AUGUSTA — Love Maine’s outdoors? Ready for some friendly competition?

Here’s the event for you: Not Your Ordinary 5k is an exciting race happening Sunday, May 17, registration at 8 a.m., run at 9 a.m. in Augusta’s Capitol Park and along the Kennebec River Rail Trail to benefit the Natural Resources Council of Maine.

The day will be an adventure, including challenges to push your mind and body in a race against the clock, while testing your nature knowledge, wilderness skills, and problem-solving abilities. If you can walk or jog for 3.1 miles, you can do this fun event, making it suitable for adults and children of all ages! Last year’s challenge stations included knot tying, a recycle toss, and cairn building.

For more information and to register, visit nrcm.kintera.org/notyourordinary5k.

All team or individual registrants receive a cool organic event tee shirt. The top three male and female finishers will earn gift cards towards running shoes at Lamey Wellehan. NRCM mugs and organic tote bags stuffed with books by Maine authors go to those who reach fundraising goals too!

All funds raised go directly to NRCM’s work safeguarding Maine’s air, water, wildlife, and forests. “What a fun way to enjoy Maine’s beautiful outdoors while helping to protect our environment,” said event director, Stacie Haines. “It’s fun for teams of all ages and abilities. The challenge stations break up the run/walk for novice 5k participants while more competitive runners can fly through the course in a race against the clock. Some of the stations may be challenging, some may share new wilderness information, and all of it will leave participants smiling. I hope to see you there!”

This event is made possible by the generous business sponsorship of Cribstone Capital Management, Kennebec Savings Bank, Preferred Products, The Breathable Home, Lamey Wellehan, Tilbury House Publishers, and Maine Primitive Skills School.

For more information and to register, visit nrcm.kintera.org/notyourordinary5k, or contact Stacie@nrcm.org, 207-430-0127.