After the coronavirus pandemic forced a shift to a virtual event in 2020, runners and walkers returned en force on Saturday, Nov. 13, for the eighth edition of the Wells Veterans Day 5K.

Thomas Harvey, 35, of Westbrook, took home top honors for the men and overall at last week’s Eighth annual Wells Veterans Day 5K. Donald Penta photo/Courtesy Maine Running Photos

The start and finish takes place at the Elks Lodge on Bald Hill Road in Wells. Proceeds from the event support Honor Flight Maine.

Nearly 140 participated this year, a combination of runners and walkers, some toting American flags, many wearing shirts emblazoned with their favorite branch of the military.

Thomas Harvey, 35, of Westbrook, took home top honors for the men and overall, with a time of 17 minutes, 33 seconds. Katherine Canny, 32, of Binghamton, New York, claimed first place in the women’s division and was 11th overall. Canny completed the 3.1-mile loop in 24:23.

Local runners placing among the top 20 finishers:

4. Andrew Atwater, 16, Kennebunk, 20:20;

13. S. Lindquist, 11, Kennebunk, 24:44;

20. David Cote, 57, Kennebunk, 26:12.

Honor Flight Maine is a nonprofit organization created to honor America’s veterans for their service and sacrifices. The organization transports veterans to Washington, D.C. to tour, experience and reflect at their respective memorials.

According to the Honor Flight Maine website, “Top priority is given to our most frail veterans – terminally ill veterans of all conflicts and World War II survivors. Korean and Vietnam veterans are also transported on a first-come, first-served, space-available basis.”

Katherine Canny, 32, of Binghamton, New York, claimed first place in the women’s division. Donald Penta photo/Courtesy of Maine Running Photos

For more information about Honor Flight Maine or to make a donation, visit www.honorflightmaine.org/.

Andrew Atwater, 16, of Kennebunk, placed fourth overall in this year’s Wells Veterans Day 5K with a time of 20 minutes, 20 seconds. Donald Penta photo/Courtesy Maine Running Photos

Wells Veterans Day 5K participants arrive at the Elks Lodge to claim their bib numbers on Saturday, Nov. 13. The event raises funds for Honor Flight Maine. Donald Penta photo/Courtesy of Maine Running Photos