2021 Triple Crown Committee

Darlene Beach

30 years ago I was invited to join a Corporate Challenge Relay Team in Ithaca, New York. I had serious doubts about whether or not I could run a mile and properly pass a baton, but I decided to try. After running a mile on the treadmill at the YMCA in Ithaca, curiosity motivated me to run 3.1 miles and sign up for the 5K at the Corporate Challenge. The 5k was soon passed by a 5 mile run, a half marathon and my first of many marathons. I loved training for marathons. I found that running longer distances was fruitful, it provided me with quality time with God and an opportunity to ponder what mattered in my life. I was also blessed with the support of my husband and the Fingerlakes Running Club.

After moving to Maine, my running came to an abrupt halt for several years. Then fellow runners appeared in my life and I began reaping the benefits of running buddies, the Maine Track Club, Moving Maine Forward and the Greater Poland Running Group. After retiring in 2017, I knew that I wanted to give back to the running community and other organizations, Sheltered by Jesus LA and the Dempsey Center, that are near and dear to my heart. I consider it an honor to be part of the Greater LA Triple Crown 5k Series Committee and look forward to its success in improving the lives of youth in Lewiston and Auburn.

Bill and Tammie Bouchard

Bill and Tammie Bouchard are in their second year on the committee. They are both active runners, volunteers of local races and organizers of the Greater Poland Running Group. They started running together in 2012 when their son asked them to train for the inaugural Tri-Town Family 5k. They began running the Triple Crown series as a family in 2013.

Bill is the owner of Integrity Services of Maine, an HVAC company based in Poland Springs. Tammie is a semi-retired RN. She currently substitutes for the RSU 16 school district, is the Local Health Officer for the town of Poland and works as Office Manager for the family business. Both enjoy being part of local running communities and being active participants at the Triple Crown races. They look forward to being contributing members of the race committee.

Erin Dunbar

I joined the Triple Crown committee in 2014. My first road race was the 2008 YMCA Fit Fest. I have been hooked on running ever since! I am currently a stay at home mom to two beautiful little girls. I love being part of the Triple Crown committee because it benefits three wonderful organizations. My current role on the committee is sponsorships and race amenities.

Ben Fletcher

Justin Fortier

I joined the Triple Crown Committee less than a year after beginning my running career in 2019. I ran the Triple Crown races in 2019, only a few months after I ran for my first time and I credit this series as to what made me decide I wanted to be a runner. Since I started, I've trained for greater distances, up to a half marathon and it's been a great journey so far! I have become very passionate about the sport, but also the wonderful community. I've met some of the greatest people through running and I'm very grateful for the opportunity to join this committee and hopefully meet even more people. I come from a household with deep Franco-American roots, so much so that French was my first language. Outside of running, I love spending my time watching films and playing music.

Amy and David Hediger

Amy and David Hediger are in their third year on the committee. Active runners and volunteers of local races, Amy and David both first ran the Bridge Run in 1999 and have taken part ever since. Amy is the interim assistant superintendent in RSU 16, and David works in Planning and Code Enforcement for the City of Lewiston. Both enjoy the sense of community and comradery at the Triple Crown races and look forward to assisting with the continuation of a great series of races.

Marcie Hird

I have been the YMCA Fit Fest Race Director for 5 years, as volunteer and participant for over 10. I hold the position of Fitness and Membership Director at the YMCA of Auburn – Lewiston, so my passion for Healthy Living, Social Responsibility and Youth Development within our community runs deep. I enjoy working with a dedicated group of individuals that share the same mission.

Grant Jewett

I joined the Triple Crown committee in 2018. My first road race was in 2009 in Portland. When I learned about the Triple Crown I was excited to find races happening in my own backyard. I have been running in the Triple Crown since 2011, and am thrilled to give back to local running community.

Mike Lecompte

I started the L-A Bridge Run in 1998. I have watched the Lewiston-Auburn running community grow and really enjoy being part of an event that brings together people of all abilities and encourages healthy living. In 2007 the Triple Crown was formed as a way to share the work of organizing a series of running races. It is great to work with a great group of dedicated committee members. I enjoy running, hiking and anything that keeps me in motion. There’s nothing like the magic on race day when runners come together!

Mona Murphy

I have been a member of the Triple Crown 5K planning committee since 2015. I got hooked on running when my manager invited me to join her running group about 14 years ago and have loved running since day one. I’ve made so many wonderful friends through running. And the Triple Crown races have always been my favorite races. Each one is such a fun, family friendly, community event. Thank you, Marie, for inviting me to the planning committee. I love working with this committee and supporting these worthwhile events.

Jake Norris

As a fitness enthusiast, Jake has been into lifting/running since college. Having run in the Triple Crown Series in 2017 and now having relocated to the greater Lewiston/Auburn area, Jake viewed joining the committee as a way to be more involved in the community while tying in his passion for running. This is his first year as part of the committee learning the ropes.

Gretchen Slover

Tammy Turcotte

I am a resident of the Lewiston/Auburn area and have been running the Triple Crown races for many years! I have always enjoyed all three races and the positive energy, sense of community, and all the generosity that comes with it! I am new to the Triple Crown committee as of this year and hoping that my contribution will help make this year just as wonderful as the years before!

As a mother of 3 and working as a Registered Nurse in the ER, running has been a positive outlet for me. I plan to keep running as my hobby for many years to come!

Shawn Vincent

I am in my fifth year on the committee and manage the content on the series website. Several years ago, the Triple Crown events got me back into running, and I have enjoyed the impact the races have had on my family, friends and our community. I am the principal at Whittier Middle School in Poland, where we share the Triple Crown’s commitment to healthy children and active families. I am also a proud dad of a family full of runners.

Jeff Wigton