NEWRY, ME – October 14, 2008 – Fifty athletes competed in the inaugural Mountain Epic event on Sunday morning, October 12th at Sunday River. Surrounded by brilliant peak foliage and a large Fall Festival Weekend crowd, individual and relay racers successfully completed a challenging four-mile trail run.
 
The Epic course showcased Sunday River’s rugged terrain and varied scenic landscapes – traversing through single and double track trails, birch forests, and wide open vistas as it climbed from the Base Ridge Lodge to the summit of North Peak and back down again.
 
Additionally, the course was infused with the adventurous spirit of mountain culture: it included use of the chairlift, a summit Checkpoint, and a 280-yard finish chute that required athletes to maneuver over obstacles and through a four-foot deep Mud Pit before crossing the finish line.
 
Athletes from age 12 to 60 competed in the high-energy event. The top three finishers in the men’s division were Dan Crooker of Bethel, ME, Bob Poirier of Minot, ME and Tommy McWalters of Thorndike, ME. In the women’s division, Shauna Baxter of Gorham, ME, Darcy Foley of Sturbridge, MA, and Kay Miller of Somerville, MA clinched the first three spots. Owen Ringwall and John Rally of Team Lids took home top honors among relay teams. Winners received Sunday River lift and lodging packages as well as vouchers for one-day ski passes.
 
Awards were also given out to the most creative Mud Pit performances and any athlete who retrieved a mud snake. Edwin “Trip” Carey drew the most cheers for his high-flying belly flop.
 
“We couldn’t have asked for a more lively and successful first event,” says Race Director Will Thomas. “The combination of the weather, the course, the enthusiasm of the racers, and Sunday River’s great support and location made the Mountain Epic a big hit. Everyone is already looking forward to the next one.”
 
About Tri-Maine:
Tri-Maine Productions is Maine’s premier multisport event management company. Providing high quality, competitive races in dynamic New England locations, Tri-Maine serves more than 3,000 athletes, 5,000 spectators, and 800 volunteers annually. Tri-Maine partners with first-rate local and national sponsors to provide an athletic experience like no other. Fusing arts, music, environmental consciousness, health, and community together with the active lifestyle, Tri-Maine delivers specialized events that transcend the traditional. Visit www.tri-maine.com for more information.
 
Contact:
Amy VanHaren, Public Relations Coordinator
Tri-Maine Productions
207.221.5420 Office
651.303.8777 Cell
amy@tri-maine.com
www.tri-maine.com