One of The Oldest Road Races in Maine is Labor Day

There is something about how we do things in Maine. Here is another example that might make you shake your head, and say, "That’s okay. Carry on."

Labor Day is Monday, of course.  And it also brings to mind the story that goes back 60 years.

The Bangor Parks and Recreation Department sponsors The Labor Day, 5 Mile Road Race. This is year number 60.

If you want to run on Labor Day, get yourself registered right now.

This is one of the oldest running races in all of Maine.

When it was started 60 years ago, on Labor Day in 1963, eight men lined up on Main Street, and with the Paul Bunyan Statue looking on they ran the race. The race was touted as being 5.2 miles long.

Then, 22 years later, in 1985, they actually measured the course. Whoops.

It was properly measured at 5 miles and certified as such.

You had one job.

So that’s why we just shrug our shoulders and say, let’s go. Lace 'em up.

The race now starts, and finishes at the Bangor Parks and Recreation Center, at 647 Main Street at 9 a.m.

You can pre-register here, or on race day between 7:45 and 8:45. And pick up your race bib at those times on Monday also.

If you pre-register online or in person at the Parks and Rec building, today or tomorrow the cost is $35. If you wait until Saturday, Sunday or Monday the entry fee jumps to $45.

There are numerous divisions for both males and females from 19 and under to 80 and older.

Plus, trophies for top finishers. And prizes for the Top 3 in all the age categories.

Hope that is all the ‘labor’ you have to do on Labor Day. Enjoy the 5-mile run and be thankful you don’t have to run 5.2 miles.