For Immediate Release
May 28, 2008

Contact:
Maya Cohen, Volunteer Coordinator
(207) 838-8816
Jason Wolfe
(207) 883-6083
E-mail: jason@wolfenews.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 on Aug. 2, especially in the areas of pre-race registration, parking, water stations and the medical tent.

Those who wish to help before or during the race on Saturday, August 2, can sign up online at www.beach2beacon.org. Organizers are urging volunteers to sign up early for the best job selection. If questions, call (207)272-3545.

Returning volunteers who wish to work in the same area as in previous years are asked to register by June 15 .

“We are encouraging anyone who has a preference of where they want to volunteer, or if they are part of a group, to sign up early,” said Maya Cohen, volunteer coordinator of the TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon 10K. “We can usually accommodate groups as well as families who want to volunteer together. If there are family members under 18, they download an application from the website and mail it in.”

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 best elite runners, and as many as 10,000 spectators who line the course in Cape Elizabeth to cheer on the runners. So far, 400 volunteers have signed up.

Volunteers help organize and staff many aspects of the event, including registration the two days before the race, course set up and break down, water stations, baggage assistance, recycling, medical and parking. Volunteers receive a commemorative T-shirt and are invited to a party organized exclusively for them.

Minors (under age 18) cannot register online and need to download an application from the website. If questions, volunteers can call 207-272-3545 or email bestn92@gmail.com.

This year marks the 11th year for the TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon, one of Maine’s premiere sporting events and one of the top events on the U.S. road race circuit. The race, which attracts the world’s top elite runners as well as the top Maine and New England runners, 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.

This year’s race beneficiary is the Susan L. Curtis Foundation, the sponsor of Camp Susan Curtis, a summer camp dedicated to improving the lives of economically disadvantaged Maine children ages 8-18. The organization provides traditional camping experiences interwoven with a leadership development and life skills curriculum. For more information, visit www.susancurtisfoundation.org.

TD Banknorth, through the TD Banknorth Charitable Foundation, will provide a cash donation of $30,000 to the Susan L. Curtis Foundation. The non-profit organization also will benefit from fundraising activities and publicity through its association with 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 Hannaford, Poland Spring, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Maine, MaineHealth, Nike, 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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