Weekly Back Cove Series...What A Rush!

Seven years ago, Stu Palmer had been intrigued with starting a race that simulated the "Fresh Pond" 5 mile Saturday morning races in Cambridge, MA and the Wednesday night race that the Lowell Spinners put on during the Summer. His solution was to have a no frills race/tempo run every Wednesday night. Runners and Walkers could participate in a race at NO CHARGE, receive a time and go home. May participation was usually in the single digits, with a peak of 40+ participants in August.

In 2005, Stu Palmer and I collaborated on how to take the event and make it more meaningful to the Running and Portland Community, without changing the integrity of a "free" weekly race. The race had grown and Stu needed support to keep things structured and organized. At every race he also was offered money and/or people wanted to contribute to support what they saw as a great event and weekly effort by Stu.

We came up with the idea that the race was made possible by the Portland Parks Department and Portland Trails and the Trails Network. This is often mentioned as one of the reasons Portland is ranked as one of the top ten healthiest and fittest cities in America. The Back Cove is littered with multitudes of Runner's and Walker's every day and night. Often, we take for granted what a wonderful and important resource the Back Cove is. We wanted to raise the awareness and create a way to raise money to help maintain this resource. After all, if runners were going to offer or contribute money, we might as well have "Our Host" meaning "Portland Trails" be the beneficiary.

With the help of Nan Cumming, Executive Director of Portland Trails, Mark Goettel, Mizuno, Maine Running Company and Blaine Moore's "Run To Win" website hosting sign up and race results, The Back Cove 5K Series has continued to prosper. The series maintains the integrity of a free event, but participants can contribute or purchase a "Weekly Back Cove Series" Technical Tee provided by Mizuno, for $20. All the contributions and proceeds go to support "Portland Trails". Additionally, there are overall series standings, with the top male and female's best 6 average time receiving a year's supply (four pair) of Mizuno Running Shoes. Last year, a community spirit award was added, as a way to recognize folks who volunteer, contribute or make an effort to support the WBCS event. Micheal Beaudoin was the inagural winner of the "Community Spirit" award.

This year, I was surprised when we had 240 pre-registered runner's. Our first race, always held the first Wednesday after the Sea Dogs Mother's Day 5K, included 146 participants. Week two had 308 pre-registered with 175 participants. Both events were conducted in an orderly and efficient manner with no major issues, due mainly to the pre-registration and efforts of our four sponsors. Additionally, the race sponsors have never had designs on creating a race that is unmanageable and if such occured, certainly we would adjust.

Every year I am approached by running community folks commenting about the increase in numbers. Once the runners begin, the entire event takes 30 minutes. After three minutes, the group is spread out enough that no one on the trail is effected. In essence, every runner/walker on the Back Cove, is not effected. This is an event that trancends the three minute group dispersion and calls for some patience by the wednesday night surge taking place. So far, that patience and courtesy has been extended by every runner and walker and Portland Trails thanks you!

Finally, there is a reason that commercializm doesn't permeate during the WBCS. The Back Cove is a place where folks go to "get away" from it all. Perhaps this is why there seems to be a celebratory atmosphere every Wednesday evening...people know there are no coupons or flyers shoved in their face.... just a run, get a time, high five and go home.

So next time you see a herd of runner's go by you on a Wednesday night, remember it is all part of helping our community maintain and protect a vital resource that makes Portland, Maine the Jewel that it is. For more information regarding the Weekly Back Cove Series Go Here!

Run, Train & Volunteer For A Cure!

Last April, my close friend and father In Law, Jack McGowan, lay in a coma fighting for his life after a 5 year battle with Cancer. His was Melanoma, but really, does it matter what kind? Any family that goes through the trials and tribulations understands what any form of cancer does. It can destroy, not just the human body, but also the human spirit.

Jack was a proud and decent man, who touched many lives. A recovering alcoholic, he reveled in his sobriety and was proud to pass on his experiences to others. His grandchildren were everything to him and he was a proud "Papa". His last visit to our house was on Easter Sunday, 2008. He decided he wanted to have a "normal" holiday and have the experience of a family Easter get together one more time. Living in Massachuesetts and limited to travel, he hadn't been in our home for two years. I could tell this was an accomplishment he truly wanted to complete before he passed. Also, this was his way of saying goodbye to his grandchildren in their environment vs. seeing him in a different state. Jack passed on April 29, 2008 and is truly missed. In Jack's honor, Maine Running Company takes this battle personally. MRC donates 25% of it's "Train For A Cure" training program and is a $10,000 level Endurance Sponsor for the Tri For A Cure this August. This is our Family's way of giving back. Our hope is that, combined with efforts of many, that one day we can find a cure.

This weekend, the Portland Sea Dogs presents the 9th annual Sea Dogs 5K. It has become the largest single 5K race in the State of Maine with 2,000+. Mary's Walk and Kerryman's Pub, is the largest participated 5K, with 1,000 runner's and 4,000 walkers in two separate events. This race, and many like it, have raised millions for the likes of the Maine Cancer Foundation, The Susan G. Komen Foundation, The American Cancer Society and many other worthy non-profits. Many races are "cause" related and that is the true beauty of community. Cancer can not touch our minds, spirit, soul or heart, but we can all fight this disease by giving back. If you don't run or walk, volunteer! Just do something!

Over 61 volunteers are need this Sunday for the Sea Dogs race. If you are interested, go here to volunteer or contact Mark Grandonico at grandm@maine.rr.com.

Remember.....Run Happy!