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Marathon Details - Maine Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > ME > Portland > Maine Marathon

Maine Marathon

Gorham Savings Bank Maine Marathon & Half Marathon, Marathon Relay

Portland, ME USA

October 6, 2024

http://www.mainemarathon.com

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Race Details

Very scenic out and back course (3rd. year of new course. First and last two miles run along our beautiful inner bay Back Cove in Portland.Also Maine Half Marathon and Marathon Relay. All three races are together for the first 6 miles. Marathon flat and rolling with last 9 miles flat. Half Marathon flat, fast and very scenic. Selected "2004 New England Race of the Year". Selected 50 States Club Reunion Site. All volunteer, proceeds always benefit Maine children.

Contact Information

Name:	Bob Dunfey
Address:	The Maine Marathon P. O. Box 10836 Portland, ME 04104
Phone Number:	207-749-9160
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (132)

Course 4.3

Organization 4.5

Spectators 3.9

Write a review

Number of comments: 132 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 14 > ]

P. P. from Connecticut (10/6/2022) "Only do if you want to run a marathon in Maine" (about: 2022) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Maine Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 The course is nice (if hilly) but nothing special. It initially runs along the water but then heads inland with most of the course along roads in the local suburbs. Be forewarned, there are nearly no porta potties along the course! The shirt is awful. It is covered (front and back) by paste on prints. It is nearly useless for running in. (They could, of course, easily fix this by just printing everything with ink.) The post race amenities are nothing better than you might see at your local half marathon. Basically, there is nothing special about this race. Unless you have a Maine marathon on your list, I am sure you can find a race that is at least as good elsewhere.
C. V. from Boston, MA (10/3/2021) "Good destination race" (about: 2021) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Maine Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Portland in early October is a great travel destination. The weather is still mild and the leaves start changing. The city is still vibrant at this time of year with plenty of activities. The course is not as difficult as advertised. There are a few steep rollers but nothing impossible if you pace yourself. Organization was top notch especially with the added precautions with Covid. Spectators were sparse along the course. There were some scenic views but overall nothing spectacular.
R. M. from Colorado (10/10/2019) "I loved this race!" (about: 2019) 6-10 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my 8th marathon and after a terrible experience in the 2018 Rock and Roll Las Vegas Marathon, I needed to fall in love with the distance again. Portland, Maine, you delivered. The course was beautiful, lots of hydration stations, plenty of port-a-pots, amazing volunteers, well-marked and well-organized. It was a beautiful fall day, perfect temperatures, and the wind held off until my last 3 miles. The expo is great with plenty of vendors and a nice amount of giveaways. The shirt is nice enough, though I wish the decal was not so stiff. Love the bright orangey color. Spectators were great and supportive, fun bands, and adorable, apple-cheeked children in sweaters and caps cheering on the runners made this an absolutely charming experience. And I finished 2 minutes under my goal!
Sean McLaughlin from Attleboro, MA (10/9/2019) "Favorite marathon in my favorite state" (about: 2019) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Maine Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The course is absolutely beautiful. The weather was perfect and even with the hilly course, I was able to get a PR. Thank you to the Maine Track Club, Volunteers and spectators who all made this race an overall great experience. If the worst thing to have to worry about is dodging acorns on a beautiful fall day in Maine, you've got a winner.
R. M. from Kansas City, MO (10/5/2018) "Very well organized race, tough hilly course." (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Maine Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The organization of this race is perfect. No hassles with parking, packet pickup, race morning and finish area. This is a very good race, BUT, be prepared to run a hilly course. It will impact your pace and time so it's best to know this before you start. I live in an area with a lot of rollers so I'm use to running hills, but, not this many in 26.2 miles. It is a very scenic course and surprisingly there are many areas with a lot of spectators even though the run goes through very rural type areas.
W. C. from NY (10/2/2017) "Add this marathon to your list" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Maine Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Totally organized, from packet pick-up, to post race showers, and proximity to airport. Nothing needs to be changed- the race committee has this all figured out. The course is fairly challenging but nothing crazy.
L. U. from Boston, MA (10/2/2017) "Very nice marathon with a pretty course" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Maine Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This is a very nice marathon. It's fun, pretty, not too big. The fans and volunteers are wonderful. Although the hills look daunting on paper, I didn't find them that bad. I do train, however, on New England hills all the time. The organization was pretty good over all, but the packet pickup was an F-. Simply awful. You picked up your bib in one of about 20 lines, by number, so there was no problem there, but then they formed ONE LINE for the T-shirts, bags and goodies. On Saturday at 1pm there were about 100 people in the line, so I skipped it. I didn't think you could botch packet/T-shirt pickup, but they did. All in all, though, the organization (other than packet pickup) was fine and I really enjoyed the run. Portland is a wonderful city to visit, worth a trip on its own.
c. w. from PA (10/21/2016) "boring out and back course" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Maine Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Maine doesn't have the largest selection of races but this race seemed to be the best to cross the state off the list. The organization is 1st rate with a decent expo for a race of this size and lots of support at the start and end of the race. The course is boring and does not tour the college and avoids the downtown and waterfront. There are a few hills but nothing to kill you. The race would be greatly improved to change the 1st few miles of the course to hit the local highlights. As other reviewers have noted, the swag bag is the best and biggest I have seen.
B. B. from Pittsburgh, Pa (10/5/2016) "Beautiful New England Marathon" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Maine Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 An excellent race that combined the best elements of a small race with some of the perks of a bigger race. Easy logistics with free parking near the start/finish and race day packet pick-up. Enough runners that you were never alone, but it was still easy to get into a pace early. They have pace groups and clocks on the course, which are not typical for a smaller race. Nice finish area with good food choices and nice swag with a neat goodie bag. If you run this race bring your own food, gel is provided at packet pick-up, but not on the course. The course is very pretty with great views of the water, fall foliage, and nice neighborhoods. Lots of rolling hills and a very serious hill on mile 16 for which you need to be prepared. One minor complaint is that the clock at mile 21 was inaccurate, which provided me some angst. Otherwise first rate throughout. After the race drown your sorrows, or celebrate, at Sebago Brewing Co or at Shipyard Brewing. Portland has many craft beer options, so come thirsty.
Big-Al Navidi from Washington, DC (10/4/2016) "My marathon number 62" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Maine Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This race was on a very scenic course going through mainly residential neighborhoods. The first and last 5-6 miles are somewhat flat, but miles 6-18 or so have several very steep but short hills. The race is very well-organized and there is plenty of friendly volunteers handing our water and Gatorade with some spectators handing out orange slices or bananas. My only complaint is that the race organization did not have any GUE or Gel or any type of nutrition at water stops, so be sure to bring your own. The finishers medal is also awesome and almost makes the races worth competing in. All in all, I highly recommend this race.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 14 > ]



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P. P. from Connecticut (10/6/2022) "Only do if you want to run a marathon in Maine" (about: 2022) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Maine Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 The course is nice (if hilly) but nothing special. It initially runs along the water but then heads inland with most of the course along roads in the local suburbs. Be forewarned, there are nearly no porta potties along the course! The shirt is awful. It is covered (front and back) by paste on prints. It is nearly useless for running in. (They could, of course, easily fix this by just printing everything with ink.) The post race amenities are nothing better than you might see at your local half marathon. Basically, there is nothing special about this race. Unless you have a Maine marathon on your list, I am sure you can find a race that is at least as good elsewhere.
C. V. from Boston, MA (10/3/2021) "Good destination race" (about: 2021) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Maine Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Portland in early October is a great travel destination. The weather is still mild and the leaves start changing. The city is still vibrant at this time of year with plenty of activities. The course is not as difficult as advertised. There are a few steep rollers but nothing impossible if you pace yourself. Organization was top notch especially with the added precautions with Covid. Spectators were sparse along the course. There were some scenic views but overall nothing spectacular.
R. M. from Colorado (10/10/2019) "I loved this race!" (about: 2019) 6-10 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my 8th marathon and after a terrible experience in the 2018 Rock and Roll Las Vegas Marathon, I needed to fall in love with the distance again. Portland, Maine, you delivered. The course was beautiful, lots of hydration stations, plenty of port-a-pots, amazing volunteers, well-marked and well-organized. It was a beautiful fall day, perfect temperatures, and the wind held off until my last 3 miles. The expo is great with plenty of vendors and a nice amount of giveaways. The shirt is nice enough, though I wish the decal was not so stiff. Love the bright orangey color. Spectators were great and supportive, fun bands, and adorable, apple-cheeked children in sweaters and caps cheering on the runners made this an absolutely charming experience. And I finished 2 minutes under my goal!
Sean McLaughlin from Attleboro, MA (10/9/2019) "Favorite marathon in my favorite state" (about: 2019) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Maine Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The course is absolutely beautiful. The weather was perfect and even with the hilly course, I was able to get a PR. Thank you to the Maine Track Club, Volunteers and spectators who all made this race an overall great experience. If the worst thing to have to worry about is dodging acorns on a beautiful fall day in Maine, you've got a winner.
R. M. from Kansas City, MO (10/5/2018) "Very well organized race, tough hilly course." (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Maine Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The organization of this race is perfect. No hassles with parking, packet pickup, race morning and finish area. This is a very good race, BUT, be prepared to run a hilly course. It will impact your pace and time so it's best to know this before you start. I live in an area with a lot of rollers so I'm use to running hills, but, not this many in 26.2 miles. It is a very scenic course and surprisingly there are many areas with a lot of spectators even though the run goes through very rural type areas.
W. C. from NY (10/2/2017) "Add this marathon to your list" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Maine Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Totally organized, from packet pick-up, to post race showers, and proximity to airport. Nothing needs to be changed- the race committee has this all figured out. The course is fairly challenging but nothing crazy.
L. U. from Boston, MA (10/2/2017) "Very nice marathon with a pretty course" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Maine Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This is a very nice marathon. It's fun, pretty, not too big. The fans and volunteers are wonderful. Although the hills look daunting on paper, I didn't find them that bad. I do train, however, on New England hills all the time. The organization was pretty good over all, but the packet pickup was an F-. Simply awful. You picked up your bib in one of about 20 lines, by number, so there was no problem there, but then they formed ONE LINE for the T-shirts, bags and goodies. On Saturday at 1pm there were about 100 people in the line, so I skipped it. I didn't think you could botch packet/T-shirt pickup, but they did. All in all, though, the organization (other than packet pickup) was fine and I really enjoyed the run. Portland is a wonderful city to visit, worth a trip on its own.
c. w. from PA (10/21/2016) "boring out and back course" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Maine Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Maine doesn't have the largest selection of races but this race seemed to be the best to cross the state off the list. The organization is 1st rate with a decent expo for a race of this size and lots of support at the start and end of the race. The course is boring and does not tour the college and avoids the downtown and waterfront. There are a few hills but nothing to kill you. The race would be greatly improved to change the 1st few miles of the course to hit the local highlights. As other reviewers have noted, the swag bag is the best and biggest I have seen.
B. B. from Pittsburgh, Pa (10/5/2016) "Beautiful New England Marathon" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Maine Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 An excellent race that combined the best elements of a small race with some of the perks of a bigger race. Easy logistics with free parking near the start/finish and race day packet pick-up. Enough runners that you were never alone, but it was still easy to get into a pace early. They have pace groups and clocks on the course, which are not typical for a smaller race. Nice finish area with good food choices and nice swag with a neat goodie bag. If you run this race bring your own food, gel is provided at packet pick-up, but not on the course. The course is very pretty with great views of the water, fall foliage, and nice neighborhoods. Lots of rolling hills and a very serious hill on mile 16 for which you need to be prepared. One minor complaint is that the clock at mile 21 was inaccurate, which provided me some angst. Otherwise first rate throughout. After the race drown your sorrows, or celebrate, at Sebago Brewing Co or at Shipyard Brewing. Portland has many craft beer options, so come thirsty.
Big-Al Navidi from Washington, DC (10/4/2016) "My marathon number 62" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Maine Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This race was on a very scenic course going through mainly residential neighborhoods. The first and last 5-6 miles are somewhat flat, but miles 6-18 or so have several very steep but short hills. The race is very well-organized and there is plenty of friendly volunteers handing our water and Gatorade with some spectators handing out orange slices or bananas. My only complaint is that the race organization did not have any GUE or Gel or any type of nutrition at water stops, so be sure to bring your own. The finishers medal is also awesome and almost makes the races worth competing in. All in all, I highly recommend this race.

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Marathon Details - Maine Marathon