Rands bring 10K race to local area FinishLynx kicks off Sub 5 series

Before last year, many local 10-kilometer enthusiasts had to venture to other parts of the state to fulfill their racing needs.

Just last year, Glendon Rand and Lara Rand changed that scenario.

On Saturday, May 10, runners can venture to Orrington for the 2nd annual FinishLynx Orrington 10K, the opening race of the Applebee’s Sub 5 Race Series.

According to race director Glendon Rand, Sub 5 was looking for both a sponsor and a 10K in its series.

“After we decided to have the race in Orrington, Applebee’s agreed to sponsor the race series,” he said.

Since most runners from this area have to travel great distances to find 10Ks, Rand admitted it’s good for this area.

“There wasn’t really a 10K around Bangor. Most races in the area are 5K, and this race gives most area runners a chance to race a different, classic distance,” he said.

A good sign for many runners is that the course isn’t that hilly. “It’s a fast, flat out-and-back course on Orrington’s country roads. It’s very runner-friendly,” Rand said.

Sixty runners were entered last year and Rand expects more this year. The defending champions are men’s winner Jeremy Lisee and Rachel Oickle on the women’s side.

Rand also admitted that the kids’ mile is a great addition. “It’s great for kids, especially Orrington kids,” he said. Every finisher in the kids’ mile receives a ribbon, a free meal at Applebee’s, a free string of bowling at Bangor-Brewer lanes, and many other great prizes.

For more information on the race, contact Glendon or Lara Rand at 825-3396, or visit www.sub5.com to register online or for a registration form.

Sugarloaf Marathon

A week after the Orrington 10K, runners can head out to Carrabassett Valley for the 21st Sugarloaf Marathon and 15K. The marathon will kick off in Eustis, with the 15K starting at Ayotte’s Country Store in Carrabassett Valley.

Both races will be run on Route 27, providing incredible views of the mountain ranges and the Carrabassett River, which both races follow into Kingfield. The course is one of the top 15 fastest marathon courses in the country.

“We’re proud and excited to be hosting this event once again,” race director Sue Foster said in a press release. “It’s grown over the years and has become a great spring tradition in the running community as well as with the local community.”

Runners can register for the marathon for $40 or for the 15K ($16). Marathon registration must be submitted before May 18. For more information regarding the event, or to register online visit www.sugarloafmarathon.com.

Finishing Kick: In addition to the Orrington 10K, runners will have plenty of options next weekend.

On Saturday, the Blackfly 5K and 2K fun run will be held at Downeast Family YMCA in Ellsworth, and the Mothers Day 5K at Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield. Both races start at 10 a.m.

Meanwhile, the Portland Sea Dogs will host a Mother’s Day 5K at Hadlock Field at 9:30 a.m., with a children’s fun run at 9. Up the coast in Rockland, the Coastal Community Action Program is holding a 5K, scheduled for 8:30 a.m.