New Race for Maine.
The following is from the “Free Press Online”

1st Annual “Set the Pace 5K” Set for January 1

It’s time to start thinking about New Year’s resolutions, and runners can put “Set the Pace 5K” at the top of their list for 2009. On Thursday, January 1, a unique fund-raising race will take place in downtown Camden, and all area runners are encouraged to participate.

Local runners Reade and Martha Brower, Annie Hart and Allison Leonard are hosting the New Year’s Day race as part of their efforts to collectively raise $10,000 for the Little Field Home, an orphanage in Malawi, Africa. The Home is run by Janet Littlefield, midcoast native and the daughter of Doc and Julie Littlefield.

The race features special events that the organizers believe will help to make it a popular annual tradition. The starting time of 11:09 a.m. was chosen with the understanding that the night before might be a late one and the forecast a cold one, both of which make an 8 a.m. start unappealing. Registration will begin at 10:09 a.m.

The first-of-the-year race will also offer plenty of awards and specials. While race officials will announce and acknowledge some traditional age brackets at the awards ceremony, each runner will receive an award stating that he or she has set their personal record for 2009 at the Set the Pace 5K. In addition, all age division winners will hold the “fastest 5K in Maine 2009” title for at least several months, since there are no other 5Ks planned in Maine until spring — and the first-place male and female winners will be crowned king and queen and hold the “fastest runner in Maine 2009” titles for at least a few months.

For the middle-of-the-pack guy or gal there’ll be a gift basket that’s guaranteed to make the winners jealous.

The race is planned for downtown Camden and will start at the top of the hill at the Camden-Rockport Middle School on Knowlton Street, with an easy downhill slope to the finish line, promising a fast time for those in shape. The race will end up at McMahon’s Grille, where there will be a cash bar and optional lobster and steak feed.

For those not in tip-top shape, head-start tokens will be available. Just as golfers can purchase mulligans and game-show contestants extra vowels, at the “Set the Pace 5K” those who’d like a head start will have a chance to buy 10 seconds, 30 seconds or even a full minute, with all the money going to charity.

The greatest perk of all — the Opt Out Runners’ Special — will also be available. For this option, anyone can pay double the race entry fee, not run, and select a proxy runner. It’s a chance to benefit the Little Field Home and, if you so choose, to have your name listed right below your proxy runner’s time in the final results.

Suggested minimum donations for race participants are: $8 per person, $15 per couple and $20 per family. The first 109 sign-ups who donate a minimum of $15 each will receive winter running apparel with a “Set the Pace 5K” collectible logo commemorating the event.

Willing volunteers to help before and during the race, as well as runners and non-runners who’re willing to be part of the race committee, can e-mail Reade Brower at reade@freepressonline.com.

January 1, 2009 (Thursday)
Set The Pace 5K
Camden, ME 11:00AM Camden Rockport Middle School, 34 Knowlton Street (Come set the pace for 2009! Top male/female winner will be crowned King & Queen!)
Contact: Allison Leonard (The Little Field Home), USA, 30127. 1-207-354-6233 aleonard3605@gmail.com

or

January 1, 2009 (Thursday)
27th Freezer 5
Sterling, MA 11:00AM Houghton/Chocksett School, Boutelle Rd (Run away your hangover in Sterling Mass – also Kids race at 10 AM)
Contact: Joe OConnor (CMS), Central Mass Striders, PO Box 60002, Worcester, MA, USA, 01606-0002 josephoc@yahoo.com
> Yahoo! Maps | > Race Results

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Salisbury Beach Center, MA 11:45AM Bevie Bs, 3 Broadway Street (Optional Ocean Plunge)
Contact: Bob Manning (Winners Circle Running Club), 1 Lorum Street, Newburyport, MA, USA, 01950 hangover@xenia.unh.edu

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