Fifty-six runners from around New England took to the trails on Pleasant Mountain Oct. 7 to participate in the inaugural Pleasant Mountain Race in Bridgton.

The 20K trail running race featured technical trails that were wet and slippery from recent rain, and more than 3,600 feet of elevation gain.

Runners began at Pleasant Mountain Ski Area’s East Lodge, headed up the Bald Peak Trail, and descended the mountain on the Firewarden’s Trail. They then ran on the road from the Firewarden’s Trailhead to the Southwest Ridge Trailhead to head back up the mountain to the summit, across the ridge to Sue’s Way Trail, and down the Bald Peak Trail back to the East Lodge, according to a news release from Maggie Lynn with Loon Echo Land Trust, based in Bridgton.

First-place finisher was Michael Conley, of Gorham, finishing in 2:15.43. Second place in the men’s division went to Grant Haynes of Portland, with a time of 2:31.49, and coming in third was Ansel Mallonee of Portland, at 2:32.06.

First place in the women’s division went to Cait Bourgault of Norway, with a time of 3:02.16. Carrie McCusker of Cape Elizabeth, came in second at 3:03.45, and Sam Clapp of Scarborough, came in third with a time of 3:23:52.

The youngest finisher was 12-year-old Gannon Pace.

Runners completed the 13-mile mountain course in support of trust’s conservation work and its work to maintain the trails on Pleasant Mountain.

Funds raised from the event will be invested directly back into the trails at Pleasant Mountain, which have undergone significant maintenance work this summer, with more planned for next year.

More than 30 volunteers supported the race: first-aid and rescue services provided by the Wilderness Rescue Team and Pleasant Mountain Ski Patrol members, check-in support, finish line assistance, and volunteers stationed all over the mountain and on the roadways directing runners at course intersections.

Various local businesses also contributed. Pleasant Mountain Ski Area provided the start/finish point of the race and donated the use of their East Lodge facility and ski lifts to get personnel up on the mountain, Maine Morning Micro Roasters donated bags of coffee for the top three men and women finishers, Fluvial Brewing donated all the beer at the event for racers and volunteers, and R. Perry Flowers took photos of the race. Towns of Bridgton and Denmark gave permission to use public roadways and for safety support.

Full results can be found at LELT.org.

 

Check out other upcoming area events!

Copy the Story Link

Comments are not available on this story.