For Immediate Release
May 18, 2006

Contact:
Maya Cohen, Volunteer Coordinator
(207) 838-8816
Jason/Beryl Wolfe
(207) 883-6083
E-mail: cohemm@gmail.com
Web Site: http://www.beach2beacon.org

CAPE ELIZABETH, Maine – Volunteers are needed for this year’s TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon 10K Road Race in all areas, including parking, security, baggage, runners food tent, and the medical tent.

Those who wish to help throughout the summer or on race day August 5 can register online at www.beach2beacon.org.

This year, volunteers for the race have a new website, which is available through the race site, or directly at www.b2bvolunteer.com . The new page includes updates on volunteer jobs available as well as schedules and registration information as well as a volunteer photo gallery.

Returning volunteers who wish to work in the same area as in previous years are asked to register by June 1.

About 800 volunteers are needed each year to ensure the smooth operation of the event. The race attracts 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 are excited about the website page, as volunteers can get a lot of their questions answered and send an e-mail via the site,” said Maya Cohen, the volunteer coordinator for the race. “If it wasn’t for the volunteers, we couldn’t organize such a great race.”

Volunteers help organize and staff many aspects of the event, including registration, course set up and break down, water stations, baggage assistance, recycling and parking. Volunteers receive a commemorative T-shirt and are treated to a post-race celebration/picnic at Fort Williams Park following the awards ceremony.

Those without Internet access are asked to call (207) 838-8816 to request a volunteer application, or pick up a form at TD Banknorth branches statewide. Also, minors (under age 18) cannot register online and need to obtain a volunteer form by contacting Cohen at (207) 838-8816 or cohemm@gmail.com. Organizers suggest signing up early for best job selection.

The TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon, now in its ninth year, is considered one of the marquee events on the international road race circuit, attracting the world’s top elite runners and New England’s finest. 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.

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.

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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