Team Long Run’s Third Annual “Frozen Five” 5K race will be held at 11:30 a.m., on Saturday, Feb. 15, on Highland Lake in Bridgton. 

Team Long Run, a Bridgton-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is pleased to invite runners, snowshoers and Nordic skiers to race the annual 5K as part of the Maine Lakes Winter Carnival.

“Run, ski, or snowshoe…just get there!” is the unofficial slogan.

Athletes can choose whatever works for them! Prizes will be awarded in all three categories. Team Long Run is pretty sure this is the only race of its kind. A children’s half-mile course on the lake will be marked for kids.

The entry fee for adults is $20. Kids up to age 18 enter for free. The proceeds from the race go directly to fund Team Long Run’s programs in the area. TLR’s mission is simple: “Running is an instrument of change. We use it to help kids lead lives of selflessness, satisfaction and success.” Team Long Run delivers weekly run clubs at several local schools at no cost to kids, families or schools. 

The race starts at 11:30, but it is recommended that athletes arrive at Highland Lake beach park by 11 a.m. to sign in or register. Water and snacks will be provided, and limited-edition T-shirts will be available for purchase.

Race sponsors include: Ski Hot, Hayes True Value, Maine Street Graphics.

Team Long Run expands to Maryland’s Eastern Shore

Bridgton-based Team Long Run, a nonprofit that connects kids with running, began program preparation in Maryland with The YMCA of the Chesapeake. Later this year, several YMCA’s on Maryland’s Eastern Shore will be offering Team Long Run (TLR) Run Clubs to children and families with restricted access to comparable opportunities.

TLR founder Chuck Wilcoxen traveled to Maryland to train and consult with YMCA leadership.

“The YMCA of the Chesapeake is a perfect partner for us,” he explained. “Their infrastructure and consistent faithfulness to their mission will be a complement and support to sharing the ‘Run Club’ idea outside of our immediate region. I probably learned more from them about program delivery than they learned from me about coaching kids to enjoy running!”

The Maryland clubs mark the first significant expansion of TLR’s activity out of New England.

“Kids love to run wherever they live,” said Wilcoxen, “and we love helping them.”  

YMCA Of The Chesapeake CEO Robbie Gill added, “We’re excited to learn from and work with Chuck Wilcoxen and Team Long Run as we work to engage school age youth across the Eastern Shore in run clubs that build self-esteem, confidence and inspire a passion for being active.” 

For more information about Team Long Run, please visit their website at www.teamlongrun.org