CAPE ELIZABETH, Maine – Volunteers are needed for this year’s TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon 10K Road Race on Aug. 1, especially in the areas of recycling and the Kids Fun Run race on Friday, July 31. There are also spaces available on the race course working with the water station program.

Those who wish to help before can sign up online at b2bdevelopment.wpengine.com. Organizers are urging volunteers to sign up early for the best job selection. Please call (207) 272-3545 with questions.

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

“This year the Kids Fun Run is Friday evening, so parents can watch their kids and volunteer on race day, too,” said Maya Cohen, Volunteer Coordinator of the TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon 10K. “The race is also increasing its efforts in recycling with the help of this year’s green sponsor, Fairchild Semiconductor, and Athletes for a Fit Planet. Individuals with a passion for the environment can join our ‘Green Team’ to help us expand and improve upon our recycling program.”

About 800 volunteers are needed each year to ensure the smooth operation of the event. The race field was expanded to 6,000 runners this year and includes some of the world’s best elite runners. So far, 375 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 emailbestn92@gmail.com.

This year marks the 12th year for the TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon, one of Maine’s premier sporting events and one of the top events on the U.S. road race circuit. 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.

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 to Maine Handicapped Skiing. 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, Olympic gold medalist and Maine’s most recognizable athlete. In addition to TD Banknorth, other major corporate partners this year include Hannaford, Fairchild Semiconductor, Poland Spring, Northeast Delta Dental, Nike, MaineHealth and WCSH6. For additional info about the race, visit b2bdevelopment.wpengine.com or call the race hotline at (888) 480-6940.