Maine is one of the most “natural” states in the United States because of its dense forests, rivers, and lakes, not to mention the enchanting beaches of the Atlantic coast. Running races in Maine is a great opportunity to see all that spectacular beauty.
In addition, it is known as a true food paradise, as the largest lobster and blueberry harvesting center in the United States. It can be difficult to decide between visiting the beaches and restaurants with mouth-watering seafood dishes, taking a trip to one of the hospitable cities, or exploring the state’s luxurious forest reserves.
5K Races in Maine
1. Run For The Horses 5K
Sep 4, 2022 – Sunday
5K, 1K run | kids run
Madison, ME
The 3d Annual Run For The Horses 5K will be held on September 4, 2022.
It is a scenic 5K race on a country road near Lake Wesserunsett. All proceeds will benefit Double B horse rescue in central Maine.
Double B Equine Rescue’s sole purpose is to help horses who have been neglected. They rehabilitate horses to get them healthy and find a forever home.
The first 150 entrants will get a T-shirt.
2. RUN4LIFE Maine
Sep 10, 2022 – Saturday
5K run
Virtual Option
Patten, ME
The RUN4LIFE Maine will be held on September 10, 2022.
The Bob Feller Act of Valor Foundation is organizing the 2022 Maine 5K Run/Walk to bring awareness to the 22 servicemen and servicewomen who commit suicide each day.
All proceeds will go to the Bob Feller Act of Valor Foundation’s Scholarship Program.
3. Bar Harbor Half Marathon
Sep 17, 2022 – Saturday
13.1M, 5K run
Bar Harbor, ME
The Bar Harbor Half Marathon will be held on September 12, 2022.
In 1913, John Rockefeller Jr. built carriage roads so he could avoid cars in the Acadia National Park. Nine miles of the Half Marathon run on the existing system of hard-packed trails.
It is a hilly route that starts in the scenic fishing town of Bar Harbor, then cuts into the National Park. You will run in dense forests, crossing old granite bridges before looping back to town. It will be the 45th Maine running of the Bar Harbor Half Marathon and 5K.
10K Races in Maine
4. St. Joe’s Commit to Get Fit
Sep 25, 2022 – Sunday
10K, 5K run
Bangor, ME
The 4th Annual St. Joe’s Commit to Get Fit will be held on September 25, 2022.
The 2022 Commit to Get Fit is all about fitness! The course starts at Broadway Park and encourages all to celebrate health, wellness, and overall fitness. It is also one of the most fun races in Maine.
5. Central Maine Striders Fall Classic 10K
Oct 9, 2022 – Sunday
10K run
Waterville, ME
The 3rd Annual Central Maine Striders Fall Classic 10K will be held on October 9, 2022.
It is a 10k road race that starts and finishes at Quarry Road Recreation Area, near the yurt.
No dogs or strollers are permitted on the run. This event is for runners only.
If you want to receive an event technical t-shirt, you need to register before September 15.
6. Wicked 5K/10K
Oct 29, 2022 – Saturday
10K, 5K run
Kennebunk, ME
The Wicked 5K/10K will be held on October 29, 2022, at 10 am for both races.
The 13th Wicked 5K/10K starts at LIVE Cafe 169 Port Road, Kennebunk, and is one of the best races in October!
The course starts and finishes at LIVE Cafe, running along the seacoast.
You will get a race bib, 1 Shipyard beer, a race T-shirt, and discounts on LIVE Cafe’s menu with your entry.
There will also be awards for the best costume for all age groups.
Half Marathons in Maine
7. Lake Auburn Half Marathon
Sep 11, 2022 – Sunday
13.1M, 5K run | kids run
Auburn, ME
The 11th Annual Lake Auburn Half Marathon will be held on September 11, 2022.
The Lake Auburn Half Marathon course includes scenic views of Lake Auburn and the countryside. It is one of the most beautiful half-marathons in Maine.
All race proceeds will benefit Moving ME Forward, a local organization that aims to be a cultivator of social change in health and fitness.
8. Newport Cultural Center Half Marathon
Sep 17, 2022 – Saturday
13.1M, 5K run
Newport, ME
The Newport Cultural Center Half Marathon will be held on September 17, 2022.
The Newport Cultural Center 5K race/walk and 1-mile Fun Run will follow an easy, shaded route through the neighborhoods along Lake Sebasticook.
It will be an out-and-back course.
The first-ever half marathon course will be an out-and-back down Moosehead Trail, around Camp Benson Road twice, then back to NCC.
9. Waldoboro Half Marathon
Sep 24, 2022 – Saturday
13.1M run
Virtual Option
Waldoboro, ME
The Waldoboro Half Marathon will be held on September 24, 2022. Waldoboro is a town built on hills. The Waldoboro Half Marathon is considered one of the hardest races in Maine and even the USA.
The founders fit as many hills as they could in the 13.1-mile course without having to cross Route 1.
There will be 1,400 feet of total elevation, including approximately 550 feet in the final 3.5 miles. There are 7 hills, and 45% of the course is uphill.
Marathons in Maine
10. Maine Marathon
Oct 2, 2022 – Sunday
26.2M, 13.1M run | 26.2M relay
Virtual Option
Portland, ME
The Maine Marathon will be held on October 2, 2022, and is a Boston Qualifier.
Portland Main Marathon will be an out-and-back course for all 3 races – marathon, relay, and half marathon – with hills and scenic views of the Portland skyline, the Back Cove, Casco Bay, and fall foliage. The Marathon is USATF-certified.
You can also enjoy Portland’s breweries, restaurants, Old Port shopping, and picturesque beauty before and after a race.
11. Millinocket Marathon
Dec 3, 2022 – Saturday
26.2M, 13.1M run
Millinocket, ME
The Millinocket Marathon will be held on December 3, 2022, and is a Boston Qualifier. It is a USATF-certified FREE race.
The founders encourage the runners to support local businesses and contribute to the Katahdin region.
Some Millinocket Maine road race services must be paid: bib numbers, race timing, bus transportation, and port-a-johns. All donations from the race will be given to charitable Millinocket organizations.
12. Bay of Fundy International Marathon
Jun 25, 2023 – Sunday
52K, 26.2M, 13.1M, 10K run | kids run
Lubec, ME
The Bay of Fundy International Marathon will be held on June 25, 2023, and is a Boston Qualifier.
You will run across the Canada-USA border without having to stop for crowds or traffic lights. The will be at most 350 runners in each event. The scenery includes the world’s biggest tides, bald eagles, seals, and even whales.
It is a challenging course with hills and is fully certified.
Finishers will receive custom medals and awards from local artists.
