2025 "Maranacook Lake Association and Watershed Friends on the 4th" 5K Run and/or Walk
We are excited to announce the partnership between Maranacook Lake Association and the Watershed Friends to continue this beloved community event on its 23rd anniversary!! Start the 4th of July off on the right foot and join the gang at Central Maine's most popular race!
The "Friends on the 4th" 5K course is a forgiving, "feel good" race open for all runners, joggers and walkers. After a loop through downtown Main Street, most of the course follows the beautiful eastern shore of Maranacook Lake.
Check in is at 7:00 am. Same day registration 7:00 - 7:45 am. The race starts at 8:00 am.
Awards:
Men & Women, 1st place awards for the following age groups: 10 and under male and female, 11-14 male and female; 15-18 male and female; 19-29 male and female; 30-39 male and female; 40-49 male and female; 50-59 male and female; 60-69 male and female; 70 and over male and female.
Payment and registration form must be received by midnight, EST on Sunday, June 15, 2025, in order to guarantee a race T-shirt.
Online registration is open until 3:00 pm EST on July 3, 2025.
Last minute registration on race day may begin at 7:00 am* at the American Legion, 117 Bowdoin Street, and ENDS at 7:45 am. To expedite the same day registration process we strongly encourage you to bring cash. A $40 registration fee will be charged. In order to encourage advance registration and to maximize the fundraising dollars that go back to preserving our watershed, t-shirts will not be available for same day registrants and are not guaranteed after June 15th due to ordering deadlines.
Questions? Contact Race Co-Chairs, Cami Wilbert or Peter Washburn via email [email protected].
For the safety of runners, parking is not allowed along the race route. Parking attendants will guide participants & spectators to designated parking areas.
*Same day registrations may be limited or not available depending on state of Maine regulations. PRE-REGISTRATION IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Due to ordering deadlines, register by June 15th to be guaranteed a T-shirt.
NOTE: For various reasons, we needed to re-schedule this year's event to July 11-12!
Brought to you by one of the knuckleheads behind the Fon Solo/Cider Cross weekend in October, this weekend of fun follows the same format with running and bike races on Saturday and a super fun gravel grind on Sunday!
Unlike last year, all events will be located on the Nelson Farm in Albion. This will make logistics easier for all!
On Saturday, we have the cyclocross/mtb races as well as the Last Man Standing style trail run:
Cyclocross/mtb:
One 40-minute race with separate CX and MTB categories if numbers allow
About a 1-mile course that sweeps through the woods and fields around the farm.
Bring any bike — gravel, mountain, cyclocross — whatever rolls!
Prizes TBD
Last-Person-Standing Style Trail Run:
Race format is an easier version of the Backyard Ultra
~1 mile loops on the same course
Time limit decreases by 1 minute per lap
(e.g., Lap 1 = 20 min, Lap 2 = 19 min, etc.)
Rest and refill between laps
Run till you can't make the cutoff!
You can expect 7–8 laps if you're at a 12-min/mile pace
It is highly recommended that fast runners bring lights for the last few laps!
Last year, the fastest runners made it down to the 6-minute mark!
Prizes: the payout between the winners purses and mid-race primes will be approximately 50% of registration fees.
For families thinking of coming to spectate on Saturday, there is an adjacent park that offers several miles of fun hiking/biking trails and there is access to a large pond for adventuring.
For our grand finale, we have put together a killer ride crossing through China, Palermo, Freedom and Albion Maine! This year will see a few route modifications that impact the beginning and end of the course. This will mean a bit less trail riding and a higher percentage of non-pavement on the route. The routes this year will be close to 70% non-pavement with several sections being closed to all the rest of the year, so this will be your only opportunity to ride the full route! The final routes are still tbd but it is looking like we'll have two route options, 28 miles and 48 miles. As a bonus, the route offers distant views of Mt. Washington in a few spots if the weather cooperates. An aid station will be located at approximately 16 miles for both routes.
There is camping available Saturday night at the event venue The camping is in an elevated field with views of the Presidential Range and Mount Washington if the weather allows. Camping is located steps away from the registration table and ride start.
The event will be rain or shine. If weather conditions force us to cancel, registrants will be able to defer to 2027 if requested before July 4, 2026. Otherwise, registration fees will be donated to the Schmid Preserve in Edgecomb.
Brought to you in part by our friends at Six Rivers NEMBA.
Maine Endurance Sports Alliance (MESA) a 501(c)3 nonprofit is proud to continue the great running history established by The Great Augusta Marathon & Half with the introduction of the AUGUSTA MARATHON – Full/Half/10K/5K – Running Festival on Sunday July 12, 2026 starting at 7 am at Elk Lodge, 397 Civic Center Dr, Augusta Maine allowing more participants of all abilities to cross the finish line. This event is USATF sanctioned, and Boston certified (Marathon ME25002JK). The full marathon will run from 397 Civic Center Dr out Route 11/27 to Belgrade Lakes Maine and back to the beginging. (course maps can be found on our website) or The Great Augusta Marathon & Half 2025 · Ride with GPS.
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 July 11, 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.
Old Hallowell Day
Hills and Thrills Bike Ride
7:15AM Saturday - July 18, 2026
Welcome! This will be the 11th Old Hallowell Day Hills and Thrills bike ride, one that takes cyclists on a journey through the beautiful rolling hills of Hallowell and neighboring communities. The ride begins at the Boat Landing in downtown Hallowell and takes cyclists on a tour of several roads and hills the city has to offer. Just for fun - we will offer two courses this year - one is 100% asphalt, the other is 50-50 gravel/road. Both courses are about 23 miles long and climbs over 1500-2000 feet. Both routes end up back in downtown Hallowell.
This is not a race.
This is a recreational ride for moderately experienced cyclists. Due to the distance and the hills, beginners and children will not do well.
Registration: Online pre-registration recommended. Pre-registration closes on Friday, July 17th. The tax-deductible fee defrays the cost of the event - road signs, posters, t-shirts, etc. Any remaining amounts go towards Old Hallowell Day itself, which is a non-profit (501c) organization whose goal is to celebrate a local community.
$25 registration fee
Capped at 30 riders
Ride goes on, rain or shine
Start Check in: 7:00-7:15AM at the Hallowell Boat Landing, Hallowell, Maine.
Start Time: 7:15AM Sharp!!! - this is to ensure we clear the area before the 5K Road Race starts.
Course(s): Draft Routes on RideWithGPS
Route Options:
Road:https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53783817
Mixed Surface: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53783773
note: on the road option you can opt not to climb Central Street at mile 22.4 and just return to the boat landing
Finish Check in: 9:00-9:30AM at the intersection of Central and Second Street. Riders are asked to check in when complete so we are assured everyone has completed the ride safely.
Safety: Riders are required to wear a helmet and sign a Code of Conduct.
T-shirt Guarantee: Ride t-shirts for all who pre-register.
The Old Hallowell Day committee thanks you for supporting and participating in Old Hallowell Day (http://oldhallowellday.org).
Run with the Sturgeons who migrate in the Kennebec River through Hallowell
each year in late Spring & early Summer, sometimes called “living dinosaurs.”
July 18 th , 2026
Vaughn Field Way
Hallowell, Maine
OHD 5K Road Race
Race start: 7:30 AM
Registration Guidelines
*Pre-registration is required to participate in this event.
Registration must be made prior to midnight on Tuesday, July 14.
$30.00 registration fee prior to Friday, July 3 rd . $40.00 July 4 th through July 15 th .
Registration closes at midnight on Tuesday July 14 th . Walk in registration will not be
available.
*This is a running race event only, walking the course is prohibited.
Following the start of the 5K will be a Fun Kids race and activities also at Vaughn Field
OHD Fun Kids Race (Ages 10 and under) 1000 meter run around Vaughn Field.
Start time: 8:15 AM
$7.00 registration fee (accepted through 7/14/26 until 11:59 PM Eastern Time)
Fun awards will be given to children in the following age brackets: 3-5, 6-8 and 9-10.
Can’t run this year but would like to participate in some way?
Would you like to show support for family members and friends that may be participating?
Donations are being accepted until July 14th on the race registration site.
The 5K starts & finishes at Vaughn Field, a short walk from the OHD parade and
all downtown activities and celebrations. You may even spot a Sturgeon in action!
T-Shirts will only be available to those who register by July 3 rd .
Prizes will be awarded for Overall winners and age group winners in Female,
Male and Non-Binary Divisions.
Please join us by registering to run, to join the Kids Race donate in support of friends &
family participating or just to help support the OHD 5K future success.
Ready to take on the ultimate challenge? 🏊♂️ Come participate in the Ironman 70.3 Maine in Augusta, an exhilarating adventure in the heart of the spectacular nature of the Maine! It's the perfect opportunity to test your endurance with a competition combining swimming, cycling, and running 🌎.
The Maine Lobster Festival offers timed 5K and 10K road races! The 5K is open to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. The 10K is open to runners only.
Please join us!
Event details and schedule
Pre-registered runners MUST pick up their race packets on:
Friday, August 1st from 10 am - 1 pm on the Festival grounds.
Online registration ends Thursday, July 31 at 9 pm.
Race Day/In-Person registration increases to $45.
Registration Fee is Non-Refundable.
Both races will start promptly at 8am.
Finisher medals for all participants and awards for top male and female finishers in multiple age group categories for both races!!! Shirts are available for the first 300 participants to pick up their packet. Shirt sizes are not guaranteed.
Thank you to our sponsors: Allen Agency, Samoset Resort, James Heavey Wealth Management, Maine Sport Outfitters, Maine State Credit Union
"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.
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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Are you a running enthusiast looking for new challenges? The Blueberry Cove Half Marathon is definitely the event for you! 😎 This race takes place in the heart of the beautiful Knox County in Saint George, Maine, in the United States. 😉
The Enduro Cross at Camden Snowbowl is an all-new event format debuting as part of the Maine Gravity Series. Camden's trail network brings a completely different feel to the series, offering technical and creative lines. This session is not to be missed. This race will not have lift access and include pedal transfers only.
This is a two-day weekend experience:
Saturday August 29 - Practice day. Get your lines dialed, explore the course and prep for race day.
Sunday, August 30 - Race day. Timed enduro staged decide the results.
Enduro Cross Course Description: 3 stages with pedal transfers. Full course description will be released on event website 1 week prior to event.
Enduro Cross LITE Course Description: 3 stages with pedal transfers. Full course description will be released on event website 1 week prior to event.
Entry Fee
-$99 Enduro
-$89 Enduro LITE
Full Event Schedule
coming soon
Overnight Parking
Free overnight parking in main parking lot
Your vehicle can never be left overnight unattended.
There are no electric, sewer hookups, public parking lot restrooms, or shower facilities available.
Campfires (including contained Solo Stove or similar devices) are not permitted.
All units must be self-contained.
Food
Snow Dogs will have food & drinks available on Saturday & Sunday.
Age Categories:
U14 (all ages)
14-18 M/W
19-39 M/W
40-49 M/W
50+ M/W
Cider Cross / Fon Solo Weekend 2026!
Year Five — Bigger, Better, and More Fun Than Ever!
[October 3-4| Alna, ME]
Forget the pumpkin spice — we’ve got a sour batch of apples ready to be mashed!
Join us for a two-day festival of fall mayhem featuring short-track MTB & CX racing, last-person-standing style trail running, epic gravel rides, and camping under the stars. Whether you're racing, riding, running, or just hanging out by the fire, Cider Cross / Fon Solo has something for everyone.
SATURDAY: CIDER CROSS + BACKYARD ULTRA-STYLE RUN
Cider Cross Race:
One 40-minute race with CX and MTB categories
About a 1-mile course – re-routed for 2025 to feature faster, more open gravel-friendly sections
Expect slop, speed, and heckling
Bring any bike — gravel, mountain, cyclocross — whatever rolls!
Yes, the optional fire jump is back.
Yes, there will be prizes (top 3 per category, TBD)
Last-Person-Standing Trail Run:
Race format an easier version of the Backyard Ultra
~1 mile loops on the same course
Time limit decreases by 1 minute per lap
(e.g., Lap 1 = 20 min, Lap 2 = 19 min, etc.)
Run till you can't make the cutoff!
You can expect 7–8 laps if you're at a 12-min/mile pace
Last year, the fastest runners made it down to the 6-minute mark!
Food, drinks, and camping available.
BYOBreakfast! (But seriously, sign up for a camping spot early.)
SUNDAY: THE FON SOLO GRAVEL LOOP
Our grand finale — a gravel adventure through the Sheepscot Valley. This year, we’ve got two route options:
Short Loop: ~25 miles — easier & faster than the original loop. Fewer climbs, smoother ride, great for the gravel curious.
Full Loop: ~49 miles — the classic, with climbs, views, and chunky gravel madness. The route will be very similar to last year but we are always looking for areas of improvement!
Less full Loop ~41 miles. The same as the full loop with the furthest 8 miles trimmed off.
Both routes:
Cruise scenic roads and remote stretches of backcountry beauty
Roll through the tasting deck at Oxbow Brewing near the finish (yes, seriously)
End with good vibes, sore legs, and cold cider
REGISTRATION INFO:
Open to ALL — racers, riders, runners, and revelers
Sign up for one day, both, or just come hang out!
Spots are limited, and we WILL sell out — don't wait!
All proceeds go to support The Schmid Preserve in Edgecomb.
Ride, run, and race for a great cause.
New this year…we have merch available! There is a selection of T's, a hoodie and trucker hat to choose from! You can order directly from Hubnotic and your items will ship to you directly. https://www.hubnotic.com/collections/fon-solo 50% of all orders benefit the Schmid Preserve!
**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
After a very successful 2025 race, we are excited to invite you to another live Save Your Breath and Silent Auction Event for 2026. There will be lots of auction items to bid on again. Due to its popularity we have retained a virtual run for those who would rather run their race their way or cannot travel to Augusta to participate in the live chip timed event by Brian Berkemeyer at"Run In A Race." New this year is a timed walk. Yes, walkers who wish to be timed will receive a race bib. You must be registered as a time walker to receive the bib. We had lots of inquiries last year about a time walk. Details are below on numerous discount codes that are offered for this upcoming event.
Enjoy the music at the start/finish line before and after you take part in this fast and relatively flat out and back 5k on the rail trail between the Y and the picturesque adirondack chairs in Hallowell.
The award ceremony and silent auction will be held, yet again, at YMCA and will begin once all participants have returned to the gym. All winners must be present to receive their award. All participants will receive a finishers medal.
Event tee shirts will be ordered on September 18th. Any registrations after that date will not receive an event tee shirt.
This event is a fundraiser to help support Free ME from Lun Cancer's mission ~ research, help uninsured high risk patients get access to early lung detection via low dose CT scans, help single family low income homeowners get access to radon air abatement systems, transportation to medical appointments and treatment for our rural communities, and patient support and care. Please consider making an extra donation when you register or set up a fundraising page so that your family, friends and coworkers can support your run.
We have a number of discounts we are able to provide this year which are listed below. If you qualify, please reach out too Deb at [email protected] to receive the coupon code. Coupon codes cannot be combined.
Those raising $150.00 or more will be eligible for a free registration. You MUST set up a registration page and raise the money before registering for the event. Once you have raised $150, please reach out to Deb to receive your coupon to register for the event.
ALL member of running clubs will receive a $10.00 discount towards their registration.
We also have a $10.00 off coupon for those who choose not to receive an event tee shirt before the tee shirt deadline.
Seniors and Veterans get $10.00 off their registration. Student registration is $25.00.
PLEASE REACH OUT TO DEB TO RECEIVE THE DISCOUNT COUPON OF YOUR CHOUCE BEFORE REGISTERING. She can be reached at [email protected] or 207-215-9035.
This is the only event we will be holding to support our foundation's programs. On-line donations are processed at 4%. This supports RunSignUp portal. Free ME from Lung Cancer will be absorbing the race processing fees again this year.
We are all looking forward to seeing you all down at the finish on October 18th. Any questions please contact Deb Violette at 207-215-9035.We are all looking forward to seeing you all down at the finish line on October 18th. Any questions please contact Deb Violette at 207-215-9035.