By Rick Wright

Staff Writer

Most long distance runners participate in road races to stay fit or because they like the competition. On May 23, runners will have one more reason to race: to save animals and plants from extinction.

 The first Race to Stop Extinction will be held at 9 a.m., May 23 on Portland’s Back Cove Trail. The 5-kilometer run will be followed by a fun run for kids in Payson Park.

All proceeds from the race will be donated to the Endangered Species Coalition.

Race Director Rachel Piper of Cape Elizabeth said she has always been concerned about protecting endangered species from extinction, especially Maine animals such as the North Atlantic Right Whale, Canadian Lynx and Piping Plover.

The coalition acts as a guardian of the Endangered Species Act, a federal law that protects animals and plants on the brink of extinction.

“It’s their responsibility to bring awareness to endangered species,” Piper said.

The race date coincides with Endangered Species Day on May 21. Started by the United States Senate, the day is an opportunity for people to learn how to protect disappearing wildlife and remaining open space.

The day is always celebrated on the third Friday in May, according to the coalition’s website.

Piper, 41, found the coalition through an organization called 1% for the Planet, a nonprofit group comprised of business owners. 1% for the Planet requires members to contribute 1 percent of their annual sales to nonprofits dedicated to the pursuit of sustainability.

“The Endangered Species Coalition was the organization I chose to donate my 1 percent to,” said Piper. “It’s been easy to jump in and support a cause like that.”

Piper’s company, Wildfut LLC, designs sustainable apparel for kids and adults. She operates the business from her home in Cape Elizabeth and sells the clothing online and at fairs such as the Common Ground Fair in  Unity.

She also sells her products wholesale to several stores in Maine and Massachusetts, including Whole Foods Market in Portland and Morning Glory in Brunswick.

“Rachel is one of my dear friends. When she came to me and said she was going to do this and it was going to benefit the Endangered Species Coalition, I was just blown away,” said Lee Farrington. “I thought it was a great cause.”

Farrington, a Cape Elizabeth resident, is an avid long distance runner and co-sponsor of the race.

Julie Wright, the owner of SOMA Massage and Wellness in South Portland, is donating services of several of her staff members to the race.

SOMA therapists will provide massages to runners before and after the event.

“It helps loosen any tight muscles. It gets the body ready for a run. It stretches out the muscles and gets the blood flowing,” Wright said.

Wright, who lives in South Portland, also will run the race – her first competition. 

“I like to walk and jog. Being a part of this event is helping to inspire the runner inside. Sometimes it’s just good to get out and push yourself,” Wright said.

The race also has been recognized by Athletes For A Fit Planet as a “green” event. The organization has a network of consultants across the U.S. who support event organizers as they plan and implement green practices.

“They provide a lot of information to make your event more green,” Piper said.

To earn the distinction as a green event, the race had to comply with several eco-practices, including a 100 percent online registration process, the use of recyclable signs, no cotton T-shirts and no single-use bottles.

Medals will be awarded to everyone who finishes the race. Special recognition will be given to the first male and female runners to cross the finish line. 

Nearly 100 people are registered for the race so far, Piper said. Her goal is to get 300 participants.

Farrington, a runner for two years, uses 5K races to prepare for 10K runs. 

“5Ks are easy little confidence builders for me and I always seek them out,” Farrington said.

Farrington said she doesn’t run for the competition but to maintain her mental and physical health.

“If I was a speedy runner, I’d probably be competitive,’ Farrington said. “But I’m not a fast runner so it has nothing to do with competition for me.”

Most of the runners currently registered are from Maine and New England. Some are from New York and one is coming from London, England.

Following the race, all participants will be treated to a party in Payson Park featuring live music, organic refreshments and face painting for children.

“It’s going to offer like-minded families a chance to get together and enjoy the day,” Piper said.

Rick Wright can be reached at 282-4337, ext. 237 or news@inthesentry.com.