ROCKLAND — The first annual Reindeer Dash was held at the Landings Restaurant in Rockland in the early morning hours of Saturday, Dec. 13.

39 runners participated in the event that was hosted by KDK, LLC, Apparel, Printing and Embroidery, of Thomaston and benefited the Marine Reserves Toys for Tots campaign in Knox, Waldo and Lincoln Counties. In addition to the four mile run, an Ugly Sweater Contest as well.

Trina Johnson, race coordinator and owner of KDK, said she wanted to choose a Reindeer Dash, because it’s the festive season and she wanted to choose a local organization to donate money to.

“Toys for Tots seemed like a great organization to fill that need,” said Johnson. “I contacted Toys for Tots coordinator Joan Vargas and she was ecstatic about the idea. And well, here we are.”

Reindeer antlers abounded for people to wear, but they were not a requirement to be in the race. You did get a discount off the entry fee though if you donated a toy when you registered.

“We’re also having an ugly sweater contest,” said Johnson prior to the race. “I’ve seen some pretty ugly sweaters walking around here, so it’s going to be pretty hard to judge for that one.”

Alicia Costa of Warren walked away with the title of “ugliest sweater”, as well as a trophy and bragging rights. 

The First was also a sponsor of the race and Dunkin Donuts made sure plenty of hot coffee was on hand. To learn more about Toys for Tots visit rockland-me.toysfortots.org, for the nearest drop off location.

“We live in a really special community and are so thankful for all the support from individuals and area business,” said Vargas.

The fastest times recorded for men were first place, Darren Winchenback; second place Lucas Brower and third place Kyle Weaver.

For the women, first place went to Charlie Charlton; second place to Breanna Cushman and third place to Patricia Leach.

The following are all the results for runners in the First Annual Reindeer Dash Four Mile Race.

1 Darren Winchenbach 26:32.4
2 Lucas Brower 27:30.23
3 Kyle Weaver 28:18.3
4 Ron Haney 29:05.955
5 Will Daggett 29:15.2
6 Rick Elder 21:03.0
7 Christian Plummer 31:04.7
8 Dean Martin 31:30.8
9 Charlie Charlton 32:07.9
10 Breanna Cushman 33:16.4
11 Noah Howard 33:17.0
12 Patricia Leach 33:31.3
13 Hillary Pride 33:47.6
14 Katie Daggett 34:31.0
15 Melissa Howard 36:22.7
16 Tami Casas 37:02.5
17 Kylea Odone 37:21.0
18 Donna Jameson 37:46.1
19 Olivia Jameson 37:46.7
20 Jackson Fortin 38:36.0
21 Kelsey Arsenault 38:36.5
22 Benjamin Daggett 39:33.7
23 Abby Daggett 39:34.8
24 Ellen Spring 40:36.9
25 Bronwen Lane 41:17.6
26 Christina Wotton 42:31.3
27 Alicia Costa 42:32.8
28 Tracie McLain 42:38.1
29 Diane-Marie Colby 43:37.9
30 Cherilyn Stclair 43:48.8
31 Jamie Arnold 46:31.4
32 Susan Henderson 46:32.1
33 Rebecca Bubar 46:37.8-45

Reach Chris Wolf and the sports department at: sports@penbaypilot.com.