[two articles from the 1979 Bar Harbor Times -- hat tip to JC]

Great Cranberry Road Race to be June 23

On Saturday, June 23 at 11 a.m. there will be a 4.8 mile road race on Great Cranberry Island. Approximately 100 runners of all abilities from all over the state will participate.

Eighteen lobsters will be given away in 12 different categories. Also, all finishers will receive special awards.

The Beal and Bunker ferry will transport runners, friends, and fans from the Northeast Harbor Municipal Pier at 9:30 a.m. and will leave after the race at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $2. round trip, 1$. for children under 12.

Write for an entry blank or call either Larry Allen, 749 Union Street, Bangor 04401 (945-6924) or Gary Allen, Box 37, Cranberry Island 04625 (244-3594). To be assured of seating on the ferry, please inform Gary or Larry of the number in your group. Due to limited restroom and locker facilities on the island, it is important that runners come prepared to run.

Bring a picnic lunch, if desired, and take a later boat back.

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Cranberry Island Road Race

Sixty-four runners completed the 4.8 mile treck starting from the Cranberry Island town dock, and running to the end of the island and back. The many islanders and friends that came out to watch the race were not only anxious to see the first place finishers but stayed over an hour more to see all the winners come in.

Mike Westphal of Great Cranberry Island was the first to cross the line with a course record of 25:07. Some say he had an advantage over most of the other competitors -- he knows of all the beautiful views and scenery along the road and was not distracted along the way.

Twenty minutes after the supposed last finisher crossed the line, three of the youngest competitors came in to prove that they could make it too. Toby Perse was the first of the last to come around the corner and down the hill with a time of 74:57. All were cheering as Rachel Stirel and Becky Sanborn brought up the stern with times of 75:56 and 76:04 respectively.

As promised, rocks from the beaches of Cranberry bearing the insignia of the race and individual runners times were given to all finishers. Lobsters were also presented to the winners in 14 different categories.

Larry and Gary Allen, organizers of the race, would like to thank everyone for making the race such a success and fun event. They hope to see you all next year for the 2nd Annual Great Cranberry Island Road Race!

1st Annual Cranberry Island 4.8 Mile Road Race
June 23d, 1979

Men
1. Mike Westphal 25:07
2. Dirck Bradt 25:41
3. Jon Howland 25:45

Women
1. Robin Emery 30:17
2. Cassandra Cobb 32:02
3. Carol Roy 32:11