Pound The Pavement 5K Color Fun Run/Walk

"A Harbor Fest Tradition"

Scenic, fairly flat course that includes a few gentle hills, shaded neighborhoods, a stretch along the water front, and the Armistice Foot Bridge across the Passagassawaukeag River; one water stop. Everyone is welcome to join from those looking to run a personal best to families wanting to share a healthy run/walk. Top female and male runners receive 10 lbs of live lobsters (“bugs”).

Sponsorship of the Bug Run is provided by the First National Bank, Belfast, Maine.

This event is one of five events in the RunBelfast 2026 race series held in Belfast, Maine (https://www.runbelfast.org/). Events include: Paces for PAWS 5K - Jun 13; Lions Kilted Canter 5K - Jul 18; Rotary Bug Run 5K - August 8; WCHV Hospice Volunteers 5K - Sep 12; and Lions Ghostly Gallop - October 24.

RunBelfast is grateful for the support provided by City of Belfast Parks and Recreation, City of Belfast Police, and City of Belfast Fire and Ambulance

Event details and schedule

When: Saturday, August 8, 2026, 8:00 a.m. start

Where: Parking lot at Union Street and Miller Street, Belfast, Maine

Race-day registration and Packet pick-up: Race day between 07:00-07:45 a.m.

Fee: $25 through August 5; $30 race day; $25 for active duty military; souvenir t-shirts are guaranteed for all runners who register by July 24; after that date, t-shirts are available while supplies last

Awards: Overall female and male receive 10 lbs of live lobsters (“bugs”); then top M & F in each of 9 age groups (pre-teen thru 80+) receive medals

PARKING

The following parking restrictions will be in place, starting at 7 AM on Saturday, August 16th:

• Commercial Street will be closed at Union Street, and there will not be parking on Commercial Street throughout the weekend.

• The lower Belfast Common parking lot at Front St. and Commercial Street is for event volunteers ONLY.

• Belfast Boathouse parking lot will be for vendors and H/C parking only (requires a placard or plate).

• Front Street between Federal & Spring Streets and Federal Street at Main Street.

Racers are directed FIRST to city parking lots (Washington Street, Beaver Street) and then single, parallel parking (right side, aka downhill) on Front Street, and other additional city/downtown streets. Runners should not be parking in the neighborhoods if at all possible. They should use the downtown street parking and parking lots.

5K Bun Run

Come out and race for a good cause and stay for a fun filled day of activities, good music, good food and fun times!

You can run or walk this race. Strollers and leashed pets are also welcome. This is a 5k loop with hills, trails and road. It meanders through some woods and streets of Dexter and you start and finish right in the heart of downtown.

Support a Great Cause

All proceeds will support Heart of Maine Resource Center. The Heart of Maine Resource Center was founded in response to a need for community resources. Our mission is to connect our neighbors with the resources they need to thrive.

In the fall of 2020, we received the donation of the historic Bert Call Studio to house our nonprofit, and that December we received our 501(c)(3) status. The building has been gutted and renovations have begun, but we are in need of support to finish the first floor where the food hub will be located. As soon as we finish the food distribution floor, we will begin an open-shopping model for people to come and get the food when they need it and choose what is best for them and their households. We recognize that nourishing the community through food is only one way to address the needs of our community members. Our goal is to be a central location in town where we can connect people with the resources they need— whether it’s food, housing and heating assistance, educational opportunities, other clinical services, etc. For more information on HMRC visit theheartofmaine.org

About the Race

• The race is professionally timed.

• Everyone get's a finisher's medal. Top 3 male and top 3 female will receive prizes (TBA).

• Same day registration will begin at 6:30 and end at 7:15am. The start of the race and packet pickup is in front of Millside Fitness at 26 Main Street.

• All those registered by July 24th are guaranteed a t-shirt of their chosen size; those who register after July 24th will receive t-shirts based on remaining availability.

• Registration fee $35.

• The registration fee for the race will increase to $40 on June 9th, and then again to $45 on July 10th. Registration will close at 11:59 PM on Tuesday, August 4th.

• Race starts at 7:30am sharp

The Newport Cultural Center 5K race/walk and 1 mile Fun Run will follow a gentle, shaded course through the neighborhoods near and along Lake Sebasticook in Newport. This is an out and back starting on Water Street out behind the NCC building. Walkers are welcome to participate. The pre-registration fee is $25. Race day registration is $30. Children 12 and under can participate in the Fun Run for $5 each. Families can participate in the race/walk and/or Fun Run for $50 per family.

Event details and schedule

Race day registration and packet pick up for the 5k and fun run only will take place from 8:00-8:45am out behind the Newport Cultural Center. The Fun Run will begin at 9:00am and the 5K race at 9:30am. Prizes will be awarded to the fastest three participating in the Fun Run. There will also be prizes awarded to the fastest male and female participants in the 5k run. Post-race refreshments provided.

Our Commit to Community, Supporting Victims of Violence and Abuse takes place in September and includes the Kids Obstacle Course, 5K Walk, 5K Run, and 10K Run. All money raised through this event funds the St. Joseph Hospital's Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) program. Every participant, every donor, and every sponsor will be helping people in eastern Maine who require help from the hospital's SAFE nurses.