RYE – Seven hundred and seventy three 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 21. 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, Christopher Dunn, 23, of Kennebunk, ME, crossed the finish line with a time of 16:54. Sarah McLaughlin, 43, of Portsmouth, NH was female overall winner with a time of 21:13. Second male and female finishers were Thomas Jarvela, 33, of Stratham NH at 17:24 and Amanda Szymanski, 23, of Londonderry, NH at 21:12.
The Kids Fun Run included a 300-yard dash and a half-mile run. All 80 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. Seventy-five participants collected over 144 pounds of debris on the shore.
According to Race Director, Ashley Stokes, “After a long cold winter, we were fortunate to have a picture perfect day, which brought the biggest crowd to date. Runners and walkers 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.”
Special thanks go to our 2018 Rescue Run sponsors 93.5 The Bull and Z107, Atlantic Grill, Atlantic Gymnastics Training Center, Clif Bar & Company, Derry Medical Center, Evolve Senior Living, Kennebunk Savings Bank, New Hampshire State Parks, NextEra Energy, PromoCentric, and ReVision Energy.
Prizes were awarded 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 Liam Johnson, 23:05 (12 and under); Lars Hogne, 17:57 (13-19); Vincent Lyon, 18:19 (20-29); Thomas Jarvela, 17:28 (30-39); Todd Sanders, 22:17 (40-49), Johan Hogne, 21:00 (50-59); and Frank Alix, 22:22; (60+).
Female age group top winners were Teresa Lavoie, 28:43 (12 and under); Maddy Anctil, 21:19 (13-19), Amanda Szymanski, 21:16 (20-29); Kate Paine, 22:24 (30-39); Tina Saltmarsh, 25:08 (40-49); Ella Richardson, 24:32 (50-59); Geri Clifford, 24:42 (60+).
Complete race results can be found at www.millenniumrunning.com/results-rescue-run-race-marine-mammals-2018.
You can earn about the Center’s Marine Mammal Rescue program here; photos can be found on the Marine Mammal Rescue Facebook page.
