Maine Marathon 2024

The Maine Marathon, along with the half marathon and marathon relay, takes place every October in Portland, Maine. The event is renowned for its picturesque out-and-back course, which showcases the beauty of the Back Cove, Casco Bay, rolling hills, and vibrant autumn foliage. Certified by USATF, the Maine Marathon is also a qualifying race for the Boston Marathon. The event originally began as the Casco Bay Marathon in 1978 and now includes a Virtual Marathon option, allowing participants to complete the race from anywhere in the world.

Route & Schedule

The Maine Marathon course begins and ends along the scenic Back Cove of Portland, specifically at Baxter Boulevard, between Preble Street and Forest Avenue. All races start at 7:45 am. The course features a flat start, followed by a challenging middle section as it heads up the coast to Yarmouth before returning along the picturesque Back Cove for a flat, level finish. Runners will pass Mackworth Point and cross the Martin Point Bridge twice during their journey.

The Maine Marathon course offers several spectator spots along Route 88. One popular location is at the corner of Depot Road and Route 88 in Falmouth, with parking available at nearby Wal-Mart or other shopping centers on Route 1. Another prime viewing area is at the intersection of Route 88 and Tuttle Road in Cumberland. These spots provide excellent opportunities for cheering on runners and enjoying the race atmosphere.

Beer Fest

Friends and families of the runners can take advantage of Portland's vibrant offerings, including its numerous breweries, cafes, restaurants, and Old Port shops. After the race, participants can check their results and enjoy live music, along with complimentary food and snacks, including a slice of Leonardo's pizza, water, Gatorade, and Drink Simple, all available at the baseball field next to the finish line. Gear checks are also provided within the baseball field. The surrounding area features additional amenities, including Maine craft beer, hard seltzer, and non-alcoholic beer.

Registration

For the Maine Marathon, registration fees for in-person events range from $70 to $180. Specifically, the marathon relay costs $180, the marathon is $95, and the half-marathon is $70. For virtual events, the registration fee is $30.