GRAY — The Patriot 5K around Crystal Lake was an amazing race, and with more than fifty percent of the participants from Gray and New Gloucester it was a great turnout from the communities.

The event officially sold out with more than 750 runners and walkers participating. Thanks to over $7,000 in cash and prizes, fantastic kids’ activities and live entertainment, the Patriot 5K has quickly become one of Maine’s premier races for avid runners, weekend warriors and first-timers.

Moninda Merube, the top male finisher, came in at 15:04 ,just edging out last year’s winner Louie Luchini. Luchini still holds the course record of 14:38 set in 2011.

Sheri Piers of Falmouth defended her title while setting a new female course record with a time of 16:46. Piers was the first American women’s finisher in this year’s Boston Marathon.

For the second year in a row, the Patriot 5K road race was supported by lead sponsor The Liberty Family Foundation. The beneficiary of this event, the Patriot Parents PTO, is an organization whose purpose is to strengthen, enhance, and encourage the educational and social environment of the schools in Gray and New Gloucester.

Patriot Parents PTO president Michael Smith said that the event raised more than $17,000 for enrichment programs in Gray-New Gloucester schools.

Race results and photos can be found at www.patriots5k.org

Auburn Rec summer track

AUBURN — Auburn Parks and Recreation is now accepting registrations for Youth Summer Track and Field.

Coach Tom Menendez returns for a 17th season to guide the Auburn program through another fun-filled summer. Menendez brings to the program more than 20 years of coaching experience. He is joined each season by several assistants and a small army of volunteers.

The coaches and volunteers make the program fun and interesting for all, providing expert instruction and training in sprinting, running, hurdles, relays, high jump, long jump and throwing events.

Practices are held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 to 7:15 p.m. at the Edward Little High School track. Competition is offered through scheduled Maine USA Track & Field meets each Thursday beginning in late June. Auburn hosts two developmental meets and a division qualifying meet each summer. Participants are encouraged to compete in at least one meet. The five developmental meets are followed by a division qualifying meet and the state meet, to be held on August 13.

Registration ends June 17 and the first practice will be held June 20. Register in person at our office in the Hasty Com-munity Center in Pettengill Park or save time and register online by going to www.teamsideline.com/auburnme and click on the “Online Program Registration” link.

Auburn Legion tryouts

AUBURN — William J. Rogers Post 153 will hold American Legion baseball player tryouts Sunday, June 3 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Pettengill Park. The team is open to any Auburn resident born in or after 1993. For more information, contact Larry Gordon at 576-7256 or e-mail [email protected].