Mike Brooks, of Lewiston, left, and William Morgan, of Kennebunk, are fixtures on the Maine road and trail running scene. Their dedication to the community and presence at numerous events raises spirits. On Sunday, Oct. 27, the duo participated in the 41st annual Great Pumpkin 10K in Camp Ellis. Courtesy photo

The most common question is, “Why do you run?”

There isn’t one easy answer. There are so many answers.

In no particular order and on any given day, the response can be:

• The health (physical and mental) benefits;

• Challenges big and small. Daily, monthly, yearly goals that keep the juices flowing and the body walking out the door;

• Being outdoors during Maine’s glorious seasons is empowering and invigorating;

• Adventure races in beautiful places (Duluth, Minnesota, Lubec, Maine, Corning, New York, and Oslo, Norway, to name a few) with family and friends;

• Qualify for Boston Marathon — ‘nuff said;

• and the motivation from shared experiences and the joy of being in the moment.

Not to mention the entertainment value of the annual checkup with my rheumatologist.

Along with the usual blood tests and joint exams, I fill him in on what I’ve done the previous 12 months. Because he was there for the lowest of lows, he knows, smiles, shakes his head, and gives me the green light to continue: “You are holding off the progression (of the disease). As long as you can withstand what you’re doing …”

Kennebunk’s Lawson Noyes, 77, inspires with encouragement, advice and performance. Sunday, at the Great Pumpkin 10K, his goal was to run sub-9-minute miles and he did. Photo courtesy Donald Penta/Maine Running Photos

Every time the thought of mothballing the shoes creeps in, and it does, a day like Sunday comes along.

On a rainy, raw, Camp Ellis morning, nearly 200 participated in the annual Great Pumpkin 10K. It’s one of my favorite events. It’s a classic Maine road race that started in 1978. No fuss. Even less flash. Just a bunch of like-minded souls gathering in a beautiful location for a good cause and a dash to the finish near the jetty.

But it’s more than just the event itself. It’s the motivation and inspiration supplied by the people we meet and the friends we see.

Lawson Noyes, 77, a Kennebunk resident and true Maine running legend, calls out my name as we gear up in the pre-race dampness of the pier parking lot. He offers encouragement and sage advice the several times a year I might see him. It amazes me each time that he knows who I am. That’s motivation to keep going.

Later on, I see Billy Morgan, 75, another Kennebunk resident, and his pal, Mike Brooks, 73, of Lewiston. Two more Maine icons. They say their competitive days are in the rear-view mirror, but that doesn’t matter. When I see them at an event, it lifts the spirit. It just does.

It’s not unusual for Morgan, in his pickup truck, to pull alongside during one of my daily runs in the Kennebunk area for a quick chat. Every time, every time, I resume the workout with a smile and renewed purpose.

Brooks has run endurance races in all 50 states, two or three times over, I think, and recently authored a book, “Badwater and Beyond: A Thousand Races, Places and Faces.”

The support within the community never fails to astound, humble and inspire.

Next up on the calendar is another favorite. On Saturday, Nov. 9, Eleanor Vadnais and the Wells Chamber of Commerce will host its sixth annual Wells Veterans’ Day 5K.

A field of 100-plus runners and walkers show up to enjoy a route that meanders through the scenic countryside west of the turnpike. Since its inception, the race has raised funds for Honor Flight Maine, an organization that provides transportation to the Washington, D.C., memorials for veterans.

For more information, visit www.wellschamber.org, call 646-2451 or visit www.runsignup.com/raceME/WElls/VD5k.

Dan King, 59, is an editor/page designer for Mainely Media LLC. He was diagnosed with an auto-immune disease, ankylosing spondylitis, at the age of 37. Running helps manage the associated inflammation and side effects of medication.