Half-marathon set in Houlton Aug. 9 Runners may also compete in relay

If you enjoy a quiet race on a scenic course, you may want to head up to Houlton on Aug. 9 for the third annual County Open Half Marathon and Half Marathon Relay.

The 13.1-mile certified course starts by the third hole at Houlton Community Golf Course and continues through rolling hills, past Drews Lake, onto back roads, and finishes at the former Lake Road Market.

Festivities also include the County Open Classic 25-mile bike race and a spaghetti dinner on Aug. 8 at the Houlton Elks Club from 4-8 p.m. Runners and bikers can pre-register at that time.

The County Open originally began in 1989 as a two-day golf tourney. The event is supported by the Houlton Regional Hospital’s Health Services Foundation. Two years ago, the half-marathon and bike race were added.

Defending champions for the half marathon are Danny Paul of Yarmouth and Tamara Blades of Fort Fairfield, who holds the women’s course record of 1 hour, 33 minutes, 31 seconds. Robert Ashby owns the men’s course record of 1:13:33.

Prizes include $250 for the top male/female, $150 for second, and $100 for third. Top Masters runners receive $100, while a course record pockets $50. Other prizes will be awarded to top finishers in various age divisions.

The race is also part of the Aroostook Musterds running club’s summer circuit.

If you’re not up for a 13.1-mile jaunt, the Half Marathon Relay allows runners to form relay teams of 2-4 runners, with each runner running 3.1 miles and the last running 3.4 miles.

Those seeking more information on the race may contact race director Joe Ewings at 538-9893.

Mainers fill Beach to Beacon field

This Saturday’s Beach to Beacon 10K, possibly the granddaddy of Maine road racing, features many elite athletes such as Catherine Ndereba and James Koskei, but it has its fair share of Maine standouts as well.

On the men’s side, two-time defending champ Andy Spaulding of Freeport returns, along with 2000 champ Todd Coffin, Michael Payson of Falmouth, and course-record holder (30:52) Bob Winn of Ogunquit, winner of the first two Beach to Beacons by a Maine runner. Meanwhile, two-time Maine women’s champ Christine Snow-Reaser of Dayton will defend her crown against a strong field that includes Jenna Richardson of China, Maggie Hanson of Bowdoinham, and Old Town’s Suzanne Hussey.

Finishing Kick: Runners who aren’t running the Beach to Beacon this weekend have a couple of alternatives. On Saturday, the Pony Pride 5K will be held in Dover-Foxcroft at 8 a.m., with registration from 7-7:45. The first 70 registrants get a T-shirt. In Rockland on Sunday, the Maine Lobster Festival 10K will be run starting at 8:30.