Online Registration for Popular TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon 10K Road Race Closes in Record Time

Remaining spots in the race to be filled using printed applications, available in early April

Online registration for the TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon 10K Road Race has officially closed. A limited number of spots remain for runners who register using a printed application, which will become available in early April.

Race organizers urged those who still want to participate in the August 4 race to visit the race website at www.beach2beacon.org to find out more information about the paper registration process.

Online registration was shut down after filling 4,700 slots in just 10 days, a record pace. Over the same period last year, 2,900 runners had registered. The field is limited to 5,500 participants.
Race organizers attributed the overwhelming pace of online registration to the fact that this year marks the special 10th running of the popular TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon 10K.

“There’s been quite a ‘buzz’ surrounding the race this year with the 10th running and I think it was just a matter of people getting online and registering as soon as they could so they wouldn’t miss out,” said David Weatherbie, president of the race that begins near Crescent Beach along Route 77 in Cape Elizabeth and ends 6.2 miles later at the Portland Head lighthouse at Fort Williams Park.

Race organizers also have closed online registration for the Kids Fun Run, which typically attracts about 550 youngsters.

The TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon is one of the country’s marquee road races, drawing the world’s top elite runners and the best in New England. Last year’s field included runners from 16 countries and 43 states. Thousands of spectators line the course to cheer the runners, and more than 700 volunteers help ensure a smooth operation.

TD Banknorth is the title sponsor of the race founded by Joan Benoit Samuelson, the Olympic gold medalist from Cape Elizabeth. Maine’s most recognizable athlete, she also serves as a spokesperson for the bank during the year to promote the race and the bank’s giving programs, which benefit Maine youth with scholarships, sponsorship programs and charitable gifts.

TD Banknorth has chosen STRIVE, a non-profit organization that serves developmentally disabled youth, as the beneficiary for this year’s race. STRIVE’s mission is to assist teens and young adults with intellectual and emotional disabilities in utilizing resources within their community so they can participate as viable members of the community. For more information, visit www.pslstrive.org.

TD Banknorth, through the TD Banknorth Charitable Foundation, will provide a cash donation of $30,000. Also, STRIVE, as race beneficiary, will benefit from fundraising activities and publicity.

In addition to TD Banknorth, other major corporate partners this year include Nike, Hannaford, Anthem, Poland Spring, MaineHealth and Northeast Delta Dental.

For additional info about the race, visit www.beach2beacon.org or call the race hotline toll free at (888) 480-6940.

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