Seacoast Science Center held its 17th annual 5k Rescue Run: Race for Marine Mammals on Saturday, May 2nd. Over 487 registered to run the trails of Odiorne Point State Park to raise money for Seacoast Science Center’s Marine Mammal Rescue program. Here, last year’s overall winner Thomas Jarvela, 41, of Stratham, NH, crosses the finish line first again at 19:13 minutes.
May 2, 2026 – Odiorne Point State Park, Rye, NH – Four hundred eighty-seven 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, May 2nd, 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 bunkers within the park.
The 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, community outreach, public safety, and education efforts.
Overall and repeat race winner, Thomas Jarvela, 41, of Stratham, NH crossed the finish line with a time of 19:13. Katie Edwards, 35, of York, ME was the female overall winner with a time of 20:47.
The Kids Fun Run included a 300-yard dash and half-mile run. All 78 children who participated received 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.
The Center’s Senior Director of Science and Administration, Ashley Stokes, stated, “We are thrilled to witness our community unite in support of our Marine Mammal Rescue program by taking part in this annual 5K trail race at Odiorne Point State Park. This event is always a favorite of ours, as the atmosphere is filled with camaraderie, with cheers from fellow participants, volunteers, and spectators along the course.” Stokes adds, “We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the 89 volunteers who prepared the trails, over 65 volunteers who assisted us on the day, and everyone who dedicated their time and effort. A special thank you goes to the local businesses that sponsored the event, and who generously donated snacks and raffle prizes. All this makes for a truly memorable event.”
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 Sophia Hasevlat, 28:12 (12 and under); Jillian Williams, 22:42 (13-19), Zoe Kaplan, 25:26 (20-29); Michelle Gardener, 26:15 (30-39); Sallyann Taylor, 24:23 (40-49); Rachel Gallant, 23:48 (50-59); Colleen Coogan, 27:55 (60-69); Lisa Christie, 50:38 (70+).
Male age group top winners were Harvey Wells, 23:00 (12 and under); Nathan Dillon, 20:37 (13-19); Andrew Weeks, 21:02 (20-29); Vincent Lyon, 19:29 (30-39); Adam Fitzpatrick, 19:39 (40-49), Joshua Shenker, 25:50 (50-59); Don McCarty, 24:20 (60+); and David Ritchie, 33:32 (70+).
A heartfelt thank you to our event presenting 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, Blue Dolphin Screen Print & Embroidery, Centrus Digital, Millennium Running, and Stonyfield Farm, Inc.; 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 online and find a link to complete race results on the event page. Select photos from race day will be shared on social media at www.facebook.com/SSCmarinemammalrescue.
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