1900 CYCLISTS TREK ACROSS MAINE FOR LUNG HEALTH

There will be 1,900 cyclists in this weekend’s Trek Across Maine, coming from across the state, 28 states and Canada to ride 180 miles in three days to raise money for lung cancer research and advocacy.

They will head out Friday morning from Sunday River Ski Resort in Bethel for the first leg that ends at the University of Maine at Farmington. Saturday morning, riders will leave for Colby College in Waterville and the Trek ends Sunday at Steamboat Landing Park in Belfast.

This year’s youngest rider is five years old while the oldest is 90 and still outpacing many others. The 24th annual American Lung Association of Maine’s Trek is a way for businesses to promote good health; for people to compete in fundraising for a good cause; and pays tribute to friends and family who have lived with, and in many cases died from lung disease.

The money raised goes towards the Lung Association’s research, education, and advocacy efforts and to protect air quality. This year’s Trek is expected to raise over $1 million for these efforts.

“The Trek has become more than just an annual bicycle ride and fundraiser,” said Edward Miller, executive director of the American Lung Association of Maine. “The individuals and businesses who participate in the Trek as riders, sponsors or volunteers become year-round advocates and partners in the work we do to protect lung health and promote healthy air in Maine.”

For more information about the American Lung Association of Maine or the Trek across Maine, go to www.lungme.org or call 1-800-499-LUNG.

The event has raised $13 million in 23 years, over $1.5 million in 2007, and 28,800 volunteer-hours are put in by Trek volunteers. This year there are 148 Trek teams, six Trekkers and two volunteers have participated in all 24 years of the program, and 600 volunteers -- a new record for participation.