Volunteers, Cheer Stations Sought for Black Bear Marathon

Organizers of the University of Maine’s inaugural Black Bear Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K are seeking volunteers to assist on race day and at packet pickup, as well as host cheer stations along the route.

The races begin at 7:30 a.m. Sunday, June 21 and will start and finish on the UMaine track located at the Harold Alfond Stadium. Runners will be broadcast over the video scoreboard when they cross the finish line.

The 26.2-mile course is a double loop of the 13.1-mile course that begins on campus and travels around Orono and Old Town and back through the university’s bike path. The marathon will be a certified course, which gives runners the opportunity to qualify for larger races, such as the Boston Marathon. A 10K race also has been added to the lineup for those who like to race shorter distances.

A race expo and packet pickup will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 20 at the New Balance Field House. The expo will feature sponsor and vendor tables. Race packets also will be available at the UMaine track from 6–7:15 a.m. on race day.

Registration for the full and half marathon, as well as the 10K, is online. Registration for the 10K will close at the end of the expo.

Those interested in volunteering for the race at packet pickup or on the course can register online or email Lisa Morin at lisa.morin@maine.edu.

Race organizers also are recruiting cheer squads for the course and will supply noisemakers and poster board for any group interested in encouraging the runners.

Residents who live along the course and host a cheer station can aid runners by putting a hose on spray mode over the course; handing out paper cups with water, ice (while wearing plastic gloves) or unwrapped Popsicles; playing loud music on a stereo or instrument; or ringing bells, using noisemakers, shouting and holding signs.

To be listed as an official race cheer station, contact race director Lauri Sidelko at sidelko@maine.edu or 581.1423.

On-campus housing is available for runners, volunteers and spectators. Single rooms are $75 and double rooms are $55. Cots can be added to double rooms for $15 each. Double room occupants can register together or be assigned a roommate. Housing registration is online.

A pasta dinner will be held from 5–7 p.m. Saturday, June 20 at Wells Conference Center. Tickets are $17 for adults, $15 for children, and can be purchased online.

More about the race is on the Black Bear Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K website and Facebook event page. For more information or to request a disability accommodation, contact race directors Sidelko at sidelko@maine.edu, 581.1423; or Thad Dwyer at thad.dwyer@umit.maine.edu.