Registration Fills in Record Time for Popular Peoples Beach to Beacon 10K Road Race

Race Set for August 2 in Cape Elizabeth

CAPE ELIZABETH, Maine - Registration for this year's Peoples Beach to Beacon 10K Road Race is now closed, marking the earliest the race has filled in its six-year history.

The field, boosted to 5,000 last year, is now complete for the popular international event, set for Saturday, August 2, in Cape Elizabeth, Maine.

"The level of interest in this race continues to grow and grow, not just in Maine and New England but around the world," said David Weatherbie of Cape Elizabeth, president of the race. "Every year, more and more people want to get involved. It's a real tribute to the organizers and the volunteers who make this event what it is."

The race begins at Crescent Beach along Route 77 in Cape Elizabeth and ends 6.2 miles later in Fort Williams Park at the Portland Head lighthouse, the most photographed lighthouse in the world.

Registration forms were accepted online as well as by mail by Peoples Heritage Bank, which 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 to be the race beneficiary is Seeds of Peace, a group that promotes tolerance and understanding among youth around the world through its various camps, including one in Otisfield, Maine. 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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