🔒Sports-focused nonprofit is off to the races

Maine Endurance Sports Alliance is a new Hermon-based nonprofit with big plans for charity races in Bangor, Lincoln, Waterville and Augusta. After spending the past four years developing six races that have drawn 1,200 runners to the region via a company called Lifestyle Sports Global LLC, founders David and Laura McIntyre are shifting to a nonprofit model to broaden their impact. “A nonprofit has so many more options to raise more funds for our nonprofits and donations to local racing organizations,” Laura McIntyre told Mainebiz. “It also enhances development by having community leaders discuss issues for growth and development of the races, making sure there is a positive economic impact on the community,” she added. Studies have shown that a marathon with 500 runners can bring about $1.4 million to a community, she noted. The new nonprofit has a seven-member board representing a range of experience in education, business leadership, law, operations, sponsorship and endurance athletics. As part of a nonprofit, "the board becomes a voice for the race benefiting the community," McIntyre said.

'So many dreams'

At their new nonprofit, the McIntyres employ one other staff member handling marketing. Longer term, the plan is to partner with Husson University and others to build a team of six to 10 people to oversee sponsors, volunteers and other race operations. The new group aims to complement the work of the Maine Sports Commission, a nonprofit that promotes the state as a four-season sports destination and whose executive director, McIntyre, credits with providing useful advice and connections. As the Maine Endurance Sports Alliance gets off the ground, McIntyre said she's focused on securing sponsors for amenities such as cash prizes for athletes, Maine-made treats when athletes pick up their bibs and an inflatable finish-line arch with music and announcers. “I have so many dreams for what these races can do for central Maine,” she said.