Joan Benoit Samuelson, Maine’s Olympic Legend, Will be at the STart of the December 8th Race.

Joan Benoit Samuelson, Maine’s own Olympic and marathon legend, will officially start the 17th annual Holiday Dash 5K on Sunday, December 8th.  The Dash is a fun run along Portland’s Eastern Promenade Trail.

All funds raised from the event will support the 80+ mile trail network that’s used over one million times each year.  Funds will also support initiatives to introduce New Mainers to their local trails and improve trail accessiiblity throughout the network. Following the race, runners can enjoy a complimentary cocoa to warm up or for $15. attend a post race brunch at Ri Ra Irish Pub & Restaurant, 72 Commercial Street, , complete with a beverage ticket.

Anyone interestd in applying for payment assistdance can do so here: www.newrunners.org/shared-miles/  Participants can register online any time or in person at the packed pickup on December 7 or before the race on December 8th.

The two locations to pick up race packets referred to above are:  Saturday, December 7th, 9:00 am – 12.  at the Portland Trails Office, 38 Diamond Street, Portland and on Sunday, December 8th from 9:30 am – 10:30 am at Ri Ra Irish Pub & Restaurant, 72  Commercial Street, Portland.

The annual Holiday Dash 5K is presented by Martin’s Point Health Care.