AUBURN – Just over a week remains until the YMCA Fit Fest 5K, the first round of the 2010 Greater L-A Triple Crown 5-kiilometer road racing series presented by Maine Orthopaedic Foundation. The opener is set for 9 a.m. Saturday, June 12 at Festival Plaza.

The USA Track & Field certified course begins at the corner of Court and Main streets. Participants will journey through parts of Auburn and Lewiston, over two bridges and along the Riverwalk.

Along with the Fit Fest, the Triple Crown also includes Emily’s Run, Sunday, July 25 at Edward Little High School and the LA Bridge Run, Sunday, August 29 at the Rollodrome in Auburn. Each 5K will offer chip-timing, refreshments, massage, awards, prize drawings and a recycling initiative. The series is entering its third year and drew a combined 1,816 entries in 2009.

“I was amazed by the number of first time runners and walkers we saw last year,” said Race Director Tish Caldwell. “Programs like Couch to 5K, Girls on the Run and ME First have played a huge role in keeping our community healthy and active.”

The series is open to runners and walkers of all ages. Registration for all three 5Ks is $45 and individual 5K registration is $17. Prices will increase to $55 and $20, respectively, after June 11. Incentive items are available to the first 300 registrants of each event.

Registration is ongoing and will be accepted through the morning of each event from 7:15 to 8:30 a.m. Online and printable registration forms are available through the event website www.triplecrown5k.com. Forms are also available at the Auburn-Lewiston YMCA at 62 Turner Street in Auburn.

The free Auburn Firefighters Kids’ Fun Run will precede each 5K at 8:15 a.m. No pre-registration is required and each child will receive an award at the conclusion.

Funds raised will benefit community programs including various YMCA youth offerings; the Fletcher Foundation, which provides two college scholarships to ELHS students along with a donation to the Auburn Public Library; and the Lewiston/Auburn chapter of the Maine Outdoor Adventure Club, which will present scholarships to local teenagers for a variety of outdoor adventures.

There are still plenty of volunteer opportunities available, including setup, course monitor and cleanup. For more information, please visit www.triplecrown5k.com.