CAPE ELIZABETH – The biggest challenge for Maine Governor John Baldacci was crossing the finish line.

“We finished,” said a visibly exhausted but upbeat Baldacci after the race. “It was fun to do and it was a great event on a perfect day to run.”

Baldacci ran the Peoples Beach to Beacon 10K Saturday as part of the Seeds of Peace team, becoming the first Maine governor to run in the race.

“I finished exactly how I started,” said Baldacci. “On two feet.”

Joan Benoit Samuelson, the 1984 Olympic gold medalist in the women’s marathon and founder of the race, is the chair of the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Sports, Health and Wellness.

“I think that once people look at this race and see all of the people that participate, that it can only continue to grow,” said Baldacci.

“That’s an important piece of what Joan is doing as part of the council, getting people active again.

“There’s something here for everyone.”

Teams and records

The race set a new record for participation Saturday, with 4,273 runners finishing the race.

An estimated 10,000 spectators lined the course and gathered at the finish.

A one-kilometer “Young Peoples Run” for kids 12 and under also saw some 500 entrants.

In the Corporate Challenge, pitting teams of athletes from a number of New England corporations and businesses, Unum-Provident won first place in the mixed team division, while Bath Iron Works won in the men’s division and Maine Medical Center in the women’s division.

Peaceful finish

In a moment that seemed like part of the ending of a made-for-television movie, campers from the Seeds of Peace Camp in Otisfield, this year’s race beneficiaries, held the finish line tape as champion Gilbert Okari crossed the line. The campers, from Israel and Palestine, were part of a large number of people from the camp involved with the race. Several participants also ran in the race.

Local spotlight

While the top runners seem to get most of the billing at a major race like the Peoples Beach to Beacon, the race itself would not be possible without support from several local athletes who gave their best shot at running the 10-kilometer race.

There were 291 athletes registered from Maine, several of which were from the local area. Scott Brown of Lewiston led all local finishers with a 45th-place finish, followed in 55th by Jeff Caron of Auburn.

Justin Valliere of Sabattus finished in 73rd position, Erik McCarthy of Greene crossed the finish in 85th, while Michael Trundy of Hebron came in 89th to top off the list of local athletes in the top 100.

jpelletier@sunjournal.com

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