World-class road race set for Sunday, Aug. 1 in Cape

PORTLAND, Maine (March 4, 2004) - Peoples Heritage Bank announced today that Riding To The Top (RTT), a non-profit organization that provides therapeutic horseback riding services to children and adults with physical, emotional and/or learning disabilities, has been chosen as the beneficiary for this year's Peoples Beach to Beacon 10K Road Race.

Peoples, through the Banknorth Charitable Foundation, will provide a cash donation of $30,000 to Riding To The Top. Additionally, the organization will benefit from fundraising opportunities and publicity valued at more than $40,000.

With locations in Windham and at Pineland Farms in New Gloucester, Riding To The Top Therapeutic Riding Center each year serves more than 200 children with disabilities from more than 40 towns throughout Maine. RTT believes that caring for horses and horseback riding are powerful tools for improving the lives of people with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, brain injury, developmental delays, autism, and for children deemed "at risk."

RTT's selection as the race beneficiary coincides with the recent launch of the organization's $1.4 million Capital Campaign. The primary objective of the capital campaign is to raise funds to create an indoor riding facility at RTT's Windham Farm to provide services year round. To date, more than $500,000 has been committed.

"We're thrilled that Peoples has singled us out as a worthy program serving Maine youth and made us a part of this world-renowned event," said Sarah Bronson, executive director at RTT. "This will help increase public awareness of therapeutic riding in general, and Riding To The Top's program in particular. And the timing couldn't be better. The bank's generous donation provides a real boost to our goal to build a year-round facility and offer uninterrupted services to our riders."

Michael W. McNamara, president and CEO of Peoples Heritage Bank, the race's major corporate sponsor, said Riding To The Top is a perfect fit this year.

"We were impressed by the work being done at Riding To The Top and believe this is the right time to shine a light on its important and compassionate work helping Maine youth,i he said. "We fully support the effort to build an indoor facility so children can receive these services all year. It's exciting to think that soon, every day will be a good day to ride for these children."

One of New England's marquee road races, the seventh annual Peoples Beach to Beacon 10K is set for Sunday, August 1 along the picturesque shores of Maine's rocky coast in Cape Elizabeth.

The new date breaks from the race's traditional first Saturday in August schedule, which has been in place since its inception in 1998. Scheduling conflicts and other factors prompted race officials to change the date for the 2004 race.

In its relatively brief history, the Peoples Beach to Beacon has established itself as Maine's premiere sporting event and one of the most popular events on the road race circuit, drawing a field of 5,000 runners from throughout the region and the world to the small coastal community in Maine. As many as 10,000 spectators line the course to cheer the runners, and more than 700 volunteers help ensure a smooth operation.

The race begins in Cape Elizabeth near the Crescent Beach entrance on Route 77 and ends at the historic Portland Head lighthouse at Fort Williams Park. Online race registration begins in mid-March and usually fills by late May or early June.

More than $50,000 in prize money is awarded to the top finishers and place winners in the various categories for men and women. The event also features a children's 1K race with 500 kids participating. For more information on the race, visit Beach 2 Beacon or the bank's website at Peoples Heritage

Peoples sponsors the race founded by Joan Benoit Samuelson, the Olympic gold medalist from Maine who also serves as a spokesperson for the bank during the year to promote the race and the bank's "Peoples Promise" program, which benefits Maine youth with scholarships, sponsorship programs and charitable gifts. Last year's race beneficiary was Seeds of Peace, and the year before it was Opportunity Farm.

Riding To The Top, formed in 1993, offers programming for clients at its own farm in Windham, located on 50 acres off Land of Nod Road near the Westbrook line, and at the Pineland Farms Equestrian Center in New Gloucester. About 80 percent of the riders are children.

Research and clinical evidence has shown that therapeutic riding contributes to improvements in balance, strength and coordination, along with self-confidence and self-esteem. In addition, therapeutic riding assists in the development of important life skills, including trust, responsibility and commitment. Therapeutic riding is a comprehensive activity that addresses physical, cognitive and emotional issues coupled with the fun of interacting with staff, volunteers and horses.

For more information, visit the organizationis web site at Riding to the Top