:27) at the Yarmouth Clam Festival 5 Miler, Ben True of North Yarmouth, appears to be the top Maine contender again this year, and could challenge the course record of Eric Giddings of South Portland (30:34) set in 2005.
In the women’s race, we are sure to have a battle between training partners Sheri Piers of Falmouth, and Kristin Barry of Scarborough, holder of the course record (34:37) set just last year. According to the race director, the course record in the women’s race could fall with Piers coming off a record breaking performance at the Yarmouth Clam Festival 5 Miler.
Elite Racers
In the Men’s race, defending champion Ed Muge is back to defend his 2008 title, and will have some serious competition, including James Kwambi, who holds claim to the third fastest marathon finish in history, Gilbert Okari, a three-time Beach to Beacon champion, and many other elite athletes who are running well.
In the Women’s race, many in contention with the favorite being Lineth Chepkurui, winner of five races already this year. Expected to be right on her heels are Berhane Adere, holder of the sixth fastest 1ok time ever, and Mariya Konovalova, who ran to a fifth place finish at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Going Green
This year the race organizers are focusing efforts to be “green and carbon neutral as possible”. With the help of a Green Sponsor – Fairchild Semiconductor, and a Green Consultant – Athletes For A Fit Planet (AFitPlanet.com), the Beach to Beacon organizers have a number of areas where they will begin to focus on in this years race which include;
- Recycling and composting all along the course (primarily start and finish, and water stations), as well as recycling your bib number and timing chip.
- Team Atayne Trash Runners will pick up all trash left on the course
- Eco-friendly portable toilets
- Nike Re-use A Shoe Program – bring your unwanted shoes to drop off points for future use in making playgrounds and courts. For more information please visit; NikeReuseAShoe.com
- Ride Sharing – Pick Up A Pal Program – For more info on sharing/finding a ride; PickUpAPal.com