AUBURN — Registration for the eighth annual Greater L-A Triple Crown 5K Series, presented by Maine Orthopedic Foundation, is open. Online registration and downloadable print forms are available through the event website, www.triplecrown5k.com. Forms will are also available at the Auburn-Lewiston YMCA, 62 Turner St.

This year, the L-A Triple Crown 5K Series Committee wants to pay special tribute to all its loyal participants. The series, YMCA Fit Fest, Emily’s Run and the Bridge Run, has become a community event.

The number of registrations for all three races, which totaled nearly 2,000 participants in 2014, has allowed for funding for community programs. Funds raised in 2015 will benefit programs offered by several organizations/foundations.

The Auburn-Lewiston YMCA Financial Assistance Program provides programs such as Youth Sports, Day Camp, Child Care, Swim Lessons and Health & Wellness to all regardless of their inability to pay.

The Fletcher Foundation provides Edward Little High School student athletes with $1,000 college scholarships, along with a significant donation to the Auburn Public Library. Additionally, the foundation supports the Auburn Nordic Ski Association, LA Trails and a program at ELHS that provides for families in need at Christmas.

The Bridge Run Foundation supports active outdoor experiences for area youth to promote health and well being. In 2014, four local youths from the Auburn-Lewiston Boys and Girls Club attended the Appalachian Mountain Teen Wilderness Programs. In addition, the Bridge Run Foundation is the leading provider of funds to pay for all age 14 and under to run the three L-A Triple Crown Races free.

The Greater L-A Triple Crown fundraising series consists of three 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) races and is open to runners and walkers of all ages. Registration is $60 and on June 7 at the YMCA Fit Fest Run, the last day for Triple Crown registration, the price will increase to $70. Individual 5K registrations are $20, increasing to $25 on race day. Incentive items are available for the first 300 registrants of each race. Registration for all Triple Crown 5K events is free for all children ages 14 and under.

To pay tribute to participants, this year the committee will provide cash prizes for the overall male and female two deep in the individual races ($100, $50). In addition, starting this year a new age group, 75+ for both male and female divisions, will be added for all races.

The committee will provide new awards this year for the first and second place male and female in each five-year age division for the individual races. There will be raffle prizes for all who participate. For participants who do all three races or the L-A Triple Crown Series, there will be cash prizes five deep for overall male and female finishers ($250, $200, $150, $100, $50).

In addition, for the L-A Triple Crown Series, the committee will provide signature Triple Crown Lamps for the first-place overall male and female in each five-year age division and a free entry fee for the 2016 Triple Crown Series to the second place overall male and female in each five-year age division.

This year all participants  who run all three races will also be able to take part in a grand prize raffle, with some of the gifts including an overnight stay for two at the Norumbega Inn, an overnight stay for two at Maine Huts and Trails, a Maine made rock lamp, a TV donated by Agren Appliance and a Dan Cake print.

The series will open with the YMCA Fit Fest on Sunday, June 7, at Festival Plaza in Auburn, followed by Emily’s Run on Sunday, July 19, at Edward Little High School and the L-A Bridge Run on Sunday, Aug. 23, at the Rollodrome in Auburn. Each course is USA Track & Field certified.

Each 5K will begin at 8:30 a.m. and feature chip-timing, prize drawings, food, refreshments, massage, music and awards that will start at 10 a.m.

The Auburn Firefighters Local 797 Kids’ Fun Run will precede each 5K at 8 a.m. The fun run is free to all youngsters and registrations will only be accepted on the day of the event.

For more information, including volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.triplecrown5k.com.

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