With all the good weather lately, seems appropriate to start thinking about all the things there are to do outside. One of the good ole basics  – going for a walk, jog or run around the Ogunquit area is actually something you can have a little fun with. There are great race courses throughout the good weather season. Each of these road races are an easy distance from the Meadowmere and are very well run – parking, water stations, good crowd support (everyone needs a little cheer!) and those tasty orange wedges.

So – on your mark, get set – go!

1. Beach & Bay 5K Run/Walk for AIDS
   Starting at the Beach St Parking Lot in Ogunquit. The race is professionally timed, on Ogunquit’s long stretch of white sand and comes with an after party on the beach – how you could not rush to the finish line!
2. Kennbunk Beach Classic 5Mile Run/3Mile Walk
   Starting at the Senior Center in the Lower Village (more info: www.kennebunkbeachclassic.com ) Do we sense a bi-athlon? Course is known as fast and certified. Just think Chariots of Fire oceanside. Only the first 400 nab a t-shirt, but the view is included for all!
3. Annual Dragon Slayer 6k Road Race
   This local road race has the coolest name. The route is scenic – past the beaches and the Nubble Lighthouse, ending at Short Sands Beach (don’t worry – they take you back to the start). What’s the dragon? You’re racing for a cure and supporting the American Liver Foundation. http://www.dragonslayer6k.org/
4. Four on the Fourth 4Mile Road Race
   An annual treat on July 4th – starting at the York High School. The route is a loop through Long Sands and back around – a mix of easy to moderate hills and water views. At the end, there’s tables and table of food and lots of cheering – a good challenge run to bring out your inner Patriot. http://parksandrec.yorkmaine.org/road%20races.html#Fouron4th
5. Billy Chowder House 5k Run
   Starting at Billy’s Chowder House on Mile Rd in Wells. The course follows along Wells Beach and is fast and flat. You’ll make a PR happen – there’s a runners buffet – Chowder included!
6. Ogunquit Lobster Dash (aka Lobstadash) 5Mile Run
   An annual tradition – find out the details at http://www.lobsterdash.com/). A run covering the entire length of Ogunquit Beach, all the way to Moody Beach and back- the dash is sanctioned by the USATF NE and has 2 water stations.
7. Annual Turkey Trot 5k Road Race
   This annual fun run is held on Saturday after turkey day. A USTAF certified course that begins at the village elementary school – you’ll have water, splits, mile markers and all the bells and whistles while you work off that turkey dinner. Families run in packs and there are yummy snacks at the finish.