This weekend, thousands of Mainers and tourists will descend on Machias for one of the state’s more popular summer festivals and the three-decade-old road race that accompanies it.

The annual Machias Blueberry 5-mile run, one of the more popular summer destinations for area runners and vacationers, will be held at 8 a.m. this Saturday at the congregational church parsonage across the street from the Washington County Jail on Court Street.

The event is one of the more challenging on the Sub 5 race series’ calendar. Unpredictable August heat coupled with some tough hills in the first couple of miles makes for a challenging race.

The race is held in conjunction with the Machias Blueberry Festival, and good times can be had by all, whether you’re running or cheering for loved ones.

The event, which ESPN’s SportsCenter visited two years ago on its 50 states in 50 days tour, has unique features near the start-finish area of the race such as craft vendors, exhibits and lots to eat, including the traditional blueberry pancakes.

It’s not too late to register if you haven’t signed up yet. To procure a registration form, head to www.sub5.com. Plenty of age-group awards are up for grabs in different categories, and if you’re fortunate enough to break Mike Gaige’s (24 minutes, 25 seconds) or Cassie Hintz’s course records, you’ll take home $100 in cash.

Registration on race day starts at 6 a.m., and the fees are $10 for the 5-miler and $5 for the 1-mile fun run.

Teams are also welcome, however all teams must pre-register.

Any questions, contact Sunrise Opportunities at 255-8596.

Speedy times at Schoodic

While we’re on the topic of scenic coastal Maine races, one of Maine’s fastest jaunts, the George Schaefer Memorial 5K, was held on Schoodic Point last weekend.

135 runners finished the race, which is directed by former Sumner High of East Sullivan cross-country coach Becky O’Keefe.

The winner of the women’s division in this one is a former Tigers standout. Elizabeth Brunton of Birch Harbor won in 19:20, 16 seconds ahead of younger sister Vanessa (19:36).

Eric Rudolph of Sullivan, a former Ellsworth High standout, cruised in the men’s division in 16:22.

XC practices off and running

As was the case in Maine this week, high school cross-country athletes from Kittery to Fort Kent kicked off preseason practices this week.

The first exhibition meet of the fall, the Laliberte Invitational, will be held next Friday at Cony High School in Augusta.

Regular-season competition gets under way Friday, Aug. 31, and the opening-day slate includes a six-team KVAC slate at Bangor High School among Bangor, Brewer, Hampden Academy, Waterville, Cony and Lawrence of Fairfield.

Many PVC teams will open their seasons at the Ellsworth Invitational the next day, Saturday, Sept. 1.

Stay tuned for predictions.