By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

It’s a go…

At least for now, area road race directors remain “optimistic” that as the country undergoes Covid-19 vaccinations and restrictions continue to be lifted the Lake Region will see the return of popular four milers and 5Ks — as we remember them.

Right now, races expected to be held include:

• July 4 — Bridgton 4 on the Fourth

Registration for the 45th annual race and Kids Fun Run opened Jan. 15. In addition to the 123 “defers” from 2020, the race now has 315. Free t-shirts go to the first 500 new registrations. The 2021 unique shirt design (shown) focuses on many of the things related to the Lake Region. The race will return to using the certified course now that the construction next to Food City is complete.

“We are also in touch with other race committees around New England through our partners at Granite States Race Services, and we will again support our virtual runners who can’t be in Bridgton in person, for whatever reason,” Race Director Bill Graham said on the race website. “Some of the most heartwarming feedback we got last year came from as far away as South Korea and Australia, in addition to most of the 50 states. From runners who have been part of this ‘race’ moment for much of their lives, and last year they could still feel part of it from halfway around the world.” The website includes a three-minute “drone” video of the race from a few years ago, “that will get you in a good road race state of mind!”  

In 2020, the race donated $21,500 to the Bridgton Public Library from the virtual race! In a normal year, the race donates $33,000 to the Bridgton community, with at least 90% going to the library.

Entry fees (all online) — $23, plus an online registration fee calculated as follows:

Number of registrations x $23 = Race Fee Total

Online registration fee is 4.97% of the Race Fee Total plus $1.25

These are examples of the cost of online registration:

Single — total cost: $23 + $1.15 + $1.25 = $25.40

Husband and wife — total cost: $46 + $2.30 + $1.25 = $49.55

Family of three — total cost: $69 + $3.45 + $1.25 = $73.70

Family of four — total cost: $92 + $4.60 + $1.25 = $97.85

Website: Fouronthefourth.com

The Kids Fun Run will take place on July 3 at 4:30 p.m.

If the race is converted to a virtual race, or is canceled because of weather or other unforeseen circumstances, deferrals or refunds will not be offered.

• July 17 — Lovell Old Home Days 5K

“Our time may change to make it an hour earlier but not sure just yet,” Stan Tupaj reported. “We are still finalizing details, but people contact me at stan@kezarrealty.com. I think that there was a consensus among the committee members that we make an attempt to do something for the town, but to do it in a responsible way (if that is possible).”

Tupaj added that while the race and Old Home Days parade will be held, there will likely be no public gathering at the Lovell Athletic Field, where the event included food vendors, games for children and displays.

• July 31 — Casco Days Country Run, uncertain at this point. Kevin Hancock said the Casco Days Committee plans to meet in early May to get a better handle on whether the popular event will be a go in 2021.

“We don’t know yet.  The short answer is it depends upon what state government is going to require for summer gatherings.  It’s not really about the virus.  It’s about the state’s response to the virus.  If everyone who wants a vaccine has one by summer I don’t know why we would still be required to be masked and distanced, but there is no predicting the state’s position,” Hancock said. “We are meeting again in early May to evaluate our best educated guess regarding the state’s future position. Casco Days doesn’t work — like many, many things — if you have to be distanced.”

The Country Run usually begins at 9:30 a.m. Stay tuned.

• Oct. 10 — Waterford Fall Foliage 5K

Since 2000, this event has allowed the Tony Waldeier Scholarship Fund to award over $74,000 to 101 students. Even though the race was cancelled in 2020, six $1,000 scholarships went to Waterford Memorial School graduates, according to Race Committee member Martha Eaton.  Already there are six new applicants, and the 2021 deadline is April 26. 

“Please celebrate student achievement by running or volunteering on race day, or by donating to the fund. We are prepared to modify or cancel this event should Covid-19 regulations change, but scholarships will always be awarded,” Eaton said. “Please visit our website and Facebook pages for updates and to learn more ways to help or get involved. Stay well. Many thanks to everyone who has participated or supported in any way over the years. We look forward to seeing you on October 10.”

Sort of…One race — Run by the Lake 5K in Harrison — will take a slightly different approach due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Rec Director Kayla Laird just announced a four-week challenge to encourage people to “get up, move and be active.”

“Registrations can be completed online and it is free! Those that participate will submit their miles from walking, running, jogging or hiking on a regular basis. The individual with the most miles at the end of four weeks will win a Fitbit watch! Second place will receive a $75 gift card to Under Armour and third place will receive a $25 gift card to Under Armour,” Laird said. 

The challenge begins this Monday, April 26 with participants submitting their miles for the day until Monday, May 24.

Rules: You must submit a picture of your miles to klaird@harrisonmaine.orgor to the Harrison Rec Facebook page; use an app to track your miles; register online for free at www.harrisonmaine.org; your regular steps do not count toward your miles, get out for a walk, hike or run.

For more information, contact Rec Director Laird at 207-583-2241.

Out…Another race — the Sebago Days Fun Run — is canceled, and its future is in doubt. Longtime organizer Jeff Cutting informed the Sebago Days Committee that he and his wife, Marie, would not present the race in 2021 and they plan to step aside as race directors.

“We have been hinting for them to find new race directors for a few years now,” said Cutting, who has overseen the race for over 20 years. “So, whether or not someone else steps up to run it, who knows.”

Carl Dolloff, president of the Sebago Days Committee, said the group is “very appreciative” for what the Cuttings have done. “We are currently looking for an organizer that has experience in running a road race for the committee. They can reach out to me (787-3732). Unless someone comes forward by June, the road race will be canceled for this year.”

In one form or another…is the case for The Dole 3 Miler in Fryeburg in August. Race Director Jon Crowe reported that e-mails were sent Tuesday to the Department of Public Works and the Town of Fryeburg to get permission to use the Rail Trail and parking lot for Saturday, Aug. 14.

“We are hoping to have an in-person race with all of the appropriate precautions in place. We also plan to have a virtual component,” Crowe said. “When we send out our notice to past participants, it will have a caveat that the in-person race is subject to change pending the current situation at the time of the race. We had a successful virtual race last year, but it pales in comparison to being together

“No word yet…on the Moose Pond Half Marathon/5K in West Bridgton. Attempts to reach race organizer Charlie Scribner were unsuccessful at press time Tuesday. No updates appeared on the race’s website.