Over seven hundred runners and walkers hit the trails of Odiorne Point State Park for the Seacoast Science Center’s Rescue Run: Race for Marine Mammals on Saturday, April 23, 2016. The scenic route brought them through the forest, by the rocky shore, on the sandy beach, and up (and down) the hills over military fortifications of the park.
The Seacoast Science Center holds the annual event to raise awareness and funds for its Marine Mammal Rescue program.
Overall race winner, Miles Brady, 25, of Durham, NH, crossed the finish line with a time of 17:08. Sarah Griffin, age 23, of Plaistow, NH was female overall winner with a time of 20:25. Second male and female finishers were Thomas Jarvela, 31, of Stratham NH at 17:23 and Heather Reed, 41, of Rue, NH at 20:09.
The Kids Fun Run included a 300-yard dash and a half-mile run. All 67 children who participated won a prize.
The Center combined their Earth Day celebration with the event, which added to the festivities. The crowd enjoyed music, face painting, and eco-friendly activities, including a mock seal rescue. The Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation led a beach cleanup after the race, teaching participants about the dangers marine debris pose on sea life and humans alike. One hundred and thirty five participants collected over 211 pounds of debris on the shore.
According to Race Director, Ashley Stokes, “Despite the fact that mother nature did not cooperate, we had overwhelmingly positive feedback from both runners and walkers alike, who expressed great appreciation for the well groomed trails, cheers from volunteers along the route, post-race snacks and activities, and awesome prizes. Thanks go to the over 70 day-of volunteers, dozens who put in countless hours to make the event possible, and to the business community for donating so many great snacks and prizes.”
The Center announced the launch of its new web site and blog, which features a special runner’s video blog. Follow #OceanRunnerNH to learn about great places to run along the shore, fascinating creatures of the Gulf of Maine, current ocean health issues, and more through fun, weekly posts.
Special thanks go to media sponsors z107 FM and 95.3 The Bull, and to sponsors Areté Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care, Kennebunk Savings, PromoCentric, ReVision Energy, and Run Portsmouth.
Executive Councilor Chris Sununu awarded prizes for the top two male and female winners in each age category and prize baskets were awarded to raffle winners.
Male age group top winners were Lars Hogne, 19:34 (12 and under); Brett Stevens, 19:05 (13-19); Nicholas Downing, 17:27 (20-29); Thomas Jarvela, 17:30 (30-39); Matt Sawyer, 17:35 (40-49), Johan Hogne19:59 (50-59); and Brian Gallagher, 23:29; (60+).
Complete race results can be found at www.millenniumrunning.com/results-rescue-run-for-marine-animals.
Female age group top winners were Addie Berglund, 22:19 (12 and under); Zoe Goodwin, 21:56 (13-19), Shannon Dean, 22:59 (20-29); Julie Jakobson, 21:39 (30-39); Heather Reed, 21:09 (40-49); Erica Khan, 22:20 (50-59); Geri Clifford, 24:07 (60+).
Learn about the Center’s Marine Mammal Rescue Team and see photos of the Rescue Run: Race for Marine Mammals and Kid’s Fun Run 2016.
