The Blue Hill Mountain Trail Fest is a multi-distance race and gathering in celebration of the eponymous mountain that rises from the sea above the town of Blue Hill. Runners and hikers of all abilities are welcome, with your choice of distance:
5k– starting at the Mountain Rd field, runners will turn onto Mountain Rd, run a short out-and back on Post Office Trail before continuing up Osgood Trail to summit, then down the Service Road trail, returning to the start/finish.
10k– one “upper loop” on the figure-eight profile for a first summit just as the 5k runners will do, then a full figure-eight loop along Mountain Rd, down Pleasant St, turning onto the Post Office Trail head. Continuing up Post Office Trail to Osgood Trail, runner will complete a second summit and descent for a 10k(+).
25k- Three full figure-eight loops, followed by the shorter “upper loop”
50k– 7 full figure eight loops.
You’ll be awestruck at the beauty as you traverse fields of wildflowers and up densely-forested technical trail, only to be greeted by coastal vistas second-to-none.
After you cross the finish line, dance— or recover— to a live steel drum performance on site; a festive occasion that celebrates you, the runners, the community, and beloved Blue Hill Mountain.
Profits from the event will be transferred to the Wabanaki Alliance.
Start and Cutoff Times
50k: 5:00am. 10-hour cutoff
25k: 8:00am 5-hour cutoff
10k: 9:00am. 3-hour cutoff
5k: 9:00am. 2-hour cutoff
The Mountain and Land
Blue Hill Mountain is a 934-foot monadnock (isolated mountain) that has long been a local landmark and is now mostly conserved and under the management of Blue Hill Heritage Trust. Awanadjo, meaning “small, misty mountain” was the name given to the mountain by the Penobscot Tribe of the Wabanaki Confederacy. Since humans have lived in coastal Maine, Blue Hill Mountain has been central to the identity of the region’s residents. Blue Hill Heritage Trust acknowledges that the land we conserve is part of the homeland of Wabanaki peoples who have lived in this region from time immemorial, and who are now sovereign tribal nations.
Aid Station and Drop Bags
There will be one aid station on the entire course at the intersection of Osgood Trail Head and Mountain Rd. Because of the course design, runners will never go than three miles without passing the aid station. 10k and 50k runners will be allowed a drop bag near the Osgood/Mountain Rd intersection, as well.
The aid station will be stocked with water, vegan-friendly electrolytes, salty and sweet snacks, soda, pb & j, avocado sandwiches, and fruit. Any special requirements for 50k runners should be included in personal drop bags.
Support Crew
10k and 50k runners may have a crew present and stationed at Osgood/Mountain Rd. No pacers are allowed for any race category.
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