On Sunday, Oct.12, the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust hosted its first Trust Trail Fest in perfect fall weather. This outdoor festival included a 1K Kids Discovery Run, 10K and 5K trail races.
The 1K Kids Discovery Run took place on the Learning Trail, consisting of posts manned by the Alternative Education students of Kennebunk High School. The students asked nature questions to the young runners, and after answering correctly, the racers would then run to the next post. The 10K and 5K trail races wound through the trails of the Emmons Preserve and Tyler Brook Preserve, serving up some fun single track and scenery for the racers.
“I can’t be any happier with the great turnout,” said Jack Fleming, producer of the event. “Seeing the smiles on all the faces, especially the kids busting through the finish line was great!”
Close to 300 runners took part in the races and celebrated afterward at the Trust’s headquarters on Gravelly Brook Road. The festival also included a guided hike through the Smith Preserve, lawn games for kids, live bands, a barbecue and raffle prizes.
“The goal with Trust Trail Fest was to get the community outdoors and to enjoy the network of trails we have built here at the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust,” said Lisa Linehan, Associate Director at KCT. “We were thrilled to get some many people here enjoying the land, all while supporting a good cause.”
The proceeds go to the educational programs of the Trust. Leia Lowery, KCT’s director of Eeucation, was happy to bring awareness to Discovery Days and the Trust In Our Children programs that KCT offers, she said.
“What a fun day for the family,” said Meagan King. “My husband raced the 5K, I raced the 10K and my children ran the 1K with us. When is the next one? We will be back for sure.”
Weirs Motor Sales of Arundel provided live music by the Kennebunk’s own Old Soul and Portland’s Gorilla Finger. Prizes were donated by Kittery Trading Post, Hazelwood Handyman, Hyperlite Mountain Gear, Shipyard Brewery and Kennebunkport Bicycle Company. Next year’s event is scheduled for Oct. 11, 2015.
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