CAPE ELIZABETH (WGME) - Early Saturday morning, runners began to trickle past the finish line.
That turned to a stream and then a flood of more than 7,000 racers.
Emily Durgin of Standish was the first Maine woman to finish the 10K race in 32 minutes and 16 seconds.
She placed second among the elite women.
Sam Mills of Biddeford was the first Maine man to finish among the elites with a time of 31 minutes and 8 seconds.
“It was incredible, it was one of the best feelings of my life, honestly," said Mills.
A member of UMaine’s cross country team and a veteran on this course.
He said it was an honor representing Maine.
“I’ve been running this race since I was a freshman in high school and I’m going into my senior year of college now," Mills said. "And this was the first time I’ve been in the elite field, and this was just so special.”
For the casual runners in today's race, it means a lot to be back for the first time since 2019.
“Oh it is the best, loving it," said Linda Bahnson from Vermont. “People are fabulous, the runners, the volunteers. The scenery is just to die for, I mean it’s Maine come on!”
“It’s exciting, there are people dressed in bacon who are giving out bacon. You don’t find other races like that. So it’s really special," said Caitlyn Malloy from Boston.
TD Bank is giving $30,000 this year to the Cromwell Center.
Their anti-bullying program in Maine schools promotes inclusion of children with intellectual disabilities.
They were beyond excited to find out they had been this year's selected charity.
“Just couldn’t believe it, it is such an honor," said Susan Greenwood, Executive Director of the Cromwell Center.
For all who could play a part in this year's Beach to Beacon, it was not just another running of the famed race, it was a re-uniting of friends.
“It’s great to stand there at the finish line and be part of a community," Mills said.