NORTHPORT — In the duration of 90 minutes, Saturday morning, Dec. 3, sleet, snow, and rays of sun all showered down on runners and walkers of the eighth annual Thomas F. Chester Memorial Frozen 5k.

As they lined up along the starting line near the base of Point Lookout in Northport, participants endured a cold wetness that eventually turned to snow. Brief snow squalls grayed any scenic views for many of the lead runners as they made their way along the entirely uphill terrain, only to be greeted by a break in the clouds and a slight warming of temperatures after crossing the finish line.

Despite the weather conditions, and despite the race being promoted as “the hardest 5k in Maine,’ smiles abounded from start to finish. Racers appeared ready to cheer each other on, and walkers appeared to converse easily during the annual race which raises money and awareness for ALS through the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Sarah Thompson can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com