FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Linda Frechette
207-846-3714

Howard Spear
207-741-2084

15th Annual Sportshoe Center Maine Marathon Raises $38,000 for WinterKids

Kennebunk, MAINE (November 17, 2006) ? Running a marathon or half marathon
is no easy task, but nearly 3000 race participants pushed themselves to the
finish line of the Sportshoe Center Maine Marathon/Half Marathon/Relay in
October for a good cause.

As a result of their efforts, race co-director Howard Spear presented a
donation of $38,000 to WinterKids at a reception in Portland. WinterKids is
a Maine-based nonprofit helping children beat obesity through healthy
winter activity. Board chairman Bill Hall accepted the donation on behalf
of the organization.

The Maine Marathon/Half Marathon/Relay is an all-volunteer community event
that has become known for its focus on charity. Since its inception, the
primary goal of the race has been to raise money for child-based nonprofit
organizations, and promote healthy lifestyles.

"This donation will support the WinterKids' mission of fighting childhood
obesity by encouraging children to be active during the cold Maine
winters," remarked Hall. "We are grateful to the many runners, walkers and
volunteers who made this possible, and hope that one day some of the young
participants in our WinterKids program may find themselves running the
Maine Marathon."

The Sportshoe Center Maine Marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifying race
and is USA Track and Field (USTAF) certified. It?s one of New England?s
premier running events, attracting runners from all over the country to the
scenic 26-mile course along Casco Bay.

Several groups participated in the race again this year, from the Leukemia
and Lymphoma Society to the Elan School in Poland, the Nordic Walkers from
Augusta and a new group called Moms on the Run from Brunswick area. A
large contingent from the Maine Army National Guard ?ruckmarched? in boots
and full packs in honor of 7 comrades who lost their lives this year.

Sponsored by the Maine Track Club and Sportshoe Center, the Maine Marathon
celebrated its 15th anniversary this year. For more information visit
http://www.mainemarathon.com.

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