With ‘Maine’s Fastest Road Race’ only five days away, registration forms for the 26th annual Walter Hunt Memorial Fourth of July 3K from Brewer to Bangor have been flowing in consistently.

“They’ve been coming in steadily, I’ve got around 150 maybe,” race director Dave Torrey said.

The fast, downhill jaunt through downtown Brewer and into downtown Bangor starts at 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, with race day registration starting at 8:30 inside the Brewer Auditorium.

The toughest part of any race is its third quarter – which in this case is the Joshua Chamberlain Bridge, which can be a tougher 300 meters then meets the eye, especially after an all-downhill start.

“A lot of runners really like to see what they can do in a mile,” Torrey said. “[But] they forget that the Joshua Chamberlain Bridge [is an] upgrade.”

One unique thing about the race is that it starts roughly 15 minutes before the Brewer-Bangor parade, which means there are hundreds of spectators.

“So many people along the streets are waiting for the parade, it gives [the runners] a lot of encouragement along the way,” Torrey said. “Runners really thrive on that.”

The parade is one of many little things that keep runners coming back every year.

“You have the parade, you have the short distance that really brings a lot of young kids,” Torrey said. “Then [you have the] speed of the course, which is anther factor that brings a group of runners out.”

Age group winners and the overall male and female winners will each take home an apple pie.

At least one of the 2005 champions will be back this year. Mike Bunker of Bucksport has pre-registered, Torrey said, adding that he hasn’t received a registration form from Cassie Hintz of Stillwater yet.

However, Judson Cake of Bar Harbor and former University of Maine runner Jeff Caron will both be participating, as well as Tour du Lac 10-miler champion Evan Graves of Presque Isle.

One runner to watch out for if he participates is Casey Quaglia of Bangor, who has the endurance to stay with the lead pack and the leg speed to outkick any runner.

Torrey said “about 275 T-shirts” will be available, so you’ve still got plenty of time if you want a T-shirt.

Beach to Beacon needs volunteers

The TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon 10K field reached the capping point of 5,500 runners long ago, but volunteers are still needed for the Aug. 5 race in Cape Elizabeth.

Volunteers are needed in the following areas: parking, security, course water stations, baggage, the runners’ food tent, timing chip recovery and the medical tent.

Anyone 18 or older is welcome to volunteer, and minors are welcome as well with guidance and-or permission from a parent or guardian.

More information is available by accessing the race Web page at www.beachtobeacon.org.