Registration for 2006 TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon 10K Fills in Record Time

Fundraising opportunity announced for runners who still want to participate

CAPE ELIZABETH, Maine - Registration of this year’s TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon 10K Road Race has officially closed, marking the earliest the popular international race has filled in its nine-year history, race organizers announced Monday.

The race filled in just 46 days – eclipsing last year’s record by almost two weeks – despite an expansion of the field by 500 slots to a total of 5,500. The ninth annual event is set for Saturday, August 5 in Cape Elizabeth, Maine.

“The response was huge, as usual,” said Cape Elizabeth resident David Weatherbie, president of the race. “Thanks to the efforts of the organizers, volunteers and the sponsors, this race has become a special ‘can’t-miss’ event for runners in Maine and all over New England. It just continues to grow and grow.”

The race begins near the Crescent Beach State Park entrance on Route 77 and ends 6.2 miles later in Fort Williams Park at the Portland Head Light, the most photographed lighthouse in America. The race, which draws the world’s top elite runners and New England’s finest, is considered one of the marquee events on the international road race circuit.

Those who missed out may still have an opportunity to participate. The non-profit Cape Elizabeth Education Foundation (CEEF), the 2006 race beneficiary, has a small supply of paid places in the race for anyone willing to do some fundraising in exchange for a free registration. For more info, visit www.capeeducationfoundation.org and follow the online process for fundraising for a race entry.

Four other charitable organizations – The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Portland and Auburn/Lewiston, (207) 874-1069, Riding To The Top (207) 892-2813, Kids First Center (207) 761-2709 and Big Brothers, Big Sisters (207) 773-5437 – are offering a similar opportunity.

TD Banknorth is the title sponsor of the race founded by Joan Benoit Samuelson, the Olympic gold medalist and Maine’s most recognizable athlete.

In addition to TD Banknorth, other major corporate partners this year include Nike, Hannaford, Anthem, Poland Spring, WCSH TV-6, and Northeast Delta Dental. For additional info about the race, visit www.beach2beacon.org or call the race hotline at (888) 480-6940.

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