The temperature was well below zero as the Team Long Run Frozen Five Race course was set up on Highland Lake this past Saturday morning, but climbed to a balmy 7 degrees for the race start. The 5K course is unique in that participants can choose to run, ski, or snowshoe the distance.

The first finisher was a micro-spiked runner Amanda Rankic. Her time of 27:57 put her just 11 seconds ahead of Burton Rankic, who opted to ski. Steve McCaffrey ran the distance in 29:49, Erin Whelan in 35:12, Pauline Webb in 35:52, and Stacey Lane in 36:25.

Snowshoers Kerry Levesque and Andrea Goodwin finished together in 1:02:39.

The kids ran a 1K loop, and were led by Brady Chalmers, who finished in 12:34.

Many thanks to the Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce Winter Carnival, and the other race sponsors: Hayes True-Value Hardware, SkiHot, Maine Street Graphics, and Heidi Edwards from Norway Savings Bank for the drinks and refreshments. Special thanks to Race Director Katelyn Chalmers and all of the wonderful race volunteers!

Team Long Run founder Chuck Wilcoxen is looking forward to next year already.

“With slightly warmer temps, we’re hoping to have 100 participants out on the lake,” he said. “It’s really a fun, one-of-a-kind event!”