Celebrating 25 Years of the TD Beach to Beacon
We're honored to be a part of an iconic Maine event that promotes sustainability, gives back to our community, and celebrates our home state. Entering its 25th year, the TD Beach to Beacon 10K Road Race is observing an impressive milestone, and we're excited to be counting the miles alongside the runners every step of the way.
08/01/23
25 Years of Uplifting Our Communities
On Saturday August 5th, elite runners from across the globe and other runners of all abilities will converge in Cape Elizabeth to race in Maine's premier 10K road race. In its 25-year history, the TD Beach to Beacon has brought together competitors from 19 countries, 43 U.S. states, and over 270 Maine towns! Starting in 1998, the race had an impressive roster of over 2,400 runners in its inaugural run, a number which has swelled to nearly 7,000 in recent years. The race has also achieved many more milestones in the last 25 years some of which include:
- 120,154 total finishers
- 744,955 total miles run
- Set the Maine record 7 times over for timed finishers in a road race
- $87,000 raised just last year for the race beneficiary
Founded by Olympic Marathon Gold Medalist and Mainer, Joan Benoit Samuelson, the TD Beach to Beacon is revered for its authenticity, inclusiveness, and beautiful oceanside vistas from Cape Elizabeth's Crescent Beach to the iconic Portland Head Light.
"The first thing I promised myself if I was able to make it through the Trials and on to the Olympics was that I would give back to the sport that had given me so much and that I would also give back to the Maine community which has always inspired me and kept me buoyant. [There's] something about the pride that Maine people share and their appreciation for hard and passionate work." — Joan Benoit Samuelson (via beach2beacon.org)
Sustainability
25 years ago, sustainability was not a primary consideration when planning a road race or running competition, but today it's a factor in everything we do. The Beach to Beacon 10k paved the way for environmentally responsible road racing when, in 2016, it became the first major U.S. road race to earn Evergreen certification from the Council for Responsible Sport—the highest level achievable. So, when Joan reached out to Sea Bags in 2019 to find a sustainable solution to replace balloon towers used in previous races, we knew exactly what to do. The result? Handcrafted mile markers standing a very fitting 6'2" tall made from Sea Bags' signature recycled sail cloth. With sustainability at our very core, we knew that these mile markers needed to serve a purpose after the final runner had crossed the finish line. In collaboration with the TD Beach to Beacon team, we came up with the idea of turning these large sail panels into sustainable tote bags following the race.
Once the race comes to an end, the mile markers will be signed by Joan and the elite runners. Then the talented Sea Bags crew will transform the mile markers into seven one-of-a-kind totes, numbered 1 through 6 for each mile of the course, plus an extra special 6.2 for the finish line. Featuring signature zig-stitching, each number appears on top of a nautical chart of the Casco Bay area with a thin blue line highlighting the racecourse.
Giving Back
Following the race on Saturday, August 5th, the totes made from Mile Markers #1 and #6.2 will be auctioned among race participants at a special post-race event. The remaining five mile markers will be auctioned at seabags.com starting Friday, August 11th with one Mile Marker Tote auction happening each day for five consecutive days.
- Mile Marker Auction Tote #2: 8/11
- Mile Marker Auction Tote #3: 8/12
- Mile Marker Auction Tote #4: 8/13
- Mile Marker Auction Tote #5: 8/14
- Mile Marker Auction Tote #6: 8/15
All proceeds, that's 100% of sales, from the seven auctioned Mile Marker Totes will be donated by Sea Bags to the 2023 race beneficiary: Valo. Valo is a nonprofit organization taking a proactive approach to cultivate emotional wellbeing in Maine teens. During its weekend retreats, school programs, and workshops, Valo's experienced guides help teens foster a connection to self and others, empathy and understanding, as well as a sense of belonging and mattering. Valo teens emerge emotionally resilient, ready to meet a changing world.
Tote Bags Supporting a Cause
We wanted everyone to have a chance to carry a commemorative piece of this renowned race, whether they ran it this year, or 25 years ago. This idea led to the development of our limited-edition TD Beach to Beacon Race Collection featuring a Medium Tote, Beverage Bucket, and Large Wristlet sporting the iconic TD Beach to Beacon logo with a nautical chart and highlighted race route. These bags are the perfect solution for holding a change of clothes, chilling some rehydrating beverages, or keeping your valuables safe during the race or anytime. Plus, 20% of sales from the entire TD Beach to Beacon Race Collection will be donated to Valo so your purchase not only displays your pride of Maine and the race, but also supports a great cause.
Hitting the Pavement
A team of 13 employees from Sea Bags will be running the race to raise awareness for Valo and sustainability. Join us in celebrating this prestigious race by running with us, volunteering, supporting Valo, or cheering from the sidelines.
Don't forget to share photos from the event using #seabagsighting and #TDB2B10K.
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