With only five races remaining in the Sub 5 Race Series, the points race is red hot as we run into the “Dog Days” of August.

Through the Fort Knox Bay Festival 5K, which was held July 24 in Bucksport, three runners are within five points of each other for the overall lead on the men’s side.

Phil LeBreton of Bangor, who finished second in that race and ran strong in the Beach to Beacon over the weekend, currently holds the top spot with 33 points. Judson Cake of Bar Harbor, however, sits just three points back while Mike Bunker of Bucksport, the winner of his hometown race, holds third with 28.

The next six runners are separated by a mere six points. Newell Lewey of Bradley holds fourth with 22, Tim Wakeland of Dedham, who won the Milbridge Days 5K Saturday, sits in fifth with 19. Evan Graves of Bar Harbor (18), Bryan Sharkey (17), Jeremy Lisee (17) and Claton Conrad (16) follow closely.

The overall women’s race is just as close, with Kathleen Bell and Cassie Hintz separated by just three points (38-35). Lara Rand (33), Margaret Jones (26) and Mary Parsons (25) round out the top five.

Beardsley hands over spot

Ellsworth High School running coach Andy Beardsley had an interesting weekend.

He was supposed to compete in the Beach to Beacon Sunday, but was unable to, as he instead opted to drive a friend to Bangor International Airport.

So, Beardsley handed his spot in the race over to friend Steve Connor. Instead, he took part in the Milbridge Days 5K race Saturday, where he finished sixth overall in 17 minutes, 54 seconds.

Kenyans conduct clinic

After performing well in Sunday’s People’s Beach to Beacon 10K, the elite runners stuck around for a few more days to teach all sorts of runners the ins and outs of the sport.

The top runners conducted a clinic for runners of all abilities Tuesday. Many of the elite athletes joined fans for a four-mile run along Portland’s Back Bay at 5:30 p.m.

Finishing Kick: You have some options if you’re looking to race this weekend.

On Saturday, you can head to Dover-Foxcroft for the Pony Pride 5K at 8 a.m. or to Island Falls for the Summer Fest 5K at 9.

On Sunday, the annual Lobster Festival 10K will take place in Rockland, starting at 8:30 a.m. Up the coast on Schoodic Point, the George Schaefer Memorial 5K will be held in Winter Harbor, also at 8:30. The Phippsburg Fireman’s 10K will be held at the Fire Department at 8 a.m., and the West Kennebunk Fire Co. Triathlon (.3-mile swim, 15-mile bike, 3-mile run) will take place at 7 a.m. at the high school.