Runners at the Downeast Lakes 5-Miler Photo from Baxter Outdoors
On Saturday, August 17th, Frosty, Squirrel, and I traveled to Grand Lake Stream to run in the Downeast Lakes Land Trust 5-Miler. This trail race was part of the Downeast Conservation Trail Race Series as well as the Baxter Outdoors 2019 New England Trail Series. Downeast Lakes Land Trust was the site of the race.
The Start/Finish Area
This was a small race with only 37 runners participating.
This Buff from Baxter Outdoors Was Given to Racers
The bib pick up was scheduled for the same day, just prior to the race. SWAG given to participants included a Baxter Outdoors buff and a Baxter Brewing can-shaped glass.
More Race SWAG: A Baxter Can-Shaped Glass
Baxter Outdoors ran the event. They organized the bib pick up and provided the race SWAG, played music for the finish line, and supplied post-race food.
My Bib
This was a fun race. Partly on gravel roads and partly on single track trail. The race started out uphill, so it ended with a nice downhill to the finish.
Water and Food at the Finish Line
Squirrel and I both loved the gravel road sections. We both liked these sections because we could go faster without thinking much about footing. Although, Squirrel’s faster is MUCH faster than my faster! Frosty preferred the single track trail sections. The nastier (more root, rocks, and uneven footing) the better. I am not good at these sections. I am too worried about falling, and often trip even with my slow, cautious steps.
The Finish Line Was Marked by Two Kegs
Not knowing the course, Squirrel had a hard time pacing for this race. Had Squirrel realized that most of the road portion was in the first half of the race, he would have pushed faster in the first part. This was Squirrel’s first single track trail race. He didn’t really care for running on the single track part.
The Rep from Baxter Outdoors Giving out an Age Group Award
The course was pretty easy to follow. Signs marked the turns on the course. Being a slower runner, I often have racers in front of me to guide the way. Although, I occasionally lag so far back, I am alone.
A Course Shot from the Downeast Lakes 5-Miler Photo from Baxter Outdoors
I did get off course once. At the time, another racer and I were running together and talking. I don’t think I would’ve missed the turn, if I was paying attention.
Another Course Shot from the Downeast Lakes 5-Miler Photo from Baxter Outdoors
A few runners and some of the spectators jumped into the lake after finishing to cool down. This would be a great aspect to the race if it were a really hot day.
Some Racers Took a Dip After the Race
The post-race food was to my taste! Chips, Cheez-Its, and Oreos! There was also fruit, apples and bananas, for all those who are good and stick to the healthy choices. The race was BYOB, and some participants shared their Baxter Beers!
The Age Group Awards
Age group winners were given water sealed in custom labeled Baxter cans. Squirrel came in second overall and won his age group. More surprisingly, Frosty and I weren’t last in our age groups.
Squirrel with his Age Group Award
The Downeast Conservation Trail Race Series is a great way to experience some of the trails that are open to the public in Hancock and Washington Counties.
Squirrel and Frosty Post-Race
Grand Lake Stream Trail Side View Photo from Baxter Outdoors
