Seacoast Science Center held its 16th annual 5k Rescue Run: Race for Marine Mammals on Saturday, April 19th. Over 720 registered to run the trails of Odiorne Point State Park to raise money for Seacoast Science Center’s Marine Mammal Rescue program. Here, overall winner Thomas Jarvela, 40, of Stratham, NH, crosses the finish line at 17.44 minutes.
Seven hundred and twenty runners and walkers took to the trails of Odiorne Point State Park for Seacoast Science Center’s Rescue Run: Race for Marine Mammals on Saturday, April 19th, presented by Meredith Village Savings Bank. The scenic route led them through the forest, alongside the rugged shoreline, across the sandy beach, and over the hills of military fortifications within the park.
Seacoast Science Center (SSC) holds this annual event to raise awareness and funds for its Marine Mammal Rescue program, and the team’s wildlife conservation and education work.
Overall race winner, Thomas Jarvela, 40, of Stratham, NH crossed the finish line with a time of 17:44. Molly Evak, 42, of Pawcatuck, CT was the female overall winner with a time of 21:12.
The Kids Fun Run included a 300-yard dash and half-mile run. All 84 children who participated won a prize.
The Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation joined us and organized a beach cleanup following the race, educating participants on the threats that marine debris present to both sea life and humans.
Race and Marine Mammal Conservation Director Ashley Stokes shared, “We are thrilled to witness such an amazing turnout in support of our Marine Mammal Rescue program through participation in our 5K trail race at Odiorne Point State Park. Participants enjoyed the challenging 5K course, the enthusiastic cheers from volunteers along the route, the post-race snacks, as well as the incredible prizes and raffles. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the 117 volunteers who prepared the trails before the event, over 65 day-of volunteers, and the numerous individuals who dedicated countless hours to ensure its success, along with the local businesses that sponsored the event and generously contributed snacks and prizes.”
Prizes were awarded for the top two male and female winners in each age category and prize baskets were awarded to raffle winners.
Female age group top winners were Harper Evak, 26:59 (12 and under); Mary Burt, 27:13 (13-19), Faith Savage, 22:08 (20-29); Kelly Goodwin, 23:53 (30-39); Kirsten Kortz, 25:08 (40-49); Kara Haas, 21:47 (50-59); Krista Kallio, 26:41 (60-69); Geri Clifford, 28:57 (70+).
Male age group top winners were Ryan Feeney, 22:05 (12 and under); Nathan Dillon, 18:58 (13-19); Logan Foster, 19:48 (20-29); Samuel Evans-Brown, 18:16 (30-39); Richard Feeney, 22:14 (40-49), Gregory Desmarais, 22:54 (50-59); Michael Fennell, 26:37 (60+); and Robert Beaulac, 28:56 (70+).
A heartfelt thank you to our event title sponsor, Meredith Village Savings Bank, along with supporting sponsors New Hampshire State Parks and Portsmouth Scuba. We also appreciate the in-kind contributions from Atlantic Grill, Centrus Digital, and PromoCentric, as well as the numerous local businesses that generously supported our Rescue Run with food and raffle prize donations.
You can learn more about Seacoast Science Center Marine Mammal Rescue and find a link to complete race results at www.seacoastsciencecenter.org. Select photos from race day will be shared on social media at www.facebook.com/SSCmarinemammalrescue.
