Thirty-four runners and walkers braved heavy rains and high winds on Sunday in the challenging 7th annual Westport Island Shore Run 10K. The race, originally scheduled for Aug. 28, was rescheduled to Oct. 2 due to hurricane Irene.
The hilly route, a certified USATF course, runs through pine forests and over two causeways that span inlets to Heal Cove and Montsweag Bay. The long hills and winding roads provide a challenge in “Maine’s Best Little 10K Road Race.”
Walkers participated in a 3.5 mile “Fun Walk” in conjunction with the longer race, and started a half-hour earlier than the runners.
The rain drenched runners took off at 9 a.m. wearing everything from full rain gear to just a pair of running shorts and shoes.
The men’s winner, Ryan Leighton of Barter’s Island, won with a commanding lead, coming in at 37:47 seconds. Lauren Palmer of Webster, Mass., took the women’s division trophy in 49:20. Palmer summers each year on Westport Island and returned to the Island to run. Other runners from Long Island, Canada and local enthusiasts made up the undaunted participants.
Post-race, an awards ceremony was held and the waterlogged racers, firefighters and guests were provided with refreshments and towels.
The 10K event was sponsored this year by Maine Yankee; Boothbay Region Boat Yard; Sheepscot River Mooring & Marine Service; Abbott, Inc. of Westport Island; The Water Doctors LLC; Wiscasset Ford; Newcastle Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge; Bath Savings Bank; Ames True Value Supply; Rynel; Norm’s Used Cars; Sharon Drake Real Estate; Westport Island Community Association; Shaw’s; and Hampton Inn.
The race is held to benefit the Westport Island Volunteer Fire Department, and has raised over $10,000 in their support to date.
Racers in order of finish are as follows: 1. Ryan Leighton, 37:43; 2. Wade Boudreau, 39:40; 3. Rick Shea, 39:45; 4. Brian Chin, 41:17; 5. Ron Thomasson, 41:53; 6. Lauren Palmer, 49:20; 7. Anne Hendrix, 51:24; 8. Carrie McEneaney, 51:45; 9. John Watson, 53:16; 10. Seth Mitchell, 53:51; 11. Janet Nelson, 55:02; 12. Barry Fifield, 55:03; 13. Suzanne Fuller, 55:38; 14. Nathan Graham, 56:35; 15. Lee Schell, 58:17; 16. John Crispin, 58:31; 17. Pamela Shilma, 58:34; 18. Richard Tucker, 1:01:56; 19. Keith Malone, 1:02:44; 20. Xar Adelberg, 1:04:44; 21. Pamela Thiboutot, 1:044:55; 22. Shari Merkord, 1:08:35; 23. Barbara Moore, 1:15:02; and 24. Patricia Maguire, 1:20.
