Are You Up for a ‘Run Around the Mountain’

An event created last year as part of Mars Hill’s Homecoming activities will be taking place in August.

The second annual “Big Run Around the Mountain” half marathon is scheduled to take place on Sunday, August 11.  The run is jointly sponsored by Northern Light AR Gould Hospital in Presque Isle and Big Rock Mountain in Mars Hill.

The race starts and ends at the Big Rock ski area. Check in is at 7:00 am, with the race getting underway at 7:30 am.  The registration fee of $25 includes a t-shirt and medal, as well as an award for the top male and top female finishers. Registrations must be received by August 2 to guarantee a shirt.

Karen Gonya, communications manager AR Gould and one of the event organizers, says by keeping the event simple, they're able to keep the cost of entering down to a minimum. “The cost of a full or half marathon can be prohibitive to some, especially those who have never run that far and are not sure that they can finish.  Our commitment through the Fit & Fun program is to offer activities at low or no cost to eliminate that barrier to getting out there and trying something new.”

Tweedie IGA and Northern Light AR Gould Hospital are once again sponsoring a contest for cheer stations along the route.  While cheering participants on as they pass, the stations will be offering water or Gatorade for runners. A cheer station might will be in contention to win the contest and a $100 IGA gift certificate.

To register online or for more information, including a course map, visit www.northernlighthealth.org/ARG and click on the event banner at the bottom of the page.

Questions regarding the Big Run Around the Mountain or hosting a cheer station can be directed to Karen Gonya at 768.4012 or kgonya@northernlight.org.