Orono, Maine:  Over 580 runners from 25 different U.S. states and two Canadian provinces left the start line at the University of Maine to compete in the second annual Black Bear Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10K race.

The marathon, which departs from the University of Maine football stadium track, takes competitors along the river and through the old town of Orono. 

Hundreds of volunteers and Orono residents lined the streets to cheer on the runners, and a live band began at 7:30AM at the Family Dog restaurant along the course.

A non-profit race, funds raised from the event were donated to the Black Bear Food Pantry and Clothing Exchange. Additionally, funds raised were also used to support the Student Wellness Resource Center substance abuse prevention services and recovery program as well as other charitable organizations in and around the community.

Irving Woodlands, LLC was proud to be a sponsor of this exciting community event.

“On behalf of our 350 employees in Maine’s forest industry, Irving Woodlands is pleased to have supported the Black Bear Marathon,” said Peter Tabor, Regional Manager, Irving Woodlands LLC. “U Maine is a vital partner in forestry research and provides quality graduates that we are proud to have on our team.  It is wonderful to have had so many runners, volunteers, and supporters participate in this exciting event. Irving Woodlands has been part of Aroostook County for over 70 years and we are pleased to help give back to the community."

“Irving Woodlands is a great sponsor to us – they’re helping us to preserve what’s here and to make it something that future generations are going to be able to use. We’re hoping that runners for years are going to be able to appreciate the sport that we’re getting, appreciate the fact that Irving Woodlands is helping us to continue this race, and to enjoy the great outdoors that’s here.” said Lisa Morin, Volunteer Coordinator of the Black Bear Marathon.

Special thanks to all of the runners, volunteers, sponsors, and the Orono community for helping to make this year’s event a great success.

For more information on the Black Bear Marathon, visit their Facebook Page. For race results, visit Racewire.com.

About Irving Woodlands, LLC

Irving Woodlands has operated in Aroostook County for 70 years.  Today the company’s forestry and forest products operations directly employ almost 400 people.  A further 777 jobs are generated through the 97 woodlands contractors the company employs.