2026 Annual NCC 5K & Fun Run

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

Maine Endurance Sports Alliance (MESA) a 501(c)3 nonprofit is proud to continue the great running history established by The Great Waterville Marathon & Half with the introduction of the WATERVILLE MARATHON – Full/Half/10K/5K – Running Festival on Sunday August 9, 2026 starting at 7:00 am at Thomas College in Waterville Maine allowing more participants of all abilities to cross the finish line. This event is in the process of being USATF sanctioned, and Boston certified. All courses start at Thomas College, travel along Rt 104 into the beautiful countryside of Waterville, Sydney and Oakland Maine and back to Thomas College. (course maps can be found on our website).

We have already secured Pine Tree Racing Services to be the official timer for the race. There is NO TIME LIMIT - we want you to reach your goal to complete the race.

For participants who have "BOTTLES", we will accept "BOTTLES" at the operations tent at the starting line until 6:00 am. These will be on a special table at each water station for the participants to pick up.

We will have a vendor area at the finish line for participants and their guests. There is plenty of nearby parking, affordable lodging and dining to make this a destination for the whole family.

More information can be found on our website www.mesa-maine.org or on our Facebook page Maine Endurance Sports Alliance. Packet pickup will be August 8, 2026, from 3-6 pm at THE MAINE EXPERIENCE close to the starting line.

In 2026, we are once again offering a special medal "Run the Highlands" for participants who complete both the Bangor Marathon and the Lincoln Marathon. Participants can run a combination of a full and half, 2 full or 2 half races to qualify.

NEW IN 2026, we are offering a special medal "Vacationland Triple Crown" for participants who complete 3 of our 4 races in 2026. Participants can run a combination of a full and half, 3 full or 3 half races to qualify.

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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.

**Please note when there is one month left to sign up the price will increase from $30 to $36. Keep a look out for price decreases on special days!

Peace Ridge is hosting their 4th Annual 5k Run for the Animals & 1 Mile Fun Walk on Saturday, October 4, 2025, also known as World Animal Day!! On this special day we will aim to raise awareness about animal welfare and promote the protection of all animals—whether they are pets, wildlife, or farm animals.

This family friendly event will be held at PRS’s Northeast Equine Sanctuary located at the edge of Freedom and Albion Maine. The purpose of this event is to aid and support lifesaving work PRS preforms daily.

This is one of the few fundraising events PRS holds each year. The funds raised are crucial for providing food, care, and medical treatment to our rescued animals, as well as for rescuing more in need. Many of our animals have come from severe cases of cruelty, teaching us about resilience and forgiveness. We deeply appreciate your support and any additional fundraising efforts you choose to do.

LOCATION: The Northeast Equine Sanctuary is location on the border of Albion & Freedom, Maine amid lush green landscape mixed with fields and forests, making it the perfect spot for this compassionate cause. There are endless stunning views surrounded by several gorgeous horses and ponies. By October this area will be bursting with beautiful warm fall foliage.

RACE/WALK: The race features a 5k trail run (3.1 miles) and a 1-mile trail walk, open to all fitness levels. Participants will run or walk through beautiful, natural scenery, winding along the enclosures and enjoying the calm presence of the animals as they go about their peaceful lives.

EVENT ACTIVITIES: Outdoor Pre-Run Yoga for all levels and Animal Yoga for kids after the race. Delicious vegan BBQ courtesy of one of our top sponsors Veggie Life. Explore sponsor tables and grab some treats/swag. Spending time with the horses! Vegan friendly prizes for top fundraisers and 5K finishers and a raffle. Corn-hole, scavenger hunts and face painting.

Timeline of Event:

9:30 – 11:15 am ------ Check in opens

10:15 – 11 am -------- All-levels Yoga for Runners + Meditation

11:20 am --------------- Announcements

11:30 am --------------- Race Starts!

12 pm ------------------- BBQ will be up and ready

12:40 pm --------------- Announcement for Quick reminders: Animal Yoga for Kids starting soon & Raffle Tickets still available till 1pm and check out all the sponsors!

1 -1:30 pm ------------- Awards & Raffle Prizes Announced

PRICING

Ages 1-4 FREE

Ages 5-12 $20

13 and older $36

Day of Event $40

Get ready to POUND THE PAVEMENT in support of those impacted by cancer! The 14th Annual Pound the Pavement returns on Sunday, October 4th — and it’s brighter, bigger, and more colorful than ever.

Pound the Pavement is a 5K untimed Color Fun Run/Walk where participants start dressed in white and finish covered head to toe in vibrant color. At every kilometer mark, runners and walkers are showered in a different burst of colored powder — creating a joyful, high-energy celebration from start to finish.

This year we’re excited to bring back an expanded route and the Pound the Pavement Junior “Mad Dash of Color” for kids ages 8 and under! Before the main event kicks off, little runners can enjoy their own colorful dash, plus games and prizes.

And the celebration doesn’t stop at the finish line.

After you cross, head over to Sea Dog to keep the party going! Participants will receive two complimentary beverages, and this includes adult beverages for those 21+! Enjoy music, photo ops, laughter, and a whole lot of community spirit as we celebrate together.

Pound the Pavement is more than a run — it’s a powerful show of support for those whose lives have been touched by cancer. This year, we are especially proud to honor cancer survivors in our community. Cancer survivors are invited to participate free of charge — simply select the Cancer Survivor option when registering, and we’ll be in touch to learn more about you.

Let’s come together, celebrate strength, and make this the most colorful year yet.

The FIRST 200 registered will get a FREE goodie bags. Goodie Bags have Visa Gift Cards randomly placed in the bags.

Register prior to September 1st and receive a FREE Pound the Pavement Tshirt.

All proceeds go to the Purple Iris Foundation and benefits those individuals living in Maine who are dealing with the effects of cancer. We provide support for individuals affected by all cancers!