Peoples Beach to Beacon 10K Entry Forms Now Available at Peoples Branches Statewide

Printed registration forms for runners entering the sixth annual Peoples Beach to Beacon 10K Road Race on August 2 in Cape Elizabeth are now available at the more than 60 Peoples Heritage Bank branches statewide.

Race organizers are encouraging those who have not yet registered but want to participate to act quickly to ensure a spot at the starting line in August for the popular international event.

The field for this year's race will remain at 5,000 runners. Already, a record 3,640 runners have registered online at the race's web site, www.beach2beacon.org. That number is well ahead of the pace last year, when the race filled up before the end of June.

"With the tremendous response so far, we really want to urge anyone who intends to participate to fill out an entry form as soon as they can," said Dave Weatherbie, president of the race that begins at Crescent Beach along Route 77 in Cape Elizabeth and ends 6.2 miles later at the Portland Head lighthouse at Fort Williams Park. The race draws the world's top elite runners and the best in New England.

Also, more than 250 are registered so far for the children's 1K race, which typically attracts more than 500 youngsters, said Meg Dempsey, vice president and director of public affairs at Peoples Heritage Bank and the bank's lead organizer of the race. Peoples sponsors and coordinates the race founded by Joan Benoit Samuelson, the Olympic gold medalist from Maine who also serves as a spokesperson for the Peoples Promise Program for youth in Maine.

In addition to Peoples, other major corporate partners this year include Nike, UnumProvident Corp., Poland Spring, Hannaford and WCSH TV-6.

The youth organization chosen by the bank this year to be the race beneficiary is Seeds of Peace, a group that promotes tolerance and understanding among youth around the world. Peoples will provide a cash donation of $30,000 from race proceeds, and Seeds of Peace will further benefit from fundraising opportunities and publicity valued at more than $40,000.

For additional information, including volunteer opportunities, visit the race web site at www.beach2beacon.org or call the toll-free hotline at (888) 480-6940.

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