In just six years the annual Patriot 5K race around Crystal Lake in Gray has quickly become one of Maine’s premier races for avid runners, weekend warriors and first-timers. With more than $5,000 in cash and prizes, top runners in Maine and New England compete. This year organizers, with the support of lead sponsor Michael Liberty and the Liberty Family Foundation are offering a $1,000 bonus to the runners capable of breaking the states 5K records.
Course records were set four years ago for the men when Louie Luchini clocked in at 14:38. Two years ago, Scarborough resident Erica Jesseman broke the record when she crossed the line in an impressive 16:20 in the women’s division.
“Having runners of this caliber speaks volumes as to the quality of this event” said Co-Race Director Tim Anketell. “Now, our goal is to make this not only a great community event, but also attract the most elite runners from the Northeast and beyond! As organizers, we are committed to being the greatest 5K in the state.”
The Liberty Family Foundation and its founder, Gray native and entrepreneur Michael Liberty, share the vision for this event. “This has become one of the areas largest annual events, bringing together the communities in support of one of our greatest assets – our children’s education,” Liberty said. “First and foremost it is about promoting health and fitness in our own community. That said, some of the fastest times have been clocked at the Patriot 5K since its inception, now it’s time to take it to the next level.”
Since there are no “official” records kept, organizers have done research and determined the following times to be the fastest ever run in the state: Men’s: 14:15:72 set by Pat Tarpy in 2006; and Women’s: 16:06:18 set by Cathy O’Brien in 1996.
In addition to the $1,000 offering for a state record organizers will still be honoring the $250 course record bonus and the $500 first place reward for a potential payout of $1,750.
Participants can see the course and register at www.patriots5k.org. This year’s event will be capped at 1,200 runners and anyone registered by May 1 will receive a free event T-shirt and goodie bag. The entry fee will be $20 in advance and $25 on race day.
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