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PHOTO: Mitch Pfeifle (Bib 328) is at the front as the pack heads out in a prior year’s Androscoggin Bank Run for Independence. (Submitted photo)
BRUNSWICK — Registration is open for the 10th anniversary Androscoggin Bank Run for Independence, which returns as a hybrid event Saturday, May 21, after two years as a fully virtual event.
The 5k, 1 mile, and kids fun run start from Independence Association’s building at 3 Industrial Parkway in Brunswick. In-person courses take local runners through the flat and fast streets of Brunswick Industrial Park and local neighborhoods, returning them to the IA property for post-race refreshments by Moderation Brewing and Pat’s Pizza. The race — Maine’s most ability inclusive — is sponsored by Androscoggin Bank and benefits Independence Association.
Honorary chair for this year’s race is Hank Pfeifle, of Brunswick, a member of the Maine Running Hall of Fame soon to be inducted into the Maine Sports Hall of Fame. Pfeifle is an IA parent and recently summed up the value IA’s supportive services bring to his adult son, Mitch, who soon will move from his parents’ home to an IA managed residence.
Thanks to IA, Pfeifle said, Mitch enjoys “friendship, companionship, creativity, being involved in something instead of being stuck at home.” Like his parents and siblings, Mitch enjoys sports, and competes regularly in the Run for Independence. He also works out with IA’s in-house trainer, Maine’s only certified inclusive fitness trainer.
In celebration of the 10th anniversary, there will be custom commemorative medals for 250 finishers and long-sleeve performance T-shirts, with lots of fun for all. Register at runsignup.com/Race/ME/Brunswick/RunforIndependenceMaine
Independence Association is a half-century-old provider of quality services to adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities including autism. Independence Association employs more than 150 people to serve 300-plus clients in 6 Maine counties: Androscoggin, Cumberland, Kennebec, Lincoln, Sagadahoc and York.
IA offers residential options, support for employment and daily living, case management, and other services essential to allow clients the greatest possible independence in the Maine communities of their own choice. Well-known programs include the Spindleworks art studio in Brunswick and Spindleworks OffSite in Hallowell.
