Forests and Lakes – For People – Forever ®

A Weekend Full Of Adventure

August 18, 2015

The Downeast Lakes Land Trust (DLLT) was pleased to host a weekend of outdoor adventure races.  On Saturday, August 15th, DLLT welcomed back Baxter Outdoors for the 2nd Annual “Downeast Lakes 5-Miler.”  The first event of Baxter Outdoors’ Summer and Fall schedule, the 5.1 mile trail race saw a large increase in participation for this year’s event.  With a route climbing Daugherty Ridge and returning along DLLT’s Little Mayberry Cove Trail, the race course was hailed by runners as both picturesque and challenging.

Brian Ho and Paulina Arnold with their awards.

Brian Ho and Paulina Arnold with their awards.

“I was very happy with the race and look forward to next year’s event.  I think we’re on to something great here and can’t wait to see it grow,” said Adam Platz, President of Baxter Outdoors.

The overall winner was Samuel Goldberg with a time of 44:40, setting a new course record.  The Downeast Lakes 5-Miler was sponsored by Grand Lake Lodge, with donations benefiting Teens to Trails.  The after-party was held at Weatherby’s Lodge.  For a complete list of race results, please click here.

On Sunday, August 16th, DLLT hosted the 11th Annual West Grand Lake Race, a flatwater race that has become a Grand Lake Stream summer tradition.  With sunny skies and warm temperatures, 52 paddlers tackled distances of 4, 6, and 12 miles on beautiful West Grand Lake.  Watercraft ranging from canoes and kayaks to rowboats and stand-up paddleboards dotted the mighty lake with an array of colors.

The start of the 4 mile race.

The start of the 4 mile race.

“The turnout for this year’s race was one of the largest since the event began,” said Colin Brown, DLLT Education and Outreach Manager. “It’s a wonderful event that wouldn’t be possible without the generous help of DLLT volunteers.”

Race participants were treated to a cookout lunch held at Grand Lake Lodge, where awards were handed out for individual race categories.  With both races attracting new faces to Grand Lake Stream, the weekend full of adventure continues to grow and expand with each passing year.