The Trek Across Maine will celebrate its 36th anniversary in 2020 with a virtual event. As the largest fundraising event of its kind in the nation for the American Lung Association, the Trek has raised more than $29 million in the past 35 years. This year a portion of the funds raised by the Trek Across Maine are supporting COVID-19 research. It was announced last week that the American Lung Association is launching a $25M initiative to end COVID-19 and defend against future respiratory virus pandemics.. Visit the American Lung Association’s Trek Across Maine site to register.

Cycling is a great way to improve both your physical and mental health, while giving an extra boost to your immune system. We encourage you to participate in the virtual event as this is the perfect time to get outside while still practicing social distancing! Challenge yourself to stay active and support the American Lung Association’s work to support critical lung health research.

COVID-19 is a lung infection and we are working to minimize the risk to all, especially those with a lung disease like asthma, COPD or lung cancer—who are at higher risk for more severe symptoms or complications from COVID-19. Join us in accelerating the progress we’ve already made, including a breakthrough discovery that could inform coronavirus treatment strategies and help us fund additional groundbreaking research that can help mitigate COVID-19.

Who: Everyone! Not a cyclist? You can still sign up to do the virtual event and help support our cause!

What: If you choose to participate in the cycling portion of the virtual event, complete 60, 120 or 180 miles on an indoor or outdoor bike (or mix of both) at your own pace and in segments if preferred. All virtual participants that raise the minimum $250 by June 30th will receive an accomplishment medal and event t-shirt. You can earn incentives the more you raise!

When: Now through June 30th.

Where: Anywhere you’d like, just make sure to practice social distancing at all times.

How: Visit the event website and register as a virtual participant for $15. You will receive everything you need to successfully complete the virtual event from there! Please take a moment to review our website for details and make sure to check out the FAQ Page.

Extras: Join our Trek Across Maine Group on Strava. You can connect your tracking devices to the Strava app so others can see your progress. We also encourage you to join our Trek Across Maine group to stay in touch with other participants and post photos of your ride/screenshots of your progress.

Virtual trekkers can still earn their commemorative Trek t-shirt, accomplishment medal and commemorative bib number! Simply complete the $250 fundraising minimum by June 30 and your items will be mailed to you. The fundraising minimum has been adjusted for this year only to be sensitive to the current times during this pandemic.

History

The annual American Lung Association Trek Across Maine would normally be happening on Father’s Day Weekend with the traditional 3 day, 180 mile option, as well as 1 or 2 day options. The start and finish line is hosted at the Brunswick Landing and there are overnight stops at Bates College in Lewiston and Colby College in Waterville.

For more information, visit: trekacrossmaine.org email TrekAcrossMaine@LungNE.org call: 207-624-0312