The 61st annual Labor Day 5-mile Road Race in Bangor came down to a close finish between newcomer Frank Sternberg and nine-time defending champion Erik McCarthy. Sternberg edged out McCarthy by three seconds to claim victory with a time of 26:57. McCarthy, a 43-year-old from Greene, had won the race for nine consecutive years and expressed gratitude for the competitive challenge Sternberg provided.
In the female division, Caitlyn Smith of Hampden took the top spot with a time of 33:03. Smith, who is also training for the Chicago Marathon, was pleasantly surprised by her win and praised the community spirit of the race.
A total of 134 runners participated in this year’s event, up from 78 the previous year. The increase in participation can be attributed to a community grant provided by Ruth White’s Gatorade Player of the Year, which covered the registration fee for runners aged 13-18. This initiative aimed to encourage more young people to participate in the race and promote a love for running among the youth.
The Labor Day Road Race, organized by the Sub 5 Track Club, has a rich history of participation, with McCarthy being one of the most accomplished and revered runners in the event’s history. The close finish between Sternberg and McCarthy added a new level of excitement to the race and showcased the spirit of competition in the Bangor community.
Source
Photo credit www.bangordailynews.com