Looking for a Road Race? We’ve got one for you!

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Looking for a Road Race? We’ve got one for you!

Looking for a Road Race?  We’ve got one for you!

“Beach to Beacon,” Cape Elizabeth

Weekend Warriors, Fair Weather Frolickers, Trail Junkies, Old Timers, Bling Chasers–no matter what kind of runner you are, we’ve found a race for you! Maine boasts an eclectic assortment of races that speak loudly of the state’s heritage of community and comradery. So whether you are looking to simply get off the couch, enjoy the Maine summer weather, explore a new area, get the family together for some good exercise, throw together a relay of adventurous friends, or win a pretty penny, it’s worth meandering through this list of 10 Maine summer road races, which have been listed in order of date (most upcoming to least upcoming).
1. Bridgton 4 on the 4th, Bridgton, ME, July 4
This four-mile race begins and ends in Bridgton’s quaint downtown, and is the kick-off to a day full of the 4th of July festivities that the town offers. It attracts runners and walkers from over 35 states as well as from various countries, and has grown to a field of over 2200 registered competitors since its inaugural run in 1977. Awards are offered to the top five finishers of each gender, as well as to the top 3 finishes in each age category (male and female). At least 90% of race proceeds are donated to the Bridgton Public Library each year, and other proceeds have been distributed to various local establishments, including the Lakes Environmental Association and Pondicherry Park. Water, Gatorade, and watermelon are offered at the finish line, where you can enjoy live music prior to a brief awards ceremony. Then, feel free to cool off in Highland Lake before catching the 12:00 parade that traverses down Main Street!
2. L.L. Bean 4th of July 10k, Freeport, ME, July 4
If you’re looking for a bit of a longer race to run on the 4th with a slightly larger field, the L.L. Bean 10k may be for you. Capped at 1600 runners, this 6.2-mile race begins outside of the L.L. Bean Bike, Boat and Ski Store in downtown Freeport and loops through town, passing by Porter’s Cove and turning back onto Main Street. Awards are held in Memorial Park and are given to the top male and female finishers along with the top three male and female finishers in their respective age categories. All race proceeds benefit the youth programs of the YMCA Southern Maine Casco Bay Branch. Once you’ve finished, you’ll have time to catch the parade and, if you choose to stick around and do some shopping, L.L. Bean’s Summer in the Park concert series is scheduled to kick off on the evening of the 4th, with a free performance by blues singer Matt Anderson followed by a fireworks show.
3. Moxie Day 5k, Lisbon Falls, ME, July 8
The Moxie Day 5k is part of Lisbon Falls’ three-day Moxie Festival. The course begins across from Lisbon High School, runs through the outskirts of town, and includes two rather steep inclines over the 3.1 miles. Prizes are awarded to the first male and female finishers as well as to the first and second male and female finishers in their respective age categories. In 2016, 446 runners crossed the finish line. After the race, be sure to stick around for the parade, performances, petting zoo, car show, assorted vendors, and, of course, the Moxie Chugging Contest!
4. Shipyard Old Port Half Marathon and 5k, Portland, ME, July 8
This half marathon, 5k combo has been described as the “quintessential Maine coast race” for its historic location and hip atmosphere. You can decide between sticking to the 5k distance, or, if you’re feeling ambitious, tackle the 13.1 mile scenic course that includes a loop around Portland’s Back Cove and along the Eastern Promenade. Both courses include “party zones” in the later halves, offering water, restrooms, first aid, and, most importantly, live music. Medals equipped with bottle openers are awarded to all finishers of each race so you will be ready to party as soon as you cross the line! Post-race celebration will include live music performed by alternative rock band Hello Newman, and, of, course, plenty of beer. Beneficiaries of race proceeds include Habitat for Humanity, Portland’s Cancer Community Center, and Portland Trails.
5. Lovell Old Home Days 5k, Lovell, ME, July 15
If you’re looking for a smaller, more rural setting, this is the race for you! Located in the pastoral town of Lovell and proximate to Kezar Lake, which National Geographic has named the “third most beautiful lake in the World,” Lovell Old Home Days could very well provide the quintessential Maine small town race. Parking and day-of registration is located at the Lovell Recreation Fields off of Smart Hill Road, and bus transportation is provided to the starting line, which is located on Kimball Road. Runners will turn onto Main Street where they will climb a steady uphill and enjoy a spectator-supported descent into town, where they will then complete their final mile on the dirt of Smarts Hill Road, finally turning into the recreation fields for the race’s homestretch. Awards are given to the top male and female finishers, as well as to the top three men and women in their respective age groups. The first 100 registered runners receive a T-Shirt designed by a talented Fryeburg Academy student. A parade immediately follows the race, travelling down Main Street and finishing on the recreation fields. Various vendors and performances will also be set up on the rec fields for the day.
6. Down East Sunrise Trail Relay, Ellsworth, ME, July 21
This unique relay race has been dubbed as “Maine’s first all-night relay.” So, if you don’t mind pulling an all-nighter with a group of your best running buddies, you may want to consider putting a relay team together! Teams may consist of 4 to 8 runners with relay legs ranging from just under 4 miles to just over 10 miles. The race begins The first leg sets off in Ellsworth at the Washington Junction and the final leg finishes in Eastport–the easternmost city in the U.S. 85 miles of the 102 mile relay are run on the Down East Sunrise Trail itself, which passes through some of Maine’s most distinctive scenery, including views of coastal mountains, wetlands, and blueberry barrens. Five dollars per individual participant goes towards supporting the Sunrise Trail Coalition. This relay is bound to be a great Maine adventure!
7. Yarmouth Clam Festival 5 Miler, Yarmouth, ME, July 22
Sponsored by Maine’s famous Pat’s Pizza, this 5 mile race is one of many exciting events taking place during this “Maine Summertime Tradition.” Beginning and ending at Memorial Green on Main Street, the race, sandwiched between Friday evening’s parade, a clam shucking contest, a firefighter’s muster competition, a fireworks show, and a professional bike race. becomes part of a festive summer atmosphere, that includes various vendors, musical performances, and carnival rides. T-shirts are given to the first 700 registrants, and cash prizes are awarded to the top male and female finishers as well as to the top male and female finishers in the “masters” division.
8. Emily’s Run 5k, Auburn, ME, July 23
Emily’s run is the second race of a three-race series known as the Lewiston-Auburn Triple Crown. Emily’s run is unique because not only does it take place on the most challenging course of the three races, but because it was established in memory of Emily Fletcher, a star cross country and track runner at Edward Little High School in Auburn, who lost her life in car accident at the age of 21. All proceeds from the race benefit the Fletcher Foundation, which offers two college scholarships in Emily’s name. The foundation also distributes race proceeds to the Auburn Public Library, the Auburn Nordic Ski Association, and the Adroscoggin Land Trust. The race starts in the parking lot of Edward Little High School and finishes on the track. Awards are given to the top 5 overall male and female runners as well as to age group winners. Furthermore, if you choose to participate in all three of the Triple Crown races, you become eligible for even larger prizes. For more information on the Triple Crown series, please visit their website at triplecrown5k.com.
9. Tough Mountain Challenge 5k, Newry, ME, July 29
For those feeling ambitious and who aren’t afraid of a little mud, the Tough Mountain Challenge offers the perfect opportunity to test your stamina as well as your strength. Located at Sunday River, this four-mile race is described as an “adventure obstacle course” that “tackles alpine terrain and throws in natural man-made challenges” (toughmountain.com). Many of the obstacles are spectator-friendly, so no one has to miss the trials and tribulations brought about by the shoe sucker, cage choker, bust n’ burn, valley of death, and many more. The mountain’s lodge is open all day with amenities, and other activities are available to enjoy as well, including the chairlift rides, ziplines, hiking, golf, and a spa. (If you’re planning to stay for the weekend, you may want to consider the spa after beating yourself up out there on the course!) There is also an option to register as a team, so you can at least have some moral support out there! Oh–and don’t forget the free beer that comes with your registration!
10. Beach to Beacon 10k, Cape Elizabeth, ME, August 5
Finally, here we are: the apex of Maine’s summer road races. Well, all of Maine’s road races, really. The TD Bank Beach to Beacon has stolen the spotlight of the racing scene since its inaugural run in 1998. Founded by Maine’s own Olympic gold medalist Joan Benoit Samuelson as a fundraiser for children’s charities, it has grown immensely, attracting top athletes from all over the world in the past twenty years. Think: Shalane Flanagan, Ben True, Jordan Hasay, Alexi Pappas, Meb Keflezighi, Wude Ayalew, Mary Keitany, Bedan Karoki, Bill Rodgers, Frank Shorter… and many, many more. However, this does not mean that you must be an elite runner to compete in this heralded race! Since 2016, the field size has increased to over 6,500 and includes runners of all ages and abilities. The only problem is: you’ve gotta fight for that bib. So, plan ahead, and make your calendar for next year’s online registration in March! Or, if you’re lucky, you can often find people who are looking to sell and transfer their bibs later in the spring and early summer.

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