Tri for a Cure raises nearly $2M to help fight cancer in Maine
Courtesy / Maine Cancer Foundation
A view of the opening of Sunday's Tri for a Cure event in South Portland. The annual fundraiser raised nearly $2 million to help fight cancer in Maine, the Maine Cancer Foundation said on Monday. Some 1,136 women participated, ranging in age from 16 to 76.
Sunday’s Tri for a Cure event in South Portland raised nearly $2 million to help fight cancer in Maine, the Maine Cancer Foundation said on Monday. Some 1,136 women participated, ranging in age from 16 to 76.
“Despite the rain, it was an amazing day filled with tears of inspiration, hope and remembrance of those we have lost to this horrible disease,” the Maine Cancer Foundation said in an emailed statement.
It also thanked this year’s 500 volunteers and assured sponsors “that every dollar raised goes back into the most promising and effective cancer-fighting programs across the state.”
Tri for a Cure was created in 2008 by MCF board member Julie Marchese and her friend, Abby Bliss, to encourage women to achieve their personal best and become an inspiration to others. Held every July, Tri for a Cure supports cancer prevention, timely screenings and patient support throughout the state.
The organization said it awarded 40 grants totaling nearly $3.6 million in 2017, and more than $15 million since the fundraiser began in 2008.
This year, 698 women participated as individuals and 615 as members of a relay team in the fundraiser, which entails swimming, biking and running, in Maine’s only all-women’s triathlon.
As of Monday, $1,959,672 had been raised, and donations are still being accepted.
Although 87% of this year’s participants were from Maine, 18 other states were represented and half of participating athletes were new to the race this year. The average age was 42.
The Maine Cancer Foundation also shared these cumulative totals for 2008-2018:
- 13,103 participants and 1,843 teams.
- 3,740 miles swum.
- 172,410 miles biked.
- 35,909 miles ran.
- $13,946,527 raised through 164,771 donations.
- 5,019 volunteers.
- 148 corporate sponsors.
For those who want to participate, volunteer or be a sponsor next year, the date is July 14, 2019. To make a donation, go here.
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