More than 285 runners and walkers, 15 dogs and one VGo robot participated in Grahamtastic Connection’s 4th annual 5K on Oct. 19. Organizers say a beautiful fall day brought together friends of all ages, from newborns in strollers to 80-year-old runners for the event. The overall male finisher was Thomas Pore of Saco with a time of 18:32, which was a new course record. The overall female finisher was Jennifer Heideman of Augusta with a time 23:58. Not to be forgotten, the overall dog was Lilly, accompanied by her human, Peter Harrison, of Sanford, with a time of 21:22.
Local teams from Sanford, Massabesic, Kennebunk, Limerick and Noble schools participated in the team pledge-raising challenge with Massabesic Middle School Field Hockey Team and Noble Middle School Field Hockey Team each winning the challenge, each bringing in $600 for Grahamtastic and winning a pizza party in return.
Roger Morissette won the individual pledge-raiser challenge bringing in over $2,000 in pledges.
“We’ve only been doing this for four years, but every year I am amazed at the growing number of people who support us, including teams from area schools that raise pledges, individual runners and walkers, and volunteers who help organize the event,” said Race Director Donna Perkins. “They are all absolutely fantastic. We’d also like to thank all our sponsors, and especially our Platinum Sponsors, Caron Engineering, Cabela’s, Plixer and Prime Motor Group; and our Golden Sponsors, Dunkin’ Donuts, Patco, Otterbox, Planet Dog and Hancock Lumber. We just cannot thank everyone enough for helping make this year’s event such a success. Without all of them, we could not do what we do to help kids.”
Many local children who have received services from Grahamtastic over the years participated, including a very special artist, Ashley, who designed the race shirt this year. Ashley, who received a Grahamtastic iPad, is receiving treatment at Maine Children’s Cancer Program.
For complete race results, go to Cool Running or visit www.grahamtastic.org
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