LOST VALLEY 15K Auburn Nov 4th ~ Results
The combination of assistance from 12 area sponsors and promotional support
from the “French Connection” and WBLM radio helped produce what has now become
a classic. Just when many figured that the racing season had pretty much come
to an end, 225 runners could not pass up this 14th annual event at the Lost
Valley Ski Area. Characterized by small, competitive fields in years past, the
traditionally hilly course was transformed into a fast out and back course along
Lake Auburn. The Androscoggin Running Club and the Auburn Recreation Department
also had three goals in mind for this year’s race; to celebrate the 14th year
of its existance, to honor Ralph Fletcher, Sr. who was well known and liked in
running circles, and to raise money to help the youth of Androscoggin County who
become eligible for national running competition. In order to accomplish this,
we set out to attract a large field.
After the season had passed which produced more road races than ever before, we
knew we would have to come up with something special. And for those who pre-registered
(of which there were 200), guests passes to Snorada Ski Touring Center in Auburn, and
Andy Valley Health & Racquet Club in Lewiston were given along with long sleeve
T-shirts. Excellent awards from Shaw’s, Lamey Wellehan, Etonic, Athletic Attic,
Goldsmith’s and WBLM were given to 36 winners along with priz-s from Poland Spring
Bottling, Snorada, Pepsi and Black Bear Sauna of Auburn given in a raffle.
204 competitors finished the race featuring Poland Spring water stations, the
latest in electronic timing, and the help of many volunteers. Bob Winn out distanced
Andy Palmer in a time of 46:37 while the ladies where headed by Judy Ketcham of
Portland in 1:02:00. And to top off a perfect race day, the people of Lost Valley
Ski Area allowed us the use of the base lodge facility for refreshments, an awards
ceremony MC’d by WBLM’s Mark Persky, and live coverage by WBLM’s Jose Diaz.
Thank you everyone for a splendid day – and don’t miss what we feel will be an
equally exciting event next year.
John Titus, Race Director
courtesy of Maine Running History fb
