Patriot 5K - May 16, 2015

Lap Around the Lake

Patriot 5k Run, Walk, and Kids Fun Run Set for
Saturday, May 16th at Crystal Lake in Gray

Liberty Family Foundation Offers Additional $1,000 Bonus
for a New State Record at Maine's Fastest and Richest 5k!

GRAY, Maine – March 11, 2015 - In just six years the Annual Patriot 5K Race (P5K) has quickly become one of Maine's premier races for avid runners, weekend warriors and first timers. With over $5,000 in cash and prizes you can be assured that the top runners in Maine and New England will be going head to head! This year organizers, with the support of lead sponsor, Michael Liberty and the Liberty Family Foundation want to set a new benchmark by offering a $1,000 bonus to the runners capable of breaking the states 5k records. 

Course records were set four years ago for the men when Louie Luchini clocked–in at 14:38.  Two years ago, Scarborough resident, Erica Jesseman broke the record when she crossed the line in an impressive 16:20 in women's division.

“Having runners of this caliber speaks volumes as to the quality of this event” said Co-Race Director, Tim Anketell.  “Now, our goal is to make this not only a great community event, but also attract the most elite runners from the Northeast and beyond! As organizers, we are committed to being the greatest 5k in the state.”    

The Liberty Family Foundation and its founder, Gray native and entrepreneur, Michael Liberty share the vision for this event. “This has become one of the areas largest annual events, bringing together the communities in support of one of our greatest assets - our children's education”, Michael Liberty said proudly. “First and foremost it is about promoting health and fitness in our own community.  That said, some of the fastest times have been clocked at the Patriot 5k since its inception, now it's time to take it to the next level.”

Since there are no “official” records kept, organizers have done research and determined the following times to be the fastest ever run in the state: Mens- 14:15:72 set by Pat Tarpy in 2006 and Womens- 16:06:18 set by Cathy O’Brien in 1996.

In addition to the $1000 offering for a state record we will still be honoring the $250 course record bonus and the $500 first place reward for a potential payout of $1,750! 

The beneficiary of this event, the Patriot Parents PTO, is an organization whose purpose is to strengthen, enhance, and encourage the educational and social environment of the schools in Gray and New Gloucester. Patriot Parents president, Michael Smith could not be more excited, “This one event will help raise nearly $20,000 for our schools enrichment programs.  I have been humbled to witness, in a very short window of time,  all the positive changes in our schools.  Great education & great events - Gray/New Gloucester is quickly becoming one of Maine’s premier communities.”  

The P5K Race Committee, School District, and Community are truly blessed and would like to give sincere thanks to Michael Liberty, a man who takes the personal responsibility to make a difference in his community.  From fully funding our lower school’s food pantry’s, donating to virtually every youth sports program in GNG to sponsoring scholarships to graduating seniors, Michael and his Foundation epitomize local stewardship.

Participants can see the course and register at www.patriots5k.org.  This year’s event will be capped at 1,200 runners and anyone registered by May 1st will receive a free event t-shirt and goodie bag.  The entry fee will be $20 in advance and $25 on race day.