Trek Across Maine Celebrates Another Successful Year

Trek Across Maine Celebrates Another Successful Year
American Lung Association of the Northeast continues Father’s Day tradition

(AUGUSTA, ME) – This weekend, the American Lung Association of the Northeast celebrated the 28th anniversary of the Trek Across Maine, the largest fundraiser for the organization nationwide. About 2,100 cyclists and 700 volunteers come out on this beautiful weekend in Maine, raising $1.8 million to support lung health.
Cyclists came from 28 states, and two trekkers even traveled overseas, one from London and one hailing from Germany. Ages of cyclists ranged from 8 to 80, with many even riding tandem. One group, from Biddeford, cycled the entire 180 miles on a bicycle built for four.
“People come from all over the country, and sometimes even across the world, to be a part of the Trek Across Maine. For some, the Trek is a way to honor a loved one, for others, it presents a new type of challenge,” said Jeff Seyler, President & CEO of the American Lung Association of the Northeast. “Whatever the reason, the American Lung Association is overwhelmed year after year by the outpouring of support we receive.”
The 3-day, 180-mile adventure started on Friday morning at 7 a.m. at Sunday River Ski Resort in Newry. Trekkers were released from the start line in groups of 50, with a Volkswagen pace car leading the way. The L.L.Bean team of more than 230 cyclists were led out of the start line by the L.L.Bean Bootmobile, a vehicle created to commemorate their 100th anniversary. L.L.Bean has been a generous supporter of the Trek Across Maine for many years.
Trekkers finished up day one at the University of Maine in Farmington.  Day two, they trekked another 60 miles and crossed the finish line at Colby College in Waterville. On Sunday afternoon, trekkers crossed the final finish line at Steamboat Landing Park in Belfast, to crowds of cheering family, friends, and supporters. Throughout the event, trekkers were treated to donated refreshments from sponsors including free iced coffee and iced tea by Tim Horton’s of Augusta; pizza from Pizza Hut; and the finish line party by Blue Elephant Catering of Saco.
Lung disease is the third leading cause of death in the United States, responsible for one in six deaths; lung cancer remains the number one cancer killer. The American Lung Association invests 78 cents on every dollar to support their mission - to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. Proceeds from the Trek Across Maine directly fund lung disease research, advocacy, and education; including COPD/asthma management, smoking cessation programs, and advocacy for stronger clean air standards.  Pictures can be found on the American Lung Association of the Northeast’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/LungNE; official event photos will soon be available on their Flickr page at www.flickr.com/LungNE.
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About the American Lung Association of the Northeast
The American Lung Association of the Northeast is part of the American Lung Association, the oldest voluntary health organization in the U.S. Established in 1904 to combat tuberculosis; our mission today is to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. The focus is on air quality, asthma, tobacco control, and all lung disease. The American Lung Association in the Northeast serves CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI and VT. www.LungNE.org