America’s “Easternmost 10K,” and one of Maine’s fastest road races, is right around the corner.

Next Sunday, June 4, the 15th annual Cobscook Bay 10K and 5K will take place in the Washington County town of Pembroke, roughly halfway between Machias and Calais.

Festivities start at 9:15 a.m. with a kids 1-mile fun run while the 10K and 5K races start at 10.

The 10K course is similar to the Beach to Beacon 10K course – the first half, particularly the first mile – is flat and fast while the final couple miles are challenging.

“That first mile is very fast, and the sixth mile is a killer,” said race director Jonathan Aretakis. “I’ve wanted to run the race myself just to feel the agony, but its hard for the race director,” he added with a chuckle.

The 5K follows the same course as the 10K and finishes at the 10K’s halfway point.

The 10K race is the second race in the Sub 5 race series while the 5K was added for those who may not be ready for the 6.2-mile challenge.

“We added the 5K because 10K is too long for the average recreational runner,” Aretakis said. “We try to encourage walkers, that’s an area that’s really grown in the race, especially in the 5K.”

Approximately 129 runners finished the race last year, and Aretakis is hoping for more this year.

“We have over 75 pre-registered,” he said. “It would be great if we could [break 200 runners] this year.”

The first year the race ran, 1992, 47 runners completed the race, and it has grown vastly over the years.

“Many runners and walkers have returned over multiple years, and we’ve developed a regular following,” Aretakis said. “Its excellent that Sub 5 has us as part of the race series.”

One of the main purposes of the race is to attract attention to Downeast Hospice, a non-profit organization that provides comfort and care for terminally ill people and their families.

“The race is available to raise awareness for Hospice, it’s a [way] for them to advertise their mission,” Aretakis said.

After the race, an all-you-can-eat barbecue will be served at Reversing Falls Park, at the finish of the 10K.

“This year we’re gonna have a return of salmon, last year was the one year we’ve done it,” Aretakis said.

With the number of fast times being put up in the state this spring, Aretakis won’t be surprised if a course record is broken.

The mark of 34 minutes, 15 seconds was set by Steve Carle in 1993 while Gladys Ganiel set the women’s standard of 40:56 a year earlier.

“These records have been held for a long time,” Aretakis said. “34:15 seems like a very soft time for a 10K until you come and run this course. Its now 13 years old, we’re waiting for someone to break it.”

The race brings not only the local community together, but runners from all corners of Maine.

“People who don’t run come and volunteer,” Aretakis said. “In my mind, these sort of community events are becoming a thing of the past. An older community-based event is a really powerful thing, it brings the community together, and I think we need more of that.

“It’s a beautiful place, it’s a beautiful course. It really is.”

The race starts near the Triangle Store on Route 1 in Pembroke, where registration will take place, starting at 8:30. Entry fees are $10 for adults, $6 for 16-under and the maximum family amount is $30. For a printable application, log on to www.edenathletics.com/node/5667/.