Aroostook River Fun Run is Saturday

    WASHBURN — A bike event has been added to this year’s Aroostook River Fun Run which takes place this Saturday. Paddlers and pedalers will gather at Washburn’s Thomas Brewer Park for registration from 8-9:30 a.m., followed by a 10 a.m. start. The eight-mile event takes participants, either by boat or bike, along the river to the finish line at the Presque Isle Fish and Game Club.     Last year, Houlton’s Fred Ludwig successfully defended his Fun Run overall title, paddling the course in 53.29 minutes. More than 40 kayakers and canoeists participated in the Rotary Club-sponsored event.
    The family-friendly Aroostook River Fun Run was started by the Presque Isle and Washburn Rotary Clubs in 2007 as a way to increase awareness of the river and promote physical fitness and expand recreational opportunities in the region.
    Committee members hope for area canoe and kayak rental shops and vendors to advertise to those who are interested in participating but do not have a canoe or kayak.
    “Central Aroostook has a recreational opportunity in our backyards for paddling and pedaling that should be celebrated,” said Keith Brown, co-chair from Washburn.
    This year, with help from Mark Shea, a longtime recreation programmer with Maine Winter Sports and the Caribou parks and rec department, a wildlife-themed bicycle trek for persons who don’t own a canoe or kayak has been added to the Fun Run.
    “To celebrate the natural beauty of the Aroostook River — and to promote paddle/pedal sports as a fun and challenging family-oriented recreation — this ‘poker run’ will feature a Maine wildlife-themed deck of cards. Participants will travel the eight-mile route by bicycle, collecting cards as they pedal along the multi-use rail trail from Washburn to Presque Isle. Animals such as moose, deer, bears, and river otters will adorn the cards collected by the cyclists, along with vital information about these venerable denizens of Aroostook County’s North Woods,” said Shea.
    The person with the best poker hand at the end of the route will win a “Family Ski Day” at Bigrock Ski Area—two Adult and two Junior lift tickets.
    The flatwater canoe/kayak race features various categories based on participants’ age, experience level and type of watercraft. Winners will receive a paddle-shaped trophy while all registrants will have a chance to win the grand prize Old Town Otter kayak or an assortment of other door prizes.
    All Fun Run participants will be treated to a barbecue lunch at the Fish and Game Club, sponsored and staffed by The Aroostook Medical Center. A complimentary shuttle service will take participants back to the starting point in Washburn to retrieve their vehicles.
    In an effort to keep the event affordable to families, a $15 individual entry fee has been set — $12 for senior citizens and $10 for youth. The first 100 paid registrants will receive a race logo T-shirt. Children under age 16 will be allowed to participate in the bike event at no cost but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
    Fun Run proceeds will benefit area Girl Scouts, who volunteer each year at the event.
    For information or to register, call Brown at 455-4717; Mark Putnam at 764-4471 or visit www.presqueislerotary.org. Registration forms are also available at the Star-Herald office, 40 North Street, Presque Isle.