July 4th will be runners’ delight> Distance Festival to have elite field

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The Fourth of July is known for fireworks and parades, barbecues, family outings, and … running.

Running?

You betcha.

For the participant or spectator, Saturday’s traditional Maine slate is impressive.

Road races are planned from York in the south to Houlton in the north. And Saturday night, some of the nation’s best runners will gather for the Maine Distance Festival at Bowdoin College’s Whittier Field.

With the storied Whittier ambiance and a big crowd combined with superb athletes competing for incentive prize money, the stage is set for some speedy races.

And any athlete who sets an American record at the meet will earn a 1998 Volvo S70 from Goodwin’s Volvo in Topsham.

The meet starts at 5:30 p.m. and will finish by 8 p.m. Meet director Steve Podgajny said athletes and fans alike have embraced the concept of an elite American meet held in the summertime.

“When we started this five years ago there were really no summer track meets in the United States after nationals.”

But this year, Regina Jacobs is scheduled to take a shot at the American record at 5,000 meters, former Olympian Frank Shorter will be on hand to serve as master of ceremonies, and Podgajny expects meet records to fall in nearly every event.

“The fans are knowledgable, they’re numerous and they’re excited about what can happen,” Podgajny said.

Local runners who will compete include former University of Maine standout Dereck Treadwell and Kennebunk native Erik Nedeau in the mile, and Black Bear Thinh Ly in the 800 meters. The high school races featuring some of the state’s best.

Ellsworth star Louie Luchini will lock up with Edward Little standout Ben Fletcher and Foxboro (Mass.) High’s Bill Spierdowis in the mile. All have run close to 4:15.

Fletcher set state Class A mile and 800-meter records, while Luchini finished third at the National Scholastic Championships in the two-mile with a time of 9:08.86. Both will be seniors in the fall.

And on the girls side, Belfast’s Erin Herbig, Mount Ararat’s Jen Moreau and Biddeford’s Briana Neault will face off in an 800-meter race. All are capable of running 2:15. A dark horse in the race will be Hebron Academy’s Meg Muller, who holds five state Class C records in sprints, hurdles and jumps.

On the road racing front, eastern Mainers and vacationers alike are expected to flock to Brewer for the Walter Hunt Mewmorial 4th of July 3K.

The mostly downhill race along the parade route through Brewer and downtown Bangor affords a large group of runners the chance to run in front of an appreciative crowd that has gathered for the parade that follows.

The race starts at 10:45 a.m. at Brewer Auditorium. Race day registration opens at 9 a.m. The registration fee is $6.

Race director Dave Torrey said 407 runners finished the course last year.

“It’s always been a family race, but it’s becoming more and more of a family race each year,” Torrey said, pointing out that the distance (1.8 miles) is short enough for parents to jog and walk with their young children.

And for many runners, the huge crowd lining the streets makes for a memorable experience.

“I think that’s another incentive, expecially for the kids, to be able to run down Main Street in front of hundreds of fans,” Torrey said.

“It’s a Boston [Marathon] type finish, really, but you don’t have to run 26 miles to enjoy it.”

Torrey said HealthSouth Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center has sponsored the race’s traditional cash incentives, offering $100 to the first man to run the first mile faster than 4:10, and the to the first woman who breaks 5:00.

July 4th Road Races

Walter Hunt Memorial 4th of July 3K, Brewer Auditorium, 10:45 a.m.

Bridgton Four on the Fourth, 8 a.m.

19th Four on the Fourth Race, York, (4-mile run, 4-mile skate)

Houlton 8K, Houlton Recreation Center, 9 a.m.