By Carol McCracken

The Ninth Annual Portland Trails 10K Race went off without a hitch this morning from 58 Fore Street on the Munjoy Hill waterfront. For the second year, this popular race was run from this location, whereas previously it had been run from Shipyard Brewery. Due to the Brewery’s expansion, the race was moved to the Portland Company complex two years ago.

Nan Cummings, director of Portland Trails, said that close to 1,000 people participated in the scenic race along water routes this year. Following the race which began at 9:00 a.m., Cummings presented awards to the winners in 14 different age categories – between 18 and 74. This year there were no entries in the 80 and above age category. “This race has grown very well,” said Cummings. “The first year there were 250 entries and here we are at almost 1,000 people,” she said. Cummings is a resident of the Hill. Formerly she worked at the Maine Historical Society.

Martin’s Point Health Care was a sponosr of the race. One of the representatives of Martin’s Point, was Alison Nason, also a Hill resident. She said: “It was an excellent race. There was a good turnout and the weather cooperated. We enjoyed working with Nan.” Dr. Moose, a member of the Martin’s Point medical team, dressed up as a moose, said there were no medical issues among the runners. Also at the race was Bill Hall, also of Martin’s Point. Martin’s Point which is also a sponsor of the Senior Games, some of whom participated in todays 10K race. Hall, is a former director of the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum & Co. which is also located on the 58 Fore Street property.

“I’m not a runner. Only when someone is chasing me,” said Jamie Parker, laughing, at the conclusion of the race where he was helping serve pizza (with beer)  to the famished race runners. The food was provided  by the sponsors.  Parker is the trails manager for Portland Trails and  lives on the Hill as well.