Island Falls Summerfest race draws a field of 93

FINISH – Katie Nickerson heads toward the finish of  the Island Falls 5K run last Satuday in Island Falls. She completed the run in a time of 25:17.
    A crisp, sunny morning greeted the 93 runners and walkers who came to Island Falls Saturday to enjoy what has traditionally become the County’s most enjoyable running event. Times were fast at the 18th annual Island Falls Summerfest 5K, as a new loop course had to be used due to the replacing of the bridge in the middle of town on US Route 2. However, no one complained as the course was slightly up hill for most of the first mile, but all downhill or flat the rest of the way.
    Of the 55 runners, Thomas Beckum of Caribou led the way on the 3.1-mile loop with a sizzling 16 minutes and 36 seconds. He was followed closely for most of the race by Marco Gudino of Wilton in 17:14  and Jason Bigonia of Newcastle in 17:94.
    On the ladies side, Marie Beckum from Caribou was tops at 20:43. She was followed by Lauren Hodge of Connecticut in 21:59 and Angela Ewings of Littleton in 22:36.
    The 30 walkers (four kilometers) were led by Jim DeCrescenzo of New Jersey in 28:44, followed by Richard Lane of Island Falls in 31:48 and Allen Schenk, also of Island Falls, in 33:36.
    On the women’s side, Gabrielle DeCrescenzo was first in 28:52. She was followed very closely by Tracy Willigar of Bangor in 28:57 and Sue Rudkin of Michigan in 29:11.
FAMILY – Grandfather John Walker, right, ran the Island Falls 5K race with his 11-year-old grandson Hunter. 
    In the half-mile fun run (age 9 and under) the 8 participants were led by Torey Levesque of Caribou in a sizzling 3:33. He was followed by Jacob Roy of Caribou in 4:04 and Ethan Walker of Island Falls in 4:36.  The girls winner was Teagan Ewings of Littleton in 4:20, followed by Felicia Blackstone of Presque Isle, who was one second behind. Suzy Mathers of Patten was next in 6:59.
    The age bracket winners on the running side were: 10-14, Dillon Beckum of Caribou in 20:07 and Candace Rhoda of Florida in 33:23; 15-19, Peter Burgos from Vermont in 19:07 and Lauren Hodge of Connecticut in 21:59; 20-29, Jake DeCrescenzo from New Jersey in 24:00 and Katherene Nickerson of Orono in 25:17; 30-39, Marco Gudino of Wilton in 17:14 and Michelle Roy of Caribou in 23:03; 40-49, Joe and Angela Ewings of Littleton in 20:16 and 22:36, respectively; age 50-59, Tom Burgos of Vermont in 19:16 and Linda Mountain of Mapleton in 22:53; age 60-69, Alan Chamberlain from Virginia in 24:29 and Ruth Hare of Houlton in 40:13.
THEY’RE OFF – Ninety-three runners and walkers took off from the start line of the 18th annual Island Falls Summerfest 5K race/walk. Proceeds of the event were split between the AGAPE food pantry and the Greater Houlton Christian Academy.
    The walking winners by age brackets were as follows: 14 and under, Janine Moulton from Island Falls in 42:01; 20-29, Brandon Noyes of Island Falls in 42:00 and Tracy Willigar of Bangor in 28:57; 30-39, Natashia Mathers, Island Falls, 33:44;  Sue Rudkin, Michigan, 29:11;  50-59,  Richard Lane, Island Falls, 31:48 and Sheila DeCrescenzo of New Jersey in 36:08; 60-69, both from Island Falls, Keith MacKenzie in 35:32 and Becky Drew in 35:51; 70+, Rebekah Stephens of Island Falls in 30:11.
    The top Island Falls finishers (who are not previously winners) are Ethan Walker in the fun run with a time of 4:36, Jeannie and Allen Schenk in the walk with times of 33:36, and Parker Walker in the run in 23:33.
    As is normal and a huge highlight of this race, all the winners got to select from a multitude of delicious home-made pies and desserts as their prizes. Raspberry continues to be extremely popular, but with all the fantastic cooks in the area, everything is ‘wicked good,’ said JohnWalker, race organizer. Following the prizes being awarded, a dessert auction was held, and it was a dandy. Bidding was lively, fun, and most rewarding for all present.  Overall, almost $1,000 was raised (the most ever), which was split evenly between the Agape Food Pantry and Greater Houlton Christian Academy. 
MOMMY’S HELP — Angela Ewings, right, runs alongside her three-year-old daughter Teanne during last Satuday’s half-mile fun run for kids age 9 and under.
    More than $2,000 in door prizes were awarded, and a big-time thank-you goes out to all the area businesses who contributed gifts and gift certificates. Thanks also go to Pepsi Cola of Presque Isle, who donated all the bottled water, and Jerry’s Thriftway who donated lots of watermelon, ice, and other items as needed.
    Countless hours by many volunteers make this a well organized and popular event every year.   It is important that they be recognized: Libby Moulton (pie solicitor), Ken Coville (timer, etc), Steve Walker (timer, ‘priceless’), Tracy Willigar and Sharon Walker (registration, behind the scenes), and many thanks to all those who made desserts, and to those who helped in various ways on race day. This event is a success because of you. And a big thank you to all those who participated again this year… hope you had fun and will come and bring others next year… we always do this race the first Saturday in August, so mark your calendars.
WINNERS – Winning the Island Falls Summerfest race were, from left, Thomas Beckum of Caribou led the way on the 3.1-mile loop with a sizzling 16 minutes and 36 seconds, while right, Marie Beckum from Caribou was tops at 20:43.