Frannie Peabody 5km Race - Ogunquit Maine

A race with drag queens in high heeled sneakers? Only in Ogunquit!

Today marks the 4th annual Frannie Peabody Center 5 kilometer run/walk for AIDS.  The Frannie Peabody center assists over 1500 clients that have AIDS in Maine. Frannie Peabody also sponsors outreach and AIDS testing in Maine. I am proud that the people of  Ogunquit provide so much monetary support for this wonderful agency. Once again the amazing Jimmy Lucibello raised over $8000 in donations.

After 31 years on our cultural landscape, AIDS is still a reality. Many people that attended the race have friends that are living with HIV or AIDS. The virus does not discriminate and education and awareness are essential in today's modern world.

It's also nice to have a 5 kilometer race in my adopted home town; I run some part of this course virtually every day. Race started on the beach, then north on Route One/Main Street (escorted by Ogunquit's Finest) then a right on to Ocean Ave, and then 1.5 kilometers of hard packed sand on Ogunquit beach!

(Running through the village centre.  Picture courtesy of Rick at Moon Over Maine)

This little race packs a lot of schwag.  Yoga stretches, and a goodie bag with t-shirt and snacks. Food from  Julies Provisto and Bread and Roses Bakery. The race ended at the beach with an old fashioned healthy cookout from Nancy's Catering. Entertainment provided by a DeeJay and  3 AIDS Awareness drag queens.Topped off with perfect weather and big waves! It doesn't get much better!

(Ogunquit's Mark Register & Bobby Winn)

I came in fifth overall with a time of 20.24/6.34 per mile. First place winner was elite runner and Ogunquit selectman Bobby Winn, followed by Ogunquit's Bryan Wilson and Mark Register. The race was professionally timed, and once again Bobby Winn set the course and built the starting gate!

Ogunquit High Heel Dash, Super Heroes for Frannie Peabody Center

What makes a super hero a super hero?

As children we remember stories of characters who do heroic acts: help people, fight bad guys, fight for justice etc.

Everyday, countless people are super heroes. They do kind and generous acts to help others and not themselves.They do good, for the sake of doing good.

                                                                  (Jimmy measures Superman's heels)

The The Frannie Peabody Center is comprehensive AIDS agency located in Ogunquit that helps people with AIDS/HIV or at risk of HIV. The Frannie Peabody Center relies on contributions and fundraising to meet it's objective. The Frannie Peabody has helped countless people in Maine that struggle with HIV and AIDS on a daily basis.

Today, as part of OgunquitFEST celebration, the Third Annual High Heel Dash to benefit the Frannie Peabody Center took place in Perkins Cove. The dash is sponsored by the Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce and organized by Ogunquit's Jimmy Lucibello and Frances Reed.

Jimmy and Frances are my super heroes. Both Jimmy and Frances tirelessly work on countless projects that benefit others and not themselves. Toy Drive for needy children and Animal rescue are some of the other  projects that these two super individuals work on.

Well over $1,000 was raised at this event. A thousand dollars doesn't sound like a lot, but to people suffering from HIV or AIDS, this money will go far.

The High Heel Dash is short course race around Perkins Cove. The key ingredient to the race  is that contestants must wear 2" inch heels (5cm) or higher. Contestants are urged to wear costumes, and there is a category for the most outrageous., fastest, and highest heel.

Lance runs to the finish line; and Joanna of Maine Street Cabaret Night Club entertains... Bryan has the highest heels and Rick Barber of Moon Over Maine has the brightest costume....

While, dasher's and dancers may prance in Perkins Cove, and entertainers like Ogunquit's Joanna ( "girl" with a gazillion voices), may hold court; fishermen return to the "cove" in their "punts" after a day of deep sea fishing. Just another day in the little town of Ogunquit Maine where there are many super heroes......

Frannie Peabody 5k Beach Race Ogunquit 2011

Race against AIDS....

                                                                                                        (photo courtesy of Anthony Defeo)

Its hard to believe that it has been 30 years since the  AIDS pandemic reached our cultural radar screen.  AIDS has also affected the little hamlet of Ogunquit, as it has it many communities.

The Frannie Peabody Center is dedicated to providing comprehensive services to people with HIV/AIDS. This organization does amazing things for many people in the Ogunquit area.

Today marks the 3rd Annual Frannie Peabody Beach to Bay 5km Race for AIDS and 5k Walk.  The race is administered by Ogunquit's Jimmy Lucibello.

Over the  past 8 years I have done a variety of races for all kinds of causes.  However, the Ogunquit race is a bit different. For a small town race, it's actually quite festive. The whole weekend is devoted to AIDS awareness with functions and events taking place throughout the town.  The AIDS race featured:  a barbecue, food, massage therapists, deejay, yoga, goodie bags with t-shirt, and a giant piñata shaped as an AIDS ribbon. And of course there were drag queens to entertain and enlighten the masses. The AIDS memorial quilt was also on display at the Dunaway Center.

The race course was a bit different this year. It was a combination of beach, street, sand and wooden footbridge race.

The Ogunquit Police Department gave the runners and walkers an escort through town.  Ogunquit selectman Bobby Winn,  measured and set the race course. Winn is not only town selectman, he is also an elite runner, placing first at today's event.

I came in 4th overall with a time of 20.36. Not bad for a mixed course of sand, beach, and road. I averaged 6.38 minutes a mile. There was a modest headwind for the last mile on the beach.

The day was perfect: bright morning sun, great run on the beach with friends, food, entertainment and a lot of monetary support for the Frannie Peabody Center.....

See the results here....

For more information: http://www.peabodycenter.org/

To contact or find out about men's support group Click Here

Jimmy Lucibello-Maine Equality Award

Congrats to Ogunquit's own Jimmy Lucibello for being the recipient of distinguished The Cameron Duncan Equality Maine award. Jimmy came to Ogunquit 10 years ago for the summer and never left. Jimmy works for the Frannie Peabody Center. The Frannie Peabody Center is the largest community-based HIV/AIDS services organization in Maine, providing prevention services for at-risk groups and direct services for people living with HIV/AIDS.

Jimmy heads up a men’s group called "Get Out Ogunquit". The group connects and supports gay and bisexual men through education and community activities. The group meets Mondays in Ogunquit. Locals, and tourists alike, attend these safe, non-judgemental weekly meetings. The group is sponsored by the Franny Peabody Center. Lucibello has also been involved with HIV education within the Franny Peabody Center as a peer support person.
I have known Jimmy since he lived in Chelsea, MA over 10 years ago. Jimmy has been an: educator, innkeeper for Black Boar Inn, bartender, and social activist. If there is a worthwhile cause, Jimmy is always there: Special Olympics, animal Welfare, HIV/AIDS support,  Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce, Maine Foster Children’s Christmas; and gay marriage/Vote No on One.  Lucibello has tirelessly worked in various campaigns that involve equal rights, social justice and helping others.

People like Jimmy, are another reason why I call Ogunquit home. His positive outlook on life, and his effervescent personality shines beautifully like the meaning of his name in Italian: beautiful light!

Jimmy was recently visiting Wilton Manors, FL for a much needed vacation.

Again, Congrats to Jimmy Lucibello, this year's winner of the Maine Equality Award!