With online registration for the TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon set to begin on Saturday morning, March 15, race officials are urging runners to act quickly to ensure a spot in the popular road race.

Registration gets underway at B2B at 9 a.m. on March 15. This year for the first time, online registration will be the only means for runners to enter the race. The TD Banknorth Beach to Beach takes place on Saturday, Aug. 2, along the Maine coast in Cape Elizabeth.

Race officials on Monday said participants who want one of the 5,500 spots in the race should make an effort to sign up soon after registration begins.

"We can't stress enough the importance of getting online right away and getting signed up because the race fills up faster and faster every year," said David Weatherbie of Cape Elizabeth, the race president. "And with the changes in the registration process this year, we can't predict how long it will take to fill up."

Last year, 4,700 runners signed up online during the first 10 days after registration began, with the remaining slots reserved for those using paper applications.
This year, race officials discontinued the printed applications so online registration will remain open until all 5,500 slots are filled. Registration for the Kids Fun Run also will be conducted online only, and will close once 500 children are registered.

This year marks the 11th year for the TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon, one of Maine's premiere sporting events and one of the marquee events on the U.S. road race circuit. The race attracts runners from throughout the region and top elite runners from around the world to this small coastal community. Last year's field included runners from 23 countries and 40 U.S. states. As many as 10,000 spectators line the course to cheer the runners, and more than 800 volunteers help ensure a smooth operation.