The Lobster Roll 5k Run and Walk began 10 years ago to raise funds for an outdoor track in the Boothbay region. A decade later, the fundraising efforts have shifted to improving the schoolground trail facilities currently used for the school cross country teams, snowshoeing, nordic skiing, and hiking.

A recent addition to the race was naming an honoree. In 2018, Officer Larry Brown was named the inaugural honoree for his endless commitment to the youth of this community. This year, Neal Verge was named the honoree.

Verge is beloved in the Boothbay region and has been tirelessly committed to it. Close friend Trish Harrison said,  “He is such a kind-hearted person who is always there to help others and inspired so many people with his dedication to the health of the community.” Whether through his summer camp, basketball tournaments, or simply being a person to talk to, Verge has made a positive impact.

For younger generations, many remember the Y-League basketball games, the carnivals at Camp Knickerbocker and the spring basketball tournaments. Yet Verge’s impact on the region’s wellbeing extends past organizing basketball tournaments and carnivals.

Verge moved to the region through the U.S. Coast Guard. As a Coast Guard Chief, he fell in love with the region and was looking to make it his permanent home. At the time of Verge’s retirement from the service, YMCA Director Mike Harrison was searching for a camp director for the then-new Camp Knickerbocker. Harrison knew of Verge through various projects the YMCA and Coast Guard had collaborated on, and soon enough, Verge was the camp cirector. Harrison said it was one of the best moves he made in his career at the YMCA.

Hundreds of children spent their summers at the camp. Every summer, kids would return, excited for the camp he directed. Harrison said Verge also influenced  the counselors. Many became interested in teaching or in working for their local YMCAs, toleave an impact on young minds like Verge did.

Verge took on many jobs at the YMCA, including directing the Rocky Coast Road Race, organizing the annual Halloween extravaganza, and starting up the local community cable station from his office at the YMCA. 

Mike and Trish believe that Verge is a very community oriented and selfless person. Both mentioned the YMCA values of respect, responsibility, honesty and caring when describing why Verge is so deserving of being named race honoree. “You would be hard pressed to find a man who embodies the values of the YMCA more than Neal,” said Mike.

The 5k, set for 8 a.m. July 27, is certified by USA Track and Field. Registration and check in are the night before from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the lower parking lot of Boothbay Region High School. Race day registration and check in start at 6:30 a.m. Or visit www.lobsterroll5k.weebly.com. Prizes will go to overall winners, age group winners and the team challenge. The kids’ half mile fun run on the football field will follow the race.

Verge will be honored at the awards ceremony following the race. Runners and walkers alike are welcome to partake in the 5k. Come enjoy the scenic race course and get in a great workout!