Northeast Harbor race scenic

The end of summer may be near, but the local road racing scene is just heating up. This Saturday, runners can head to Northeast Harbor for a popular race, the Northeast Harbor 5-miler.

The 25th annual race, which is being sponsored by Bar Harbor Banking and Trust, kicks off at 9:30 a.m.

Many standout runners have shown up in the past, including Judson Cake, who set the course record of 25 minutes, 45 seconds a year ago. Ellsworth High track and cross country coach Andy Beardsley has won four times.

Some runners usually come back for the scenery and runner-friendly course.

“The scenery really attracts people,” said Carol Hamor, who co-directs the race with her husband, Albert. “We do most of the work, and have run it for at least 15 years.”

The race features the usual awards, first and second overall male and female along with first and second in each age category. However, it features two unusual awards, for oldest and youngest runner.

“It’s a great way to recognize them,” said Hamor.

The oldest runner ever was in his mid-80s and the youngest under 10, according to Hamor.

Another unique feature is a post-run raffle drawing, for which all runners are eligible. Prizes include a mountain bike, lobsters, teddy bears and other items.

Registration is $15 a person, and emergency medical technicians get a $1 discount. The first 75 runners to register get T-shirts, and all proceeds benefit the Northeast Harbor Ambulance Service.

Cross country weather arriving

As the weather hopefully starts to cool off and kids are starting back-to-school shopping, it also means the start of another high school cross country season.

Many Penobscot Valley Conference schools are starting to gear up for the first meet of the season, the Ellsworth Invitational, which is only two weeks from this Saturday.

This October, Brewer and Belfast Area High Schools will once again team up to co-host the Maine Cross Country Festival of Champions, which will be run on the same 5-kilometer course used for the Eastern Maine Championships.

Last year’s event included teams from all over the PVC and a strong team from Cumberland, R.I.

Finishing Kick: Runners looking for a race this weekend have plenty of options. In addition to the Northeast Harbor Race on Saturday, you can head to Hampden for the Warren Bishop Memorial Run on the Hampden Academy cross country course at 9 a.m., or Skowhegan for the New Balance 5K starting at 8 a.m. The Rotary Bridge 4-miler will be held Sunday in Portland to benefit the Maine Cancer Foundation.