Energy 4 Life Karen’s 5K run/walk goes virtual

For 2020, the Energy 4 Life Karen’s 5-kilometer run/walk will go on, but in the virtual realm.

For eight years, participants have gathered in Rockland to run or walk a 3.1-mile course and raise money for the Maine Cancer Foundation and help area people fight cancer. With the difficulties presented with COVID-19 (coronavirus), this year's event, hosted and sponsored by Maritime Energy, is being held virtually rather than encourage a large, potentially unsafe gathering.

“This year poses new challenges with hosting a 5K," said Susan Ware Page, president of Maritime Energy and Energy 4 Life. "However, a pandemic doesn't stop cancer and patients are even more challenged with medical treatment, support and finances. This is why we have decided to host a virtual 5K this year."

How will it work? Participants can register and run or walk a 5K any time from Sunday to Saturday, Sept. 13-26. Participants are encouraged to post pictures to the Karen's Cancer Run/Walk 5K-Energy 4 Life Facebook page so inspiring pictures can be shared with other supporters and patients, Ware said.

Participants who sign-up by Friday, Aug. 28 will receive a free high-performance tee-shirt.

Sponsorships also are important to the event to help raise money for the cause. Register here to run, walk or be a sponsor

Energy 4 Life is a 501c3, so a donation is 100 percent tax deductible. One-hundred percent of a donation goes to help people fighting cancer and also stays in Maine.

To date, the event has donated $136,000 to the Maine Cancer Foundation and has helped countless area people fight cancer.

Courier Publications' sports staff can be reached by email at sports@villagesoup.com or by phone at 594-4401.