Mike ran an incredible race. One Bill would be proud of. He took us out in about 4:23 for the first mile and all three runners that challenged him falled. A pr for me, but Mike was just awesome today.

Being new to this circuit of fine humans, It is Bill that I ALWAYS could count on being a familiar face when this rookie ran. It was Ironic I stood listening to Bill and one of his friends speaking in the shade prior to the race. It was a comforting thing for me to stand next to what was "familiar" and eves drop. The irony continued (I was not going to race, due to the fact I was scheduled to work in the OR at the same time at EMMC). I ran neck and neck the entire way with me on Bills heels or him passing me. Bill & I finished within 2 seconds of each other(WHAT A RUNNER!). As I witnessed him finish and then collapse, being a nurse it was only natural for me to be at his side and assist him to breath with out hesitation. I prayed hard for our efforts to be successfull... I ran back to Brewer praying our efforts were successful...trying to think of away to tease him for giving him rescue breaths... I drove to work praying harder that our efforts were successful... as I walked into work (EMMC)I learned that they were not. I now pray for the family now and the grief they are going through. I will never forget today. I am thankful I got to run with Bill.

Misti Guerin

Bill Pinkham left us today, but what a way to go...doing something he loved. We should all be so fortunate. The timing might not have been what we liked (and perhaps he might have preferred a different time as well), but we don't make those decisions. The passing of a friend who has been such a fixture on the racing circuit, I think, tends to bring us all a little closer, and Bill would have appreciated that.

During his quick passing, many people became immediately involved in trying to save him. There are many talented people in the running community: doctors, nurses, police officers, etc. Others fulfilled additional needed roles. Their abilities came into play today (yesterday now) as a group of people who had just competed with one another in a race suddenly worked together as a team. The heroes who jumped to Bill's side and took charge of the situation should be thanked for their assistance, and it reinforces my belief that runners are pretty good people. Despite the fact that they were not able to revive Bill, they did their best. Sometimes things are taken out of our hands because a higher being is in charge. Thanks to all who did their best today, and Bill, I guess you've got new people to tell your running stories to. Enjoy!

Bunker, Hintz defend titles at Hunt 3K
--Bangor Daily News

Mike Bunker Defends Title In Hunt Memorial 3K Race
--Ellsworth American