Cowabunga 5k > 5 KM | 25 Jun 17 | Portland | ME
Ashley E. Sears states on fb:”Ashley E. Sears added 3 new photos.
June 26 at 8:10pm ·
When the idea for the Cowabunga 5K and Family Dairy Day first came to mind, I knew I was in for a new and exciting challenge. I was used to being on the opposite side at races, lacing up and toeing the line with other participants. With Cowabunga, I wanted to bring together families, friends, and farmers for a morning of fitness, education about the Maine dairy industry and United States dairy business as a whole, and connect consumers with the local farming community.
Jami Badershall of the Maine Dairy Promotion Board did not hesitate when I asked if the MDPB would be willing to partner with me on this endeavor. With planning starting as soon as I returned from the Young Dairy Leaders Institute in February, Jami and I started down the wild path of organizing a 5K race and dairy-themed day. After months of planning, countless meetings at Starbucks, and the unwavering support of Maine dairy farmers, the Cowabunga 5K and Family Dairy Day arrived. With 176 runners crossing the finish line and over 300 attendees joining us in Portland, Maine to pet a calf, learn about the milking process, enjoy a bottle of chocolate milk, and raise funds for the Howard C. Reich Community School’s summer food pantry as part of Milk2MyPlate, the event was a memorable and #undeniablydairy day!
I cannot truly express my gratitude for all of the sponsors and volunteers that made the day a success. Without your help, the event would not have been possible and would not have left as much of a lasting impression as it did for the families and consumers that attended. Thank you to Jenni Tilton-Flood, Patricia Stack, Diane Gushee, Heidi Conant, Anne Trenholm, Connie Wood and the Cumberland County 4-H Dairy All-Stars, Kelly O’connell, and all of the others that helped in the planning and day-of activities.
Lessons learned: You can never have enough porta potties, dairy swag is the coolest swag, chocolate milk at the finish line is the best motivation, and the support and passion of the Maine dairy industry leaves no doubt in my mind why I have come to love Maine as much as I do. You have welcomed me into the industry with open arms, support, encouragement, and allowed me to pursue my passion of promoting the industry that has made me who I am today. Thank you ”
Results courtesy of Race Wire
courtesy photo
Photos
