Today is National Running Day!

Today is National Running Day. Coincidentally it is also The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Maine Special Olympics. This is the 12th year I have been involved with the  Maine Special Olympics and the 28th year Ogunquit Police has participated. 

I started the day with a easy run though the village and Marginal Way and Perkins Cove. I almost always run in the morning, It's a way to clear my head and wake up my body. I am able to collect my thoughts, think and enjoy the beautiful sounds of the sea. 

Following my short run in the morning, it was off to the York/Ogunquit town line and wait for the "Flame of Hope torch" that is being carried throughout Maine to signal the start of the Maine Special Olympics. 

In the spirit of community policing, Ogunquit Police, invites the community  to run with members of the police department.  This year, Laura Rose, of Compass Rose Yoga, Ogunquit lifeguard, Nick Lumenello with his brothers, as well as innkeepers, Jimmy Lucibello and Rick Barber participated in the run. 

Before we ran, Yoga instructor, Laura Rose warmed us up with a variety of yoga poses. Bear in mind, we are on US Route 1,  at the town line during rush hour, doing these poses. I am sure it was a sight to see!

The best part of the Torch Run is the overwhelming  support from the townspeople. As we run through town, people wave, cheer and toot their horns. They also show support monetarily. 

       (photo courtesy of Jordan Freedman) 

In the spirit of National Running day, I will run for a third time today. An easy run with my cousin Joshua.

Frannie Peabody Center 5km Race in Ogunquit

Ogunquit is a favorite destination for runners, walkers, sunbathers, and others. Every year there are charity races that utilize the beautiful white sands of Ogunquit beach!

One local charity is the Frannie Peabody Center of Portland/Ogunquit. The Frannie Peabody mission is to "Prevent the spread of HIV and provide support for those living with HIV/AIDS in Maine". This agency does amazing things for people living with HIV. They also provide services for people at risk of HIV. Frannie Peabody's commitment to the people of Ogunquit has been exemplary! Consistently they have provided services, education, testing and prevention to countless visitors and residents.
         

Running through Ogunquit Square (Photo courtesy of Rick Barber)

This year was the 5th annual Frannie Peabody 5km race/walk. This professionally timed race features: runners, team runners, walkers and many  dedicated volunteers. Ogunquit's own Jimmy Lucibello is a big advocate and fundraiser for Frannie Peabody Center. He has personally raised over $8100 for this event and has donated his time to helping people that suffer from HIV. This year over $50,000 was raised, here in the little town of Ogunquit.

Greg & Jimmy Lucibello

The cost of the race is $25 which is amazing. For $25 you get a T-shirt, "goody-bag", yoga stretch, timed race, food,  post run message; and a beautiful race through Ogunquit that starts and ends on the beach! Ogunquit's Funny Man, Khris Francis, was the master of ceremonies. I always enjoy this hometown race and some of my guests at Ogunquit Beach Inn were able to participate this year.

My cousin Joshua ran the race this year. Joshua has got "bitten"  by the race bug. Throughout the spring, Joshua has been doing 5k's throughout northern New England. It was really fun to run with a member of my family; something I have never done before. Joshua towers over 6'2" (1.88cm), and is a Clydesdale of a runner. He trots along with a steady determined stride. His stamina is amazing. He gets so much out of running as I do!

Joshua & Greg

With rain in the forecast, spectator turnout was modest. Miraculously the sky cleared and the warm ocean breezes gave a refreshing start to this quick 5k race. The last 1.5 kilometers was the best and the hardest. Running on Ogunquit beach is something I do virtually everyday, but there was a modest headwind that slowed me down a bit. Running on sand does take more of an effort due to the texture of the sand against your running shoes.

I placed 5th overall with a time of 21.07/6.48 per mile. Not my best time, but a good time with friends, family and many wonderful volunteers, that make this, "A Beautiful Place, by-the-sea", for all!

The last 200 meters  I just "emptied my tank" and did my customary collapse as the tide rolled in at the finish line!

Ogunquit Beach & Bay 5k run for AIDS. Frannie Peabody Center

“Success isn't how far you got, but the distance you  travelled from where you started.”                                     
                                 -unknown

(photo courtesy of Jordan.Freedman@gmail.com)

One thing that always amazes me about Ogunquit is how philanthropic people are. There are countless fundraisers, benefits and organizations that are always competing for donations in this little village. This weekend was no different.
I participated in the  "Beach & Bay 5k Run & Walk for AIDS" sponsored by the Frannie Peabody Center. This organization does amazing work in Ogunquit and in Maine. The center provides services with people with HIV or AIDS.
Ogunquit's comedian  Kris Francis was the Master of Ceremonies at today's event. Before he officially started the race, he asked all participants "to visualize and focus on someone who has died of AIDS or HIV".

This certified race was at 11 am this morning on Ogunquit beach. Weather was great, with a modest headwind coming from the south.
Ogunquit's elite runner, Bobby Winn came in first place (again) with a time of 17.14 minutes.
The race is very inclusive with 165 runners, walkers, drag queens and even a person with a wheelchair ( which in not easy in the sand!),


Many people donated there time, money and inkind services. Normand of Maine Street had the barbecue for runners and  walkers,  Julies Provisto had great coffee and other treats. Food was provided by many of the local bakeries and restaurants.

Winner, Bobby Winn and Mark Register.

Mark is a director for the Frannie Peabody Center. Mark oversees the development aspect and assists with the planning the 5k Beach and Bay with Ogunquit's AIDS activist Jimmy Lucibello. Lucibello stated that the event raised over $21,000. Amazing for such a small town; and that does not include the inkind donations or other services provided.

I came in 7th with a time of 22.03 almost one minute off from last year's time. Not my best race, but then again, I am running on Ogunquit beach amongst friends for a worthwhile cause......