Volunteering is a Great Way to See TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon 10K Race

Families of runners can volunteer during race; register online at www.beach2beacon.org

CAPE ELIZABETH, Maine – Want to see the TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon up close? Volunteering is the best way to do that, said Maya Cohen, the volunteer coordinator for the race.

Cohen said volunteers get access to the course, runners, sidelines, start and finish line areas. So far, about 400 volunteers have signed up – about half the number needed to ensure the race runs as smoothly as it has in each of the previous eight years.

This year, the race will be held on Saturday, August 5. Cohen said she needs volunteers on race day in the areas of parking, security, course water stations (including start and finish areas), baggage, runner food tent, timing chip recovery and the medical tent.

Those who wish to help throughout the summer or on just on race day can register online at www.beach2beacon.org, where there is a link to a new web page about volunteering, or contact Cohen at call (207) 838-8816 or cohenm@gmail.com. Persons must be 18 years old to volunteer, however, minor volunteers are welcomed with guidance and/ or permission from a parent or guardian.

The race features 5,500 runners, including some of the world’s finest, and as many as 10,000 spectators who line the course in Cape Elizabeth to cheer on the runners.

“This year we hope some of those spectators become volunteers,” Cohen said. “It’s a rewarding and really exciting way to be a part of the action.”

In recognition of the support shown by the Town of Cape Elizabeth and in keeping with a focus on youth, the race beneficiary for this year’s race is the Cape Elizabeth Education Foundation (CEEF), a non-profit organization that enriches learning for Cape youth by funding innovative projects. CEEF also works to serve as a resource in helping other Maine towns interested in starting education foundations. TD Banknorth, through the TD Banknorth Charitable Foundation, will provide a cash donation of $30,000. For more information about CEEF, visit www.capeeducationfoundation.org.

This is the ninth year for the race. 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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