On a cool fall Sunday morning, 55 runners and walkers took part in the 5th Annual Bad Little Trail Run hosted by Downeast Coastal Conservancy and Bold Coast Runners.
By 7:30am three tents lined the Sunrise Trail parking lot and a small fire warmed the volunteers as they patiently awaited the arrive of the runners. The race kicked off at 9am for the 7-mile runners and the 2.5 mile runners started close behind at 9:10am. Both began in Whitneyville on the Sunrise Trail and crossed the Machias River on a historic railroad bridge. Runners then explored the trails of the Machias River Preserve on mostly single track trails with stretches along the river, under giant hemlocks, around a 65-acre marsh, through a long-abandoned tree plantation and homestead farm. These runners braced the roots and rocks, traversed over bog bridges, dodged a few recreational ATVs, and navigated possible wet holes in an effort to make it across the finish line.
Runners began returning to the start after about 30 minutes on the course. A huge shout out to Cedar Lenke Beeftink for being the overall finisher of the 2.5 run and Peter Williams for being the overall 7 Mile finisher. As runners arrived back to the start, a potluck celebration was available to anyone to enjoy.
This event is truly a community effort coming together to celebrate conservation and help raise awareness for the protection of Downeast Maine’s wild places. DCC is grateful to the Bold Coast Runners who organize the logistics of the event. Financial sponsorship came from Machias Savings Bank, Downeast Community Hospital (who also donated a tote of medical supplies), Peter Knowles Chiropractic, and Hannaford (who provide a large donation of bananas!). The event was also an amazing success in thanks to the large turnout of volunteers, who help with everything from parking to course sweeping to ensure no runners were left behind! Special thank you to David Kennedy for taking photos of the day!
See all the event photos here: https://davidwkennedy.zenfolio.com/p254296463
See the race results here: https://www.webscorer.com/race?raceid=256044
