I would like to respond to the recent letters to the editor in the Sun Journal regarding the Greater LA Triple Crown 5K Series and our decision to use something other than bottled water for our events.

I would first like to acknowledge that Poland Spring Bottling Co. has been incredibly generous in their support of ours and many other events over the years. We have great respect for all that they provide locally and we appreciate their willingness to provide us with Poland Spring water. It was never our intent to alienate Poland Spring Bottling Co. or to have them mischaracterized in the media. For this, we apologize. Hindsight is a wonderful thing and in retrospect we now wish that we had contacted Poland Spring to tell them of our plans and ask for their input.

The Triple Crown committee is comprised entirely of volunteers who devote a great deal of time and energy in creating a series of community events that promote fitness and boasts participation in excess of 2,000 runners and walkers. The proceeds from these events go entirely to worthy causes in our twin-city area. We have long valued the support of our many sponsors, and without them our 5K series would not be possible.

Representatives from both Poland Spring Bottling and our committee recently met and discussed new ways of working together. Poland Spring has graciously offered to provide us with bulk water in five-gallon containers, and will be donating water for our upcoming eco-friendly races.

We are grateful for Poland Spring’s understanding and are excited to work together in an environmentally sustainable way. We thank them for their continued support.

Mike Lecompte is the Greater LA Triple Crown chairman. He lives in Lewiston.