The layer of fog settling over downtown Boothbay Harbor didn’t stop participants from attending Bigelow Laboratory's ninth annual Fun Run & Walk for Colorectal Cancer Awareness. All donations went to LincolnHealth to raise money for cancer screenings and treatments for community members who can't afford them. The May 16 event drew about 30 attendees and raised about $800. 

Bigelow hosts the annual fundraiser in honor of its late former director Graham Shimmield, who died from colon cancer in 2016.  

“(He was a) hugely important leader in the lab’s history,” said Bigelow spokesman Leah Campbell. Shimmield was a key figure in shepherding the institution through the creation of its current East Boothbay campus, and staff doubled during his tenure.  

The run has previously been an in-organization event, raising over $6,000 for its cause. However, Bigelow decided to expand by inviting the Department of Marine Resources, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens and the YMCA. “This was a chance to bring together like-minded organizations and have a celebratory moment, while also (providing) an opportunity to raise more money and bring more attention to this issue.” 

The trail consisted of a 5k run, or a shorter walk, through Boothbay Harbor’s downtown and east side. The winners of the running portion, whose names will be immortalized on Bigelow’s inflatable trophies, were employees Ben Twining and Farley Miller.

Organizers also thanked Bonnie Stover at Tugboat Inn and Footbridge Brewery for hosting them, and Police Chief Doug Snyder for keeping the route safe.