July 27, 2009

Top Runners in the World, New England and Maine Gather for Saturday’s TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon 10K

CAPE ELIZABETH, Maine – The top road racers in Maine, New England and around the globe are set to gather again in Cape Elizabeth for the 12th running of the TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon 10K Road Race on Saturday.

The elite athletes will share the picturesque coastal course with thousands of recreational runners who are cheered on by an enthusiastic throng of spectators. The atmosphere created confirms the reputation of the TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon as a world-class event with an appealing small-town charm.

This year’s field of 6,000 includes runners from 16 countries and 43 U.S. states.

More than $60,000 in prize money is at stake, including a $10,000 prize to the top man and woman. Also, a $2,500 bonus is available for an open course record and $500 for a course record in the Maine category, providing added incentive in a race that consistently ranks among the fastest and most competitive 10Ks in the world.

The race beneficiary this year is Maine Handicapped Skiing, a non-profit organization that promotes year-round education and training for Maine children with physical disabilities. Based in Newry, Maine, the organization provides more than 3,700 lessons free of charge in winter and summer with the help of more than 390 volunteers – making it the state’s largest year-round adaptive recreation program for children and adults with physical disabilities. For more information, visitwww.skimhs.org.

TD Banknorth, through the TD Charitable Foundation, will provide a cash donation of $30,000, plus the organization will benefit from fundraising activities and publicity.

“The key to the success of the TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon for 12 years now has been the hard work of all involved, from the tireless volunteers to the dedicated runners to the welcoming Town of Cape Elizabeth to the talented race organizers,” said Larry Wold, president of TD Banknorth Maine who will lace up his running shoes Saturday for his 12th TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon. “Hats off to everyone who makes this such a special event.”