From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find running events and connect with the local endurance sports community.
WELCOME to the 2026 Irish Road Rover 5K benefiting Habitat for Humanity of Greater Portland !!
Our 30th Running!! Sunday, March 15th at 10:30 AM Start
This year's race will again be hosted by our friends at (Rí Rá) !!
*** $15 *** Pre-registration Entry fee! The lowest around!
Online Registration will close on Friday, 3/13/26 at 9:00PM.
$20 Race Day fee - Still a bargain!
Prizes for Overall Winners, including cash!
Prizes for Top Teams, including cash!
5-Year Age Group Award Medals & Top Teams in Corporate, Running Club, and Open / Family Categories
Celebrate Portland, Maine's No. 1 bard, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, with an in-person 3K run or virtual 3K run/walk/swim on our scenic route on Congress St., Portland, Maine.
The race will begin promptly at 8AM on Sunday, March 29th, 2026. The start and finish line is located on Congress Street, directly in front of Lincoln Park and Top of the Old Port parking.
Awards will directly follow race at or near 9AM. We anticipate holding the awards ceremony in the gym of Portland HS.
Handcrafted awards to 1st and 2nd overall Male, Female and Non-Binary participants as well as the top overall Team. Handcrafted age group awards to top Male, Female in categories <10, 11-14, 14-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80-84, 85+.
RACE UPDATES as of 2/26:
We are lucky to have Portland High School host our event this year. Portland High School School will be available to runners starting at 6:30am-10:00am on race day. We anticipate having the awards ceremony in the gym immediately after the race concludes ~9am. The only restrooms available for the race will be at Portland High School.
Bib pick up for the race will be held at FinishStrongPT (in the back of Marathon Sports Portland) on Saturday, March 28th from 10-12pm. We will also have bib pickup and registration open the morning of the race at Portland HS, starting at 6:30am on race day.
5k start time 9:00am
Kids 1-mile Fun Run start time: 8:00am
Runway for Hope is an annual runway show featuring breast cancer survivors as models wearing creative and fun costumes styled and crafted by people in our community. In addition to being the New England Breast Cancer Alliance's biggest fundraising event, Runway for Hope aims to empower and connect survivors, as well as to highlight their strength, resilience, and courage.
KENTUCKY DERBY DAY
WHAT: DASH FOR THE DERBY 5K WALKERS WELCOME
WHEN: SATURDAY MAY 2ND 9AM AT MARATHON SPORTS PORTLAND 309 MARGINAL WAY PORTLAND, MAINE
FOR WHOM: RACE MAKES DONATIONS TO: “A RUNNING PASSION”
COST*:
$28 WICKED EARLY BIRD PRE-REGISTRATION BY SEPTEMBER 30TH
$32 EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION THRU FEBRUARY 28TH
$35 THEREAFTER
$39 RACE DAY
*ALL REGISTRANTS BY APRIL 1ST GUARANTEED A RACE SINGLET, AS AVAILABLE AFTERWARDS.
CASH PRIZES FOR OVERALL WINNERS. AWARDS IN AGE GROUPS AND TEAM CATEGORIES.
COURSE RECORDS: MALE ELIJAH CARET 16:47 2021 FEMALE MARISA SMITH 22:05 2021
RACE PICKUP/RACE DAY SIGN UP 7:30-9AM MARATHON SPORTS MARGINAL WAY PORTLAND, MAINE.
PLEASE USE THE PARK AND RIDE ON MARGINAL WAY TO LEAVE PARKING SPACES FOR MARATHON SPORTS CUSTOMERS
POST RACE REFRESHMENTS & AWARDS CEREMONY IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE RACE AT MARATHON SPORTS
No Refunds. In the event of catastrophic weather, a public health crisis, or extreme events beyond race managements’ control every effort will be made to hold the race on an alternate date. If this is not possible, the race will be transformed to a virtual event where participants run the course & submit their results on their own.
24th Annual Mother's Day 5K
Commemorative shirts are available to the first 750 registrants in the 5K
The Portland Sea Dogs and the Maine Track Club will host the Mother's Day 5K Road Race, presented by Lafayette Hotels and Holiday Inn by the Bay, on Sunday, May 10th at 9:15 am. There will also be a Kids Run beginning at 8:30 am, which is free of charge.
Slugger and his Mom lead the way on the flat 5K course which begins in front of the Portland Expo building, travels down Park Avenue, turns down St. John Street, and makes a right onto Noyes Street, a right onto Oakdale Street, a left onto Falmouth Street, a right onto Durham Street, a right onto Bedford Street, a left onto Deering Avenue, a left into Deering Oaks and follows the Oaks and exits Deering Oaks taking a right onto Deering Avenue and crosses the street to the entrance to Fitzpatrick where the runners will run behind the bleachers into centerfield and finishes in front of the third base dugout.
The top overall male and female finishers will receive a trophy, a pair of 2026 Season Tickets for the remainder of the 2026 Sea Dogs season and throw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to a future Sea Dogs game. The top three male and female finishers in each age group will also be presented with awards. All race participants will receive a complimentary ticket to attend a future 2026 Sea Dogs game.
Proceeds from the race go to the American Cancer Society to support breast cancer patients and research.
The mission of the American Cancer Society is to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer. As we all know, when cancer strikes, it hits from all sides. That’s why we’re committed to attacking cancer from every angle. With more than 100 years of experience and leadership, we are a global force, fighting all cancers on all fronts, across the US, and around the globe.
All participants of the race will receive a complimentary ticket to attend a future 2026 Sea Dogs game.
Join us around Back Cove for our 2nd Annual Maine Needs Community Walk & Race presented by Maine Beer Company!
This event is a family-friendly community effort that brings together students, families, local businesses, and community members to do what's right for a morning of fun, fitness, and fundraising. The event features a 5K run combined with a 3.5 mile run and 3.5 mile walk. Attendees will also enjoy visiting with local non-profits and event sponsors, face painting for kids, a DJ, Maine Needs merch for sale, coffee, snacks and more!
All proceeds help support Maine Needs mission of providing basic material goods for individuals and families throughout Maine.
Each week, Maine Needs receives 1,000+ requests from caseworkers, teachers, nurses and street outreach teams for basics, such as; sneakers, boots, clothing, outdoor gear, socks, underwear, diapers, bedding, towels, kitchen basics, baby gear, tents, sleeping bags, soap, deodorant and cleaning products. These items reach individuals and families all over Maine that are going without these essential items.
Over 6,000 volunteers support the work of 523 providers from 265 organizations across Maine. Support our mission and enjoy a morning along Back Cove. You don’t want to miss it!
Do what's right. Essential needs for all.
Join us for the first annual Pharos House 5K — a community event promoting second chances and successful reentry. Proceeds go directly toward helping individuals rebuild their lives after incarceration— creating safer neighborhoods and stronger communities for all — one step at a time.
MAINE RUNNING HALL OF FAME 5K IN MEMORY OF JULIUS MARZUL (1926-2004)
WALKERS WELCOME
WHEN: SUNDAY JUNE 7, 2026 5:15PM
RACE MAKES DONATIONS TO: THE MAINE RUNNING HALL OF FAME
RACE IS IN MEMORY OF JULIUS MARZUL, A WORLD WAR II VETERAN, AND 28 YEAR RUNNER WHO DIED 100 YARDS FROM THE FINISH OF THE MAINE HALF MARATHON OCTOBER 3, 2004 AT THE AGE OF 78.
COST:
WICKED EARLY-BIRD $26 BY MAINE MARATHON RACE DAY (OCT 5TH)
EARLY BIRD $29 THRU APRIL 1ST $34 THEREAFTER
PACKET PICKUP AND RACE DAY REGISTRATION $39 3:30-5PM AT MARATHON SPORTS PORTLAND, MAINE
CASH PRIZES FOR OVERALL WINNERS
COURSE RECORDS: MALE MIKE PAYSON 15:37 2001 FEMALE MAGGIE HANSON 18:11 2000
SHIRTS TO ALL BY MAY 10TH, AWARDS FOR OVERALL, AGE GROUP, AND TEAM CATEGORIES.
FREE ALL YOU CAN EAT PIZZA BUFFET AT OTTO'S PIZZA 250 READ ST PORTLAND.
COUNTER-CLOCKWISE BACK COVE LOOP STARTING AT BACK COVE SOCCER FIELDS & ENDING AT 84 BAXTER BLVD.
Race Director and Timing: Pine Tree Race Services Owner Tony Myatt [email protected].
No Refunds. In the event of catastrophic weather, a public health crisis, or extreme events beyond race managements’ control every effort will be made to hold the race on an alternate date. If this is not possible, the race will be transformed to a virtual event where participants run the course & submit their results on their own.
Luv 2 Run Portland 5K Walk/Run
WALKERS WELCOME
The Luv2Run Portland 5K Race is running the old fashioned way --- scenic off road courses --- great competition --- no rock bands --- fresh fruit & pastries --- no squeezable yogurt --- beautiful T-Shirts --- useful awards (pint glasses) --- plain water, not flavored water --- plus bad jokes by the race director before and after the race!!!
CASH PRIZES FOR OVERALL WINNERS
Sunday June 14th, 2026 9AM Back Cove Trail, Portland, ME*
Packet Pickup and Race Day Registration 7:30-8:45AM at Marathon Sports 309 Marginal Way Portland, Maine
Directions to Start: 84 Baxter Blvd Portland
$26 Wicked Early Bird Pre-Registration by January 1st $29 Early Bird Registration by April 1st--- $34 Thereafter--- $39 Race Day
Race Makes Donations to: “Sons of the Amvets Michael Shone Scholarship”
Colorful Luv2Run T-Shirts to entrants by May 10th, as available after this date.
Luv2Run Pint Glasses Top Male/Female Overall & Top 2 Male/Female Age Groups
Team Prizes to 1st Running Club, Corporate or Open Teams of 4 or more people.
50/50 Raffle $2 Per Chance
New for 2024 all participants 21+ may receive one (1) complimentary Mimosa at the post-race party (non-alcoholic Mimosas available as well).
Post-Race Party at Charles J Loring Amvets Post 25 186 Washington Ave Portland 10:30AM. All under 21 must stay with parent.
For more information E-mail: [email protected]
**Due to recent changes in fee structures in the City of Portland and to keep race entry fee reasonable, packet pickup is 0.4 miles away from the finish and 0.9 miles away from the start. Maps will be provided. Driving time is less than 5 minutes from each location. There will be 15 minutes between closing of packet pickup and race start to allow runners to assemble.
No Refunds. In the event of catastrophic weather, a public health crisis, or extreme events beyond race managements’ control every effort will be made to hold the race on an alternate date. If this is not possible, the race will be transformed to a virtual event where participants run the course & submit their results on their own.
Raccoon Run 5K
WALKERS WELCOME
Packet Pickup and Race Day Registration 7:30 to 8:45am at Fleet Feet Maine Running 309 Marginal Way Portland, Maine
9AM Start is at 84 Baxter Blvd Portland. SEE DESCRIPTION BELOW
Wicked Early Bird Pre Registration $26 by January 8th
Early bird pre-entry fee by April 1st $29 ---
$34 thereafter-----$39 Race Day
Race makes donations to: “Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland”
The Raccoon Run 5K Race is running the old fashioned way -- scenic off road courses -- great competition -- no rock bands -- no squeezable yogurt -- beautiful T-Shirts -- useful awards (pint glasses) -- plain water, not flavored water -- plus bad jokes by the race director before and after the race!!!
Colorful Raccoon Run T-Shirts to all entered by May 26th as available after
Cash Prizes to Overall Winners
Course Records Male Elliot Conrad 17:04 2012 Female Gretchen Speed 18:35 2022
Raccoon Run Pint Glasses Top Male/Female Overall & Age Groups 14 & Under- 80+
Team Awards 1st Running Club, Corporate & Open Teams of 4 or more people.
Dogs welcome so long as they behave and participant gives way in the front of the start.
For more information E-mail: [email protected] Check payable to “Pine Tree Race Services"
*Due to recent changes in fee structures in the City of Portland and to keep race entry fee reasonable, packet pickup is 0.4 miles away from the finish and 0.9 miles away from the start. Maps will be provided. Driving time is less than 5 minutes from each location. There will be 15 minutes between closing of packet pickup and race start to allow runners to assemble.
No Refunds. In the event of catastrophic weather, a public health crisis, or extreme events beyond race managements’ control every effort will be made to hold the race on an alternate date. If this is not possible, the race will be transformed to a virtual event where participants run the course & submit their results on their own.
Get active on the trails that make Portland so awesome.
On Saturday, June 28th, join us for the second annual Kennebec Savings Bank East Bayside Trail Fest! Be part of this community-wide event that brings hundreds of runners, bikers, and walkers together on the trails. Then celebrate with one another at a party featuring music, food trucks, local beer, and more!
This one-of-a-kind event in the heart of Portland's East Bayside neighborhood has three activities you can choose from to celebrate and support your local trails:
Trail to Ale 10K
Bayside Ride
Trail Mix Two-Miler
The events will be staggered throughout the morning, and then we'll put the "fest" in Trail Fest!
All registration fees and donations from the Kennebec Savings Bank East Bayside Trail Fest will support the work of two local nonprofits, Portland Trails and the Bicycle Coalition of Maine. Portland Trails creates connections between neighbors, communities, and the natural world through a 100-mile trail network. The Bicycle Coalition of Maine makes Maine a better and safer place to bike, walk, and roll. This is Portland Trails' largest fundraising event of the year!
Thank you to our title sponsor, Kennebec Savings Bank, for making this community event possible!
Interested in volunteering? We need great people to join our crew! Email us at [email protected]
About the Race
Portland’s first multisport race for children, The Portland Kids Duathlon, is presented by Benchmark Real Estate. The race gives young people ages 3-12 an opportunity to participate in the fast-growing world of multi-sport racing. The run, bike, run format of a duathlon is fun and approachable, a great race for non-swimmers and triathletes alike. A bike only event for our youngest athletes as well as those with special needs makes the event even more accessible. All young athletes will finish the race with a smile on their face, a medal around their neck, and a boost of self-confidence and pride. All profits from this race will be donated to the Foundation for Portland Public Schools. Both in-person and virtual race options available.
Course
Transition will be at the triangle in front of Payson Park with separate transition areas for each race. We are on Baxter Boulevard with out-and-back bike courses on the road and out-and-back runs on the trail. Courses will parallel each other to make for easy viewing for spectators. All roads will be traffic free.
NOTE: All participants will need to purchase an annual membership with the USA Triathlon (USAT) for an additional $10. This is because our race is sanctioned and supported by USAT. See details below. USAT has now made this a one time fee.
About USAT
The Portland Kids Duathlon is USA Triathlon (USAT) sanctioned event. This means that not only do you have the confidence to know that the race will be safe, sanctioned, and insured but also that we follow a uniform set of rules with other USAT events. The term “sanction” refers to the compliance of a multisport event to USA Triathlon’s safety requirements. Safety plans, course maps, and event details must be submitted for review by USA Triathlon staff. It further requires our race director undergo an annual background check and maintain a certification from the U.S. Center for SafeSport. As a member, you also have access to discounts from many of USAT's partners including sports related products and travel companies. Those are found once you've created an account and then added and logged in to your child's account at https://member.usatriathlon.org/.
Enjoy a 5 mile loop around beautiful and scenic Peaks Island off of the coast of Maine.
NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION. Please register by July 23, 2026
The Casco Bay Islands lie off the coast of Portland, Maine, and consist of several hundreds of islands. Some of these are uninhabited and relatively small, while others are larger with established communities, each featuring its unique charm and vibe. The most popular islands to visit include Bailey, Chebeague, Cliff, Great Diamond, Little Diamond, Long, and Peaks.
Weekly Back Cove Series Rules
The Back Cove Weekly 5k Series registration requires the same donation no matter what point of the series that registration takes place. Registration costs a flat rate of $50 and only needs to be paid once whether you run 1 race or all 14.
A portion of each registration fee is donated to Portland Trails and A Running Passion!
Registration is online only. Prior to your first race, you can pick up your bib in the Portland Store for the week from May 20th at 10am through Wednesday, May 27th at 4pm during store hours. If you aren't able to pick up your bib at the store before the series starts, you can pick your number up at the Back Cove before the start of each race from 5:15pm until the race starts at 6pm or during our regular business hours.
Please keep your bib for the entire series as you will only receive 1 bib!
T-Shirts can be added to your registration at a $10 charge. New for this year is a season finisher hoodie option. Run all 14 races and receive a free WBCS series finisher hoodie for your fall adventures!
See the check the map for details.
Due to city requirements, we may only have 250 participants in each Wednesday Back Cove 5k. Registered runners will be required to check-in on line each week. Check-in begins on Saturday morning at 8:00 am and continues until Wednesday at 2:00 pm or until capacity reaches 250, whichever comes first. Check in will be closed at that time. See below for directions on the check-in process.
Please note, if you do not plan on running, please do not check in! If you run in the weekly Back Cove without checking in, you risk having the event cancelled. Please respect this request and don’t run if you are not checked in!
The entire series is treated as one event. Once you register, and pick up your race number, keep your WBCS number and visibly wear it. Your race number is how we identify you.
Please keep your WBCS race # for the entire Summer series!
June 3rd is Global Running Day at Marathon Sports! As in previous years, we will use the Weekly Back Cove Series as our race portion, the course distance is 5K and will begin at 6pm. We will also offer a casual group run, about 3-5 miles in distance, leaving directly from our Portland location at 6pm. No registration is required for the group fun run but you must be registered and checked in to participate in the Back Cove race.
After both the Weekly Back Cove Series and our group fun run, everyone will meet back at Marathon Sports- Portland for refreshments and socializing. We hope to see you on June 3rd!
2026's Themed Races:
June 10th - Nowhere To Wear This (Its been sitting in your closet waiting for this race cause where else would you wear it?)
June 24th - Rainbow Run (How many colors can you represent in one race outfit?)
July 8th - What's Your Favorite Movie (Dress like a character from your go to movie!)
July 22nd - Hawaiian Shirts Only (Well not ONLY but strongly encouraged!)
August 5th - Twinning Day (Find your run bestie and coordinate your race day drip!)
August 19th - Fancy Day (We are almost to the end of summer, lets celebrate in some upscale style!)
Awards
Grand Prix Series – open male/female top 6 times with lowest cumulative time receives 2 pairs of running shoes courtesy of Marathon Sports!
Age Group Awards - Age group winners based on top 6 times with lowest cumulative time receive a $50 Marathon Sports certificate. Age is determined on the date of the last race of the season, and the categories are:
13 and under
14-19
20-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60-69
70 and over
Maine Track Club Running Community Spirit Award – will be awarded to a participating individual or individuals who represent the “Community Spirit” of the Back Cove Series for commitment, improvement, determination and dedication to the event!
Results will be posted here at the website.
For more information call Marathon Sports Portland at 207-773-6601 or go to backcove.runtowin.com.
Check-In Process
The maximum number of runners each week is 250. So far, 250 runners have checked in for the next race.
To Check-In, click on the link to your individual race results which should have been emailed to you when you registered. You can also check the complete runners list and click on your name there in to reach that page.
Once there, you will see a list of all of this year's races. Each week, the next race will have a button next to it that will look like one of the following:
This button means that the check-in process for the next race has not yet started. Check back on Saturday morning at 8:00 to check-in.
This button means that check-in has opened for this week and there are spots available. Click this button in order to check-in. If check-in is successful, the button will change to:
This button means that you have checked in for the week and can come to the next race.
This button means that you missed the check-in period, either because our race capacity for the week has been reached or because it is after 2:00 in the afternoon on the day of the race.
Please remember that the city is limiting our number of participants each week and if you don't check-in but race anyway we may have to cancel the series. Please only come to the race if you have successfully checked-in. Thank you!
ALMOST HALFWAY TO ST. PATRICK’S DAY 5K ROAD RACE WALKERS WELCOME
Cost: $26 Wicked Early Bird Pre-Registration through March 24th $29 Through June 1st $34 Thereafter $39 Race Day
Packet Pickup and Race Day Registration take place from 7:30-9AM at Marathon Sports 309 Marginal Way Portland, Maine*
Race Starts and Finishes at 84 Baxter Blvd Portland, Maine
Race makes donations to "Amvets Post 25"
Amenities: All pre-registrants by August 20th receive Shirt or Stein and as available after this date.
Course Records: Male Colin Cernik 15:48 2024 Female Alexis Wilbert 17:36 2023
Awards: Top Male & Female Overall Winner Cash Prize, Age Group Awards (14 & Under- 80+)
Team Awards: (4 person minimum) Cash Prizes Top Running Club, Corporate, & Open Teams
Post Race Party at the Munjoy Hill Tavern 189 Congress St Portland, Maine (All under 21 must stay with parent)
New for 2023 In the spirit of St Patrick's Day All participants 21+ may receive one (1) complimentary Guinness!
*Due to recent changes in fee structures in the City of Portland and to keep race entry fee reasonable, packet pickup is 0.9 miles away from the start and 0.4 miles away from the finish. Maps will be provided. Driving time is less than 5 minutes from each location. There will be 15 minutes between closing of packet pickup and race start to allow runners to assemble.
No Refunds. In the event of catastrophic weather, a public health crisis, or extreme events beyond race managements’ control every effort will be made to hold the race on an alternate date. If this is not possible, the race will be transformed to a virtual event where participants run the course & submit their results on their own.
Race Director: Pine Tree Race Services, Owner Tony Myatt [email protected]
Lace up your walking and running shoes and join us at Payson Park for the 18th annual KAT-Walk & 14th Annual Karo-5K for Brain Aneurysm Awareness. The route will be along the beautiful ocean-side Back Cove Boulevard in Portland, Maine. This will be a special day to remember and honor loved ones lost to or having survived a brain aneurysm.
9:30 to 10:30 - Registration and activities including family gatherings, brain aneurysm awareness information, and activities for the kids including face painting. Bring a picnic and enjoy the cove. This is a great opportunity to meet and support other families affected by brain aneurysms.
10:20 - opening and presentation of scholarship and research awards.
11:00 - Karo-5K race kick-off followed by the KAT-Walk.
12:15 - Runners awards and closing ceremonies.
September is Brain Aneurysm Awareness month, so join us for the day as we "share our tears, remember with love, and walk & run to honor" those families affected by this silent killer and help save lives!
Please follow us on Facebook at KatWalkKaro5k For more information about Brain Aneurysms or this event, visit our website at: MaineBA.org
The Maine Community Bank Maine Marathon features an out-and-back course for all three races -- marathon, relay and half marathon -- with rolling hills and views of the Portland skyline, the Back Cove, Casco Bay, and peak fall foliage. The Marathon is USATF certified and a Boston Marathon qualifier. The Half Marathon is also USATF certified, and the Marathon Relay is a 2 to 4-person marathon-length event.
Make it a weekend for the whole family! Enjoy Portland’s breweries, restaurants, Old Port shopping and scenic beauty before and after your race. Your family and friends can easily access the start/finish line along beautiful Back Cove.
Ready to take on the ultimate running challenge and push yourself on American pavement ?🏃♂️
Sunday November 8th 5-Miler Start 10AM 2.5 Mile Walk Start ON ARRIVAL
Where*: Packet Pickup Marathon Sports 309 Marginal Way Portland, Maine
5-Miler Start at Cutter St & Eastern Promenade/Finish at Sewage Treatment Plant Rd & Marginal Way
Walk Start & Finish at Sewage Treatment Plant Rd Bayside Trail Entrance.
Race makes donations to: Mesothelioma Research. Race is in memory of John W. Griffin, a pipefitter, Navy veteran, & City Councilor who passed away in 2003 after a 1 month diagnosis of cancer including mesothelioma.
Cost: $26 Thru June 30th $29 Thru September 1st, $34 Thereafter, $39 Race Day
Shirts guaranteed through October 10th as available after
Cash Prizes Top Overall Male & Female.
Course Records: Male 27:13 Andrew Willingham 2022 Female 29:50 Paige Mills 2022
Awards age groups. Top Club, Corporate, and Open Teams (4 person minimum to score)
$39 Race Day Registration for both events. Race Day Registration/Packet Pickup 8:45-9:45AM @ Marathon Sports
Post-Race Party with Drink Specials at Fore Play Sports Pub 436 Fore St Portland, Maine
*This is a point-to-point 5-mile race for packet pickup and the after party. 5-Miler Start is 1.3 miles from Marathon Sports. Finish for both events is 0.3 miles from Fleet Feet Maine Running. Maps will be provided. Join the Facebook page for a ride/carpool forum between walkers and runners.
USA Swimming Club. 69 members.