HISTORY

In the year 2000 Tim Lorrain, an avid runner, suggested to the Waterford Sports & Recreation Committee that the quaint little town of Waterford should have a road race.  I took the thought with me to the next meeting and made the suggestion as it was presented.  The concept was well received and the decision was made to form a sub-committee to make the inaugural event a reality. 

The original committee called the Waterford Fall Foliage Road Race Committee was formed and comprised of local runners in town including Tim Lorrain, Dottie Bell, John Martin, Fred Fortier, and John Howe under the watchful direction of Martha Eaton.  Martha has been the event’s Race Director since its inception and is supported by her husband John.  Each fall Martha’s dedication and leadership is evidenced by an event that is well organized, has great volunteers and continues to grow year after year.

The group was a devoted and hard working bunch who volunteered countless hours to ensure the event’s success.  From sponsorship solicitation to course certification it was soon realized that an event of this nature was no easy task!!!  The Hershey’s of the Beech Hill Bison Ranch were one of the original event sponsors.  Many more dedicated commitments would follow.  A unique companion to this event is the Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce “Chili Cook-off” that still exists today.   Additionally, this event has become known for it’s cleverly designed Long Sleeve T-Shirts that are a hit year after year.  These shirts are designed by one of the committee’s own in Donna MaCarraher.

It was decided that our inaugural event would be held on 17 September, 2000 and be in honor of Margaret Sawyer a Waterford resident who “by the way” was the oldest woman to finish the Boston Marathon at that time.  Unfortunately, Margaret passed before the race date so we held the event in memory of Margaret Sawyer.  To everyone’s astonishment, we had 82 entrants for that first event. 

The following year, Tony Waldeier, the then principal of Waterford Elementary passed on.  The Howe’s (John & Debbie) also Waterford residents had established a Tony Waldeier Scholarship Fund and it was decided that we wanted to become a part of this cause.  Thus, the Waterford Fall Foliage 5K Road Race to benefit the “Tony Waldeier Scholarship Fund” was coined and continues today. 

In the 10 year history of our event, we have given away 40 scholarships in the amount of $500.00 each to deserving young students of Waterford who are planning on continuing their education.