Close to 50 walkers and racers participated in the 10th annual Westport Island Shore Run — “Maine’s Best Little 10k Road Race” — on Sunday, Aug. 24 beginning at 9 a.m. Participants were greeted with bright sunny skies and mid-70s temperatures.

Megan Hempstead of Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, won first place female overall; Kelly Daly of South Portland was second place female overall, and Sarah Hempstead of Lebanon, New Hampshire, was third place female overall.

Chase Huges of Westport Island won first place male overall; Smith Hunt of Pownal won second place male overall; and Dana Welch of Gray was third place male overall.

The 10k road race on bridge-accessible Westport Island was along a USATF-certified course through scenic pine and fir tree forests and over two bridges spanning inlets to Heal Cove and Montsweag Bay.  

The race is to benefit the Westport Island Volunteer Fire Department, whose members directed traffic and provided logistical support at the race. Over the last nine years, the race has generated over $12,000 in proceeds for the department. This year it looks like an additional $1,300 was raised for the firefighters, bringing our 10-year total above $15,000.

The 2014 sponsors include: Maine Yankee; Hodgdon Yacht Services; Ames True Value Supply on Route 1; Sheepscot River Marine Service; Abbott, Incorporated; Wiscasset Ford; Newcastle Chrysler Dodge Jeep; Bath Savings Bank; Norm's Used Cars and Trucks; Sharon Drake Real Estate of Bath; the Hampton Inn of Bath; Road ID; Westport Island Community Association; and the First Federal Savings Bank.

Volunteer Mike Kraynak handled all the race day registrations and assisted in the course preparation, volunteers Adam and Jordan Whitney handed out the race medals, and Jim McCorkle of 5k Race Management timed the race.