Ben Adams's Staging Area

Pros: It’s in Maine. It’s small and easy to navigate. That’s it.

Cons: This is probably the worst race I’ve experienced. It’s dangerous, poorly organized, and the ugliest run imaginable.

First, this is an out and back run completely on the shoulder of a fairly busy state country road. The shoulder is 5 ft wide most of the way. On the way out, the road isn’t that busy because it’s 7am-9am on a Sunday. But on the way back, it’s pretty busy. You can’t pass people without stepping into the roadway.

Second, it’s poorly run. I had to do a race morning check in and barely got my bib in time for the start of the race. I’ll take some credit for that, but there’s one person checking in 100+ runners. They have no bag drop either. As an out of towner with no family to take my stuff I just had to leave my “swag” t shirt on the ground and hope it was there when I got back. It wasn’t.

Third, the aid stations were three miles apart. At 78 degrees, that’s a huge risk. They were also completely abandoned! The staff had left!! There were just a few remaining cups of water and a couple of jugs for refills. If any emergency occurs, you’re on your own! Speaking of, two ambulances tended to an emergency on the side of the road…but I’m pretty sure it was the family of the runner who had to call it in. Hope they’re ok!

Lastly, at the finish line there was no water (other than a guy that seemed to be offering it out of his own kindness) and there was no one handing out medals. They were just laying on a table.

I’d fully expect this of a race that cost $50. This was $125. Judging by the AI generated pictures of the Maine State House and fake runners, I should have know this was a scam. Don’t waste your money and don’t risk any injury.