Trek Across Maine Shifts Gears in 2020
For the first time in history, The Trek will be a 100% virtual event!
The announcement was made recently by the American Lung Association. Out of an abundance of caution and to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Association has adjusted plans for the 2020 Trek Across Maine. There will be no physical event on June 19 – 21, but instead, Trekkers can participate in a virtual Trek Across Maine from now through June 30th.
While the decision was made to protect the safety of participants, volunteers, and staff, organizers are hoping the new virtual experience will encourage more participation from new and past Trekkers from around the country. There has already been a spike in registrations and many more are anticipated to register since a portion of the funds raised by the Trek Across Maine will support COVID-19 research.
HERE’S HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE VIRTUAL TREK:
The virtual Trek Across Maine encourages Trekkers to stay active and enjoy time on their bike (practicing safe social distancing) while supporting the work of the American Lung Association. Completing mileage is not a requirement to participate.
Share your photos and videos of your progress on social media using the hashtags #TrekMe and #Cyclingtogether. You can use activity tracking devices (Apple Watch, Fitbit, Garmin devices, etc.) or join our Trek Across Maine Strava Club to see where you rank on the leaderboard each week with other participants as you ride!
Register at trekacrossmaine.org before June 30, as a virtual participant for just $15.
Participants can ask family or friends to donate to the fundraiser to raise $250 (the fundraising minimum has been adjusted this year to be sensitive to these challenging times). By meeting the fundraising minimum, the participant will receive a commemorative 2020 Trek t-shirt, accomplishment medal, and rider bib.
For more detailed information on the virtual event, including additional incentive levels (including the prestigious Winner’s Circle jersey), ways to stay connected and how to communicate with your donors, visit trekacrossmaine.org
EVERY MILE COUNTS
Since 1985, the Trek has raised more than $29 million for the American Lung Association. Funds from the event will go to support programs like research to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and help save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease.
Recently, American Lung Association researcher, Dr. John Schoggins, Ph.D., was credited with identifying a naturally occurring protein that has been shown to inhibit coronavirus infection. It was announced in April that the American Lung Association is launching a $25M initiative to end COVID-19 and defend against future respiratory virus pandemics.
You can also make a general donation to support the event or someone you know who is participating by visiting TrekAcrossMaine.org.