Since 1992
Print and digital marketing
RICHMOND — Swan Island annually participates in the Richmond Days Celebration, this year adding a 10K race to the mix Sunday, July 23. Racers will be ferried over to Swan Island for the event starting at the campground. The course is closer to a trail run than a ‘road race’ and will include portions of the central gravel road, a.k.a. Perkins Highway, mowed trails through fields meandering along the edge of the Kennebec River, and several short but steep inclines.
The race is limited to the first 100 participants; they must be at Swan Island Landing, Route 24, no later than 7:30 a.m. to be checked in. Ferry service begins at 8 a.m, and the race will start at 9 a.m. Racers will receive custom race bibs; they will not receive tee shirts.
Pre-registion will be taken online at running4free.com/searchrace.aspx.
The Swan Island 10k is definitely a unique run. In addition, proceeds from registrants will go towards the Swan Island education scholarship fund to support more than 500 students’ annual participation in a variety of wildlife educational programs.
Known for its abundant and often quite visible wildlife, Swan Island is actually an abandoned 18th and 19th century town called Perkins Township; it has long been recognized for its varied and interesting history. There are five standing homes dating back to the 1700s. The wildlife management area, about 1,755 acres in size, is located in the Kennebec River between the towns of Richmond and Dresden. The island’s public visitation season generally runs from May through the end of October. There are 10 Adirondack style shelters available for overnight use; picnic facilities for day use; modern bathroom facilities at campground, available drinking water; and firewood for a nominal fee. Kayaks and canoes are available for rental for hourly and day rates.
Visiting Swan Island Wildlife Management Area, requires reservations for the ferry and/or campground. Visitors may access the island, for day use, via personal canoe or kayak without a reservation; admission fees may be deposited in iron rangers. All visitor fees are as follows — day use, under 5, free; 6-years and older,$ 8. For overnight camping, 5 and under are free; 6 years and older, $8.00/pp plus $20 per site per night. Please visit our website at www.maine.gov/swanisland for more information and details about the island or call 207547-5322.
Swan Island, the Steve Powell Wildlife Management Area, is owned and maintained by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Its operation and maintenance are supported by your fees as well as revenue from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses, as well as federal support under the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program.
