Event Guide 2024 RALLY TOGETHER
Thank you!
The 16th Annual Dempsey Challenge is upon us a time to celebrate, a time to honor, and a time to rally together to make life better for people impacted by cancer.
Thank you for choosing to take on the Challenge this year and thank you for the part you have played in raising $2 million to support cancer patients, survivors, care partners, bereaved, families, and loved ones. Your efforts this year are making a difference in the lives of the almost 3,000 people who walk through the physical and virtual doors of the Dempsey Center.
Whether this is your 16th time at Dempsey Challenge, your first time, or any time in between, we are grateful to have you as part of our Dempsey Community. Because of you, people are able to access services such as oncology counseling, support groups, education, nutrition consultations, movement + fitness classes, massages, and so much more while on their cancer journey. And they get to do so all at no cost.
We are so grateful for your time, your talent, and your dedication to our mission and we can’t wait to RALLY TOGETHER with you.
Together, we are making life better for people impacted by cancer. Thank you for taking on the 2024 Dempsey Challenge.
-Dempsey Challenge Team, Local Organizing Committees, and Dempsey Center Staff + Board of Directors
@DempseyCenter @Dempsey Center @DempseyCenter #DempseyChallenge #RallyTogether
Packet Pick-Up + Open House
PRESENTED BY
29 Lowell St. Lewiston, ME
Thursday, September 19th | 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Friday, September 20th | 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Picking up your Dempsey Challenge Packet is the first step to a successful weekend.
Due to traffic, volume, and efficiency, we are offering Packet Pick-Up on Thursday and Friday at our Lewiston location.
During Packet Pick-Up, Challengers who have met their fundraising minimum can pick up their packet containing their t-shirt, bib, and other goodies. Additional donations and in-person registrations will also be accepted.
IMPORTANT REMINDER
Tour our original Dempsey Center location in Lewiston and discover how your support is making life better for people impacted by cancer in Maine and beyond. Plus, if you visit each part of the tour, you'll be entered to win an eBike from our friends at Berlin City!
Please note that the Dempsey Center is located on the 5th floor. While we do have stairs and elevators, if you have concerns about accesibility, please email us at info@dempseychallenge org so we can make accommodations for you.
Please note that you must meet your fundraising minimum ($300/$400/$500, depending on event) prior to picking up your in-person bib and packet.
Schedule
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21st
SIMARD-PAYNE PARK | LEWISTON, ME
6:15a Park Opens to Challengers | Simard-Payne Park
7:00a Opening Remarks | Poland Spring Entertainment Stage 8:45a
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your event start time for staging.
8:30a - 3:00p Festival in the Park | Simard-Payne Park
11:00a Kids’ Fun Run | Start Chute on Oxford Street
1:00p Survivor Walk | Simard-Payne Park 1:15p
START TIMES
65-MILE START 7:30 AM
25-MILE START 8:30 AM
50-MILE START 7:45 AM
Cycling
EVENTS
35-MILE START 8:00 AM
15-MILE + WENDY’S WAY START 9:30 AM
Staging begins 15 minutes prior to start time. Please arrive approx. 30-45 minutes prior to your start time to allow for parking and making your way into Simard-Payne Park.
BIKE SAFETY + INSPECTION
Your safety is important to us while out on the road. Please note that all roads will be open along all bike routes. All Challengers, volunteers, and spectators should take extra caution. Bike mechanics will also be available in SimardPayne Park near the entrance.
Cycling Ambassadors will be on all ride routes during the day to help out with any situation that may arise. They are there to direct riders, act as first responders and mechanics, or to just encourage you to keep going! Cycling Ambassadors will be clearly identified by yellow bibs.
Please be safe and mindful of other Challengers + traffic while on any route!
BAG + BIKE VALET
Free Bag + Bike Valet will be available for Challengers on Saturday Stop by to drop off your bag, bike, keys, and other items you'd like stored while you are in the park. This tent is located next to the finish line. Participants will get a wrist band that will match the bag and/or bike tag to ensure secure and easy identification upon pick-up No items may be left overnight, please collect all items left before leaving the park.
For safety purposes, please download RaceJoy prior to Dempsey Challenge Weekend. This will allow us to keep track of all cyclists out on their routes.
Safety Tips
FOR CYCLISTS + DUATHLETES
Your safety is important to us while out on the road. Please note that all roads will be open along all bike routes. All Challengers, volunteers, and spectators should take extra caution while near the venue and routes.
Cycling Ambassadors will be on all ride routes during the day on Saturday to help out with any situation that may arise. They are there to direct riders, act as first responders and mechanics, or to just encourage you to keep going! Ambassadors will be clearly identified with bibs.
Please be safe and mindful of other Challengers + traffic while on any route!
Wear a helmet at all times. Stop at stop signs and lights and obey all traffic laws and posted speed limits.
RIDE ON THE RIGHT. PASS ON THE LEFT.
Use hand signals and call our turns, obstacles, and debris on the road.
Ride single file or two abreast Stay on the marked route. Give right-of-way to emergency vehicles.
Never cross the center line.
Watch for railroad tracks and cross them at right angles with extreme caution.
Stay hydrated throughout the ride. Watch for potholes as they could damange your bicycle, or worse, injure you. Check for cars and other cyclists before riding around them. Always cooperate with Dempsey Challenge Staff and law enforcement. Download RaceJoy prior to Challenge Weekend and don’t forget to start it when you begin your event!
Duathlon
PRESENTED BY
EVENT START
8:15 AM
Staging begins 15 minutes prior to start time. Please arrive approx. 30-45 minutes prior to your start time to allow for parking and making your way into Simard-Payne Park.
Please make sure to drop off your bike and cycling gear off to Geiger HQ prior to coming to Simard-Payne Park on Dempsey Challenge Day. Bikes and bags can be dropped on Friday, September 20th from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM or on Saturday, September 21st from 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM. Additional information can be found on the next page.
BIKE SAFETY + INSPECTION
Your safety is important to us while out on the road. Please note that all roads will be open along all bike routes. All Challengers, volunteers, and spectators should take extra caution. Bike mechanics will also be available in SimardPayne Park near the entrance.
Duathlon Ambassadors will be on all ride routes during the day to help out with any situation that may arise. They are there to direct riders, act as first responders and mechanics, or to just encourage you to keep going! Cycling Ambassadors will be clearly identified by yellow bibs.
BAG + BIKE VALET
Upon return to Simard-Payne Park, use our free Bag + Bike Valet to drop off your bag, bike, keys, and other items you'd like stored while you are in the park This tent is located next to the finish line. No items may be left overnight, please collect all items left before leaving the park.
For safety purposes, please download RaceJoy prior to Dempsey Challenge Weekend. This will allow us to keep track of all duathletes out on their route.
Duathlon
IMPORTANT INFORMATION Bag + Bike Drop-Off
Geiger HQ | 70 Mt Hope Avenue, Lewiston, ME
Friday, September 20th | 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday, September 21st | 6:30 AM - 7:30 AM
BIBS + BRACELETS
At packet pick-up, you will receive your official event bib and four wristbands one for your bike, run bag, cycling bag, and for your wrist Please place each band on the corresponding piece of equipment and wear your wristband on event day. The number on your bib will match the numbers on each band to keep your equipment organized. Bands must be placed on equipment prior to drop-off
BAG + BIKE DROP-OFF
After receiving your packet and placing your bands on your equipment, please bring your bags and bike to Geiger HQ in Lewiston where you will make the switch from running to cycling on event day. Your gear will be stored safely here until event day.
REST STOP/TRANSITION
The Dempsey Duathlon, presented by Geiger, consists of an approximately 4.5 mile run, followed by an approxmiately 21 mile ride. Duathletes will complete their transition from runner to rider at Geiger's Headquarters. On Event Day, volunteers will set up your bikes + bags according to bib number for easy accessibility. Once you've completed your run, you can grab your bags and head inside Geiger to one of their locker rooms to change, if needed, and hydrate/refuel for your ride! Your bags can be left with the bag valet before you embark on the remainder of your Challenge and will be available for pick-up in Simard-Payne Park at Bag + Bike Valet upon your arrival.
E T Y I N F O R M A T I O N
5k Run/Walk
START TIMES
5K RUN START
8:45 AM
5K WALK START
9:05 AM
Staging begins 15 minutes prior to start time. Please arrive approx. 30-45 minutes prior to your start time to allow for parking and making your way into Simard-Payne Park.
CLICK HERE TO REVIEW YOUR RACE ROUTE
The Dempsey Challenge 5k Run and Walk follow the same route. This route moves through Lewiston and Auburn, Maine, crossing the Longley Bridge, the Auburn Riverwalk, and through Simard-Payne Park
Both runners and walkers will complete two loops through the course
This year, the 5k Walk event will start following the 5k Run start. We estimate that all Runners will have begun their 2nd loop before the Walk begins.
No matter which event you are taking on, please be mindful of those around you. Please do not impede faster-moving runners or walkers
The course will be marked with cones and as not all roads will be closed, please stay within the cones at all times on the route and do not move into traffic. If you are running or walking with your team, please be aware of those around you to ensure they have space to stay within route limits.
There is one rest stop on our 5k route, open to all Challengers. Remember to stay hydrated!
For safety purposes, please download RaceJoy prior to Dempsey Challenge Weekend. This will allow us to keep track of all Challengers on their routes. PRESENTED BY
Virtual CHALLENGE
Take on the Virtual Dempsey Challenge at any time... from anywhere! Whether you run in Florida, cycle in Italy, horseback ride in Presque Isle, or walk in Brazil, your participation is helping to make life better for people impacted by cancer.
Don't forget to share your pictures of you taking on the Challenge with us on social media and complete the Global Finisher Form when you’re done!
BIBS + PACKETS
Packets with your commemorative bib, patch, and t-shirt will be mailed to all Virtual Challengers beginning September 23rd. You can print a downloadable version of the bib here.
If you do not receive your packet with your t-shirt by November 30th, please email us info@dempseychallenge org
FINISHER FORM
Live Stream Schedule
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21ST @DempseyCenter @Dempsey Center
Welcome from Patrick Dempsey + Opening Remarks 7:00am
ParkingINFORMATION
PARKING LOTS + HOURS
Please park in any of the goldshaded areas below ADA Accessible parking can be found in the marked areas. Please do not park in the Hampton Inn parking lot unless you are a guest of the hotel. The Lincoln St. Garage and the Chesnut St. Garage are free to park on Challenge day.
NEED HELP?
After parking, please head into Simard-Payne Memorial Park Here, you can fill up your water bottles, meet up with your team, pin on your bibs, and get ready to start your Challenge event! Have a problem with your bib or question about your event? Please visit the Customer Service Tent near the entrance of the park.
Venue Map
FINISHLINE
MERCHANDISE
SEATING
HOSPITALITY
STAGE BEVERAGE MISSION
LUMINARY KIDSZONE
MEDICAL BAG&BIKECHECK
HOPE&HEALING TREES
INCENTIVES
Festival
OFFICIAL MERCHANDISE
Dempsey Goods, our official Dempsey Challenge merchandise will be for sale throughout the weekend. Cashless pay options will be available
LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE
Saturday, September 21st
9:15-9:30 am - Julia Gagnon
9:45-10:30 am - Camp of Rock 10:45-11:30 am - Owen Conforte 11:45 a - 12:45 p - Toby McAllister 2:45-3:30 pm - Bazinga!
KIDS FUN RUN
Registration for the Kids Fun Run, presented by TD Bank will begin at 10:30AM at the Oxford Street Hydration Tent. The run will begin promptly at 11:00AM in the Event Start Chute on Oxford Street.
TEAM PHOTO WALL
The photo wall will be available in the park on Saturday, presented by Dirigo Federal Credit Union. We will have volunteers ready to take photos on our camera or on yours! Photos will be available via CrowdPic around September 30th.
EVENT PHOTOS
Action shots will be taken on course and at the finish line and uploaded to CrowdPic for easy viewing. The link to access these images will be sent after Challenge Weekend. Thank you to RAM Sports Photography and Miniature Media for capturing the day!
KIDZ ZONE
There is lots of fun even for the kids in the Kidz Zone! Stop by for games, books, and event a visit from a miniature therapy horse, “Toast” from Impact Horse!
Blueberry Mimosas. Tickets can be purchased for $5 per ticket/beverage. Cash and credit/debit cards accepted.
To enter the Maine Craft Beer + Wine Garden Tent, you will need a bracelet Bracelets can be picked up following an ID check at the entrance to the tent or at any ID check station.
COLTON + LEVI'S LEMONADE STAND
Our family-friendly lemonade stand, staffed by the Daniels Family longtime Dempsey Challenge volunteers, is back again this year! Lemonade is free to everyone in the park!
DEMPSEY CENTER MISSION TENT
Celebrate and Honor people impacted by cancer in the Dempsey Center Mission Tent. Here, you can create a sign for a fellow Challenger, create and leave behind a Remembrance Flag, share your story, and learn more about Dempsey Center services
SPONSORS, PARTNERS, + EXHIBITORS
Supporters of the Dempsey Challenge and the Dempsey Center are joining us in the park this year! Be sure to stop by to learn more about what they do and why they are supporting the Dempsey Center this year.
LUMINARY TENT
The Luminary Tent, presented by CMP, is open to Challengers who have raised $10,000 or more.
Spinathon
ORGANIZED + PRESENTED BY
Jibe Cycling Studio is partnering with the Dempsey Challenge in 2024, hosting their 5th Annual Spinathon right in Simard-Payne Park! 100% of funds raised by Spinathon participants will help provide personalized, holistic services at no cost to cancer patients, their loved ones, and care partners.
Visit the Spinathon tent to cheer on the Individuals and Teams OR sign up for a spin class (or two!) on Dempsey Challenge Day!
CLASS TIMES:
7am | 8am | 9am | 10am | 11am | 12pm
Register for a class as an individual or a team here
Incentives
The best Dempsey Challenge incentive is knowing you're helping to make life better for people living with the impact of cancer but a little recognition never hurts!
Incentives will be distributed in the park in the Incentive Tent. We encourage all participants to pick up their earned items after completing your event Your fundraising level will be locked in after picking up your incentive items. So get those donations in before you pick up your items!
Virtual Participant incentives will begin shipping in October to the address submitted during registration. If you are participating virtually, but live near Lewiston-Auburn, you are welcome to pick up your items in the park, too! Stop by the Incentive Tent and pick them up at any time on September 21st Any questions about virtual incentive delivery can be sent to info@dempseychallenge.org and we will respond following Dempsey Challenge Weekend.
BOTTLE
$2,000
$3,000
COTTONTHROW BLANKET $5,000
LOBSTERDINNER FOR2 $7,500
$10,000
LUMINARYTENT ACCESSDURING CHALLENGE WEEKEND, HANDMADECUTTING BOARD+MORE!
$15,000
$20,000
CUSTOMSHOES
Other Information
RECYCLING + COMPOSTING
WEATHER SAFETY
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Please be sure to wash and/or sanitize your hands often, maintain social distance where you are able, and consider fist and elbow bumps in lieu of high fives. Additionally, we hope that all those who join us in the park respect the decisions regarding masking made by fellow Challengers, staff, volunteers, and attendees. Please join us in reducing our impact on the environment by composting food scraps and recycling other materials by placing waste in their designated bins. Our Green Team, presented in conjunction with our partner, Casella, thank you in advance!
PET POLICIES
We all love those furry friends, but we highly encourage you to leave your pets at home. If you do bring your dog into the park, please clean up after them. We also ask that you keep them out of the food tent and our Dempsey Dog tent.
NO SMOKING
Per City of Lewiston ordinance, smoking is prohibited in Simard-Payne Memorial Park. We also ask that you do not smoke on the course.
Barring severe weather conditions, the Dempsey Challenge will proceed despite poor weather. Runners, walkers, and riders should be prepared for high winds, a wide range of temperatures, heavy rainfall, or even snow
Given that weather can change during the events, weather-related announcements may need to be issued after your event begins. Please continue to check social media, alert signs at Rest Stops, or in RaceJoy.
Dempsey Challenge reserves the right to postpone event start times, reduce ride length, restrict ride options, or cancel the ride to ensure the safety of its participants. We will do everything we can to communicate any changes promptly. In all cases, Challengers are responsible for their own safety and should use their best judgement when deciding whether or not to continue if severe weather conditions exist. SAG Drivers will be on hand should you need to stop participating and need to get back to Simard-Payne Park.
Thank you to all of our Sponsors and Partners
AETNA
ANTIGONI’SPIZZA
BERNSTEINSHUR
BLOWBROS
BURGESSTECHNOLOGY
CABOTCREAMERY
CHILD’SPLAY
CHINET
CHLOEWINECOLLECTION
COFFEEHOUND
CUPCAKEVINEYARDS
DIRIGOFCU
GOUDREAU’S&SONSGOLFCARTS
HARVARDPILGRIMHEALTHCARE
HEADLIGHTA/V
HILTONGARDENINN
HUBINTERNATIONAL
ICEPIKVODKA
LATENT&AWNING
L/AMUSICPRODUCTIONS
LEPAGEBAKERIES
LONEPINEBREWING
LUKE’SLOBSTER
MARTIN’SPOINTHEALTHCARE
MAREBROOKFARM
MASON’SBREWING
MAILINGSUNLIMITED
MAILHOT’SBESTSAUSAGE
MAINEGRAINS
NORTHEASTDELTADENTAL
PINELANDFARMS
PERFORMANCEFOODGROUP
PORTLANDPARTYBIKE
RAMSPORTSPHOTOGRAPHY
PURITANMEDICALPRODUCTS
PRESSSELTZER
RICKERHILLORCHARDS
SACO&BIDDEFORDSAVINGS
SIDEBYEACHBREWING
SPECTRUMHEALTHCARE
SUNBELTRENTALS
TAPTRUCK
TEESHIRTBAR
USCELLULAR
VINTAGEMAINECHIPS
WDMATTHEWS
WICKEDWHOOPIES
WYMAN’S
PARTYAFTER
SATURDAY,SEPTEMBER21ST
6:30PM-9:30PM
LOSTVALLEYBREWINGCO.
Enjoy delicious food, refreshing drinks, and tons of fun. Admission is free and open to the public. Plus, $1 from every pour of the featured brew, The Sexiest Kölsch Alive, will go to the Dempsey Center!
FEATURING LIVE MUSIC FROM:
