Banjo, (left), says: “If I train real hard, maybe I’ll run the race next year.” By Carol McCracken (Post # 635)

The winner(s) of the first-ever Bayside Trail 5k on Sunday, November 14th was Steve Niles, Portland, and his dog Tucker, of “Team Tucker.” Their time was 15:56. The first-place female winner was Gretchen Chick, Brookline, MA with a time of 17:04. Both runners received a gift certiciate for a new pair of running shoes from the Maine Running Company. As top dog, Tucker received a $150. gift certificate to the Planet Dog Company Store. The event was hosted by the Bayside Trail Campaign Committee.

The race raised awareness and funds for the city’s newest and most urban trail. Over 20 volunteers came out to support the trail race, which ran from the Eastern Promenade on Commercial Street to the Bayside Trail’s Elm Street Plaza. Maine’s own Joan Benoit Samuelson, the first ever female Olympc gold metalist in marathon, participated by sounding the starting air horn and running in the race.

The Bayside Trail Campaign Committee would lke to thank its generous sponsors, the Maine Veterinary Referral Center, the Maine Running Company and Planet Dog.

Please visit www.baysidetrail.org

P.S. MHN.com is once again experiencing difficulty in posting photos – will continue to work to resolve the problem!