Blue Hill Memorial Hospital and the Blue Hill YMCA Announce the 2nd Annual Blue Hill Community Race Series

Blue Hill Memorial Hospital (BHMH) and the Blue Hill YMCA (a department of the Downeast Family YMCA in Ellsworth) are teaming up once again for the upcoming race season.  The two organizations are partnering together on the Blue Hill Community Race Series. “With the Blue Hill Community Race Series, we aren’t competing for sponsors and financial support.  It just makes sense to work together…and run together,” explains BHMH community relations manager Kelley Columber.  The First is generously supporting the race series again this year as the lead sponsor.

BHMH will hold its eighth annual Fun Run on Saturday, August 1 and the Blue Hill YMCA will hold its third annual Wilbur’s Run at the Blue Hill Fair on Saturday, September 5.  Money raised from the events will support wellness and fitness programming at both BHMH and the Blue Hill YMCA. The cost to run both races is $40 while the BHMH Fun Run is $20 and Wilbur’s Run is $25.  Registration for Wilbur’s Run includes a pass to the Blue Hill Fair.

“We are closely working together on both races managing all race director responsibilities, volunteer recruitment, and event logistics,” says Annie Grindal, fitness instructor and manager at the Blue Hill YMCA.  “We are grateful for the businesses throughout the community who have supported the race series.”  In addition to The First, sponsors include Downeast Vacation Rentals, Mattson Active Chiropractic, Homewood Farm, Tradewinds, Lawns In Order, and Greenspeed.  Additional support provided by Blue Hill Garage, EBS, Mike’s Market II Redemption, Jennifer Smith Photography, Sara Sara’s, Three Wishes, Cadillac Mountain Sports, Lambert Coffin, and Dr. Juan Aponte, DDS.

Both organizations continue to be excited about the collaboration.  “It was a pleasure to work with the Blue Hill YMCA on our event last year, and BHMH is proud of the community partnership.  Annie and Joy continue to inspire so many community members to stay physically active, as they are both incredibly passionate about wellness and physical fitness,” describes Columber.

Registration for the BHMH Fun Run on August 1 begins at 7 am, the 1 mile walk begins at 8 am, and the 5K run at 8:30 am.  Registration for Wilbur’s Run on September 5 begins at 7 am and both the 1 mile walk and 5K run begin at 8 am.  For more information please contact BHMH Community Relations at 374-3418, the Blue Hill YMCA at 374-2248, or visit bhmh.org for a registration form.  Free t-shirts to those who register early!