Maine Marathon & Half Marathon
Portland, ME
- Marathon, Marathon Relay, Half Marathon
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
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 … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Oct 04):
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| H (°F) | 80 | 63 | 69 | 57 | 59 |
| L (°F) | 46 | 46 | 56 | 40 | 52 |
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Beautiful hilly course!
The Maine Marathon in Portland offered perfect temps and a gorgeous, hilly route from Portland to Yarmouth and back. There were lots of spectators as well as local schools and … MORE
The Maine Marathon in Portland offered perfect temps and a gorgeous, hilly route from Portland to Yarmouth and back. There were lots of spectators as well as local schools and organizations on the course which was fun and the fall colors were beginning to emerge which was beautiful. Prepare for those hills! Also, we did the early start, and it was awesome!
Great Vibe
Race was well run. Packet pick up was smooth. Expo had many vendors and was fun to browse through. Course was not as flat as I had hoped but was … MORE
Race was well run. Packet pick up was smooth. Expo had many vendors and was fun to browse through. Course was not as flat as I had hoped but was advertised as rolling hills – there were a lot. Out and back course. Not a lot of it was along the water which was disappointing. Great support though. Great energy. Awesome volunteers. Be ready for pricey hotels and restaurants though in Portland. Leaf peeping season!
Great Race
Great race. Would do this again. Course/Race Vibe: Flat, and turnaround. Wonderful views of the water here in Maine. Some rolling hills here and there, but nothing major. I PR’ed … MORE
Great race. Would do this again.
Course/Race Vibe: Flat, and turnaround. Wonderful views of the water here in Maine. Some rolling hills here and there, but nothing major. I PR’ed (post-college) with literally one second to spare. Cool day in 2025, October is perfect for half start. They DID start on time, which was a pleasant surprise (all other races this year were LATE to start, but not this one!) Course was well marked and blocked off by local PD and volunteers, and was very wide. The race was large (3,000?) but did not feel crowded on the first 3 miles like many races that have been overbooked since the pandemic. Would definitely do this race again in 2026.
Swag/Food: Race ran out of shirts at the pre-registration event in my size. What’s the point of telling officials your size if they run out? I registered 5 months in advance for a reason…but did have a “bonus” shirt (long sleeve) given which was of proper size and quantity. Free pizzas and other foods available, and vendors for alcohol if that’s what you’re into. Very cool finisher medal too in the shape of the state for the “me” wall…
Organization: The pre-race registration was at a local college/school gymnasium and had great vendors, food truck, and things to do. The day of organization was good with parking guides throughout. Be warned: you will have to hoof it pretty far to get to the stalls, and stalls were provided right near the start/finish line which is a hike from parking. Arrive early. Local grocery store is open for bathroom calls but the line will be long.
Beautiful rolling course; no Gatorade
The course was beautiful, with ample foliage, fields, and ocean views. I especially enjoyed the neighborhoods for the shade they provided. The beginning and end stretch into the city was … MORE
The course was beautiful, with ample foliage, fields, and ocean views. I especially enjoyed the neighborhoods for the shade they provided. The beginning and end stretch into the city was exposed/full sun – which was more noticeable due to the uncharacteristically hot weather (2025, mid-70s by the finish).
The elevation profile was ideal, with rolling hills that were just enough to provide variety for your muscles without ever feeling like there was a noticeable hill. I normally run in an area with a lot more elevation so this course registered as mostly flat, but it will depend what you are used to. I preferred it to other races I’ve done with steeper hills.
The unexpected heat was difficult, and was compounded by the fact that aid stations did not have Gatorade, but Nuun instead. I can’t do stevia, so I only had water. This is a minor and personal quibble, and runners who prefer Nuun, or are less particular, wouldn’t notice it. I just wish I had known ahead of time because I rely heavily on Gatorade during marathons and have never encountered a road race without it (5 marathons and many half’s). I sincerely hope this is not the new norm—and will need to check ahead of time and/or carry my own Gatorade for future races, but that’s a me issue 🤪
More importantly for most runners, I thought the race was well-organized with a seamless start and finish. The course was well-marked and well-supported. I did notice a few pacers dropped pace but I assume that was due to the heat and don’t fault them for it. My complaints are mostly my own because of the challenges I faced with heat and hydration. I was about 10 minutes off my goal pace for this race, and it ended up being tied with my slowest marathon. While I would have loved cooler weather and a faster finish, it was otherwise a great race and I would love to run it again in the future (hopefully a year with more typical weather…)
Maine Race for 50 Staters
If you are checking off states, this is a great one to do in Maine. Very well attended. The course was out and back with good scenery and crowd support. … MORE
If you are checking off states, this is a great one to do in Maine. Very well attended. The course was out and back with good scenery and crowd support. Not too many hills other than at the turn-around and the aid stations were plenty. Several food trucks and drink options at the finish festival. I paired this race with the NH Half Marathon the day before.
Run Portland - Great after party
This race was well done. The after party was one of the best I've seen with food trucks and a well stocked beer and wine tent situated at the end … MORE
This race was well done. The after party was one of the best I’ve seen with food trucks and a well stocked beer and wine tent situated at the end of the race so we could watch the marathoners come it. Live music. The scenery was nice but not amazing. Swag was cool in that they had someone there adding little extras to your race shirt, I got a red crab! Cool place to visit with great seafood; check out Acadia National Park while you are in the area.
Great Option for Checking Off Maine!
For anyone looking to cross Maine off their 50 States list—whether you’re running the half or full marathon—I highly recommend this race. PROS: -Beautiful scenery: The course winds through picturesque … MORE
For anyone looking to cross Maine off their 50 States list—whether you’re running the half or full marathon—I highly recommend this race.
PROS:
-Beautiful scenery: The course winds through picturesque Maine landscapes with some rolling hills to keep it interesting.
-Well-supported: Plenty of aid stations along the way, many of them themed with enthusiastic volunteers in costume—such a fun touch!
-Fantastic volunteers and crowd support: Local energy kept runners motivated from start to finish.
-Nice medal: A solid, well-designed keepsake.
-Perfect fall timing: Even though it was warmer than usual this year (2025), a fall race in Maine is always a treat.
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT:
-Crowded expo and finish area: Both could use more space and better organization. At the expo, bib and shirt pickup should be together and separate from vendor booths—it would make the process smoother and likely benefit the vendors too.
The finish area had great amenities—pizza, food trucks (each bib included a $3 coupon), entertainment, and a beer garden—but the layout made it hard to enjoy everything comfortably.
Also, instead of giving five tickets for five tiny beer samples, I’d suggest one ticket for a full-size beer to reduce crowding at the tent.
-Race shirt design: I liked the long sleeve color and graphics, but the collar style was a miss for me.
-Restroom access: The number of porta-potties at the start/finish seemed low for the event size, though there were plenty on the course.
LOGISTICS:
-Traveling in and out was easy. I flew into Portland, and everything—expo, hotels, and race start—was nearby.
-I spent a few days in Ogunquit beforehand, which was a wonderful way to explore more of Maine.
-My hotel was just over a mile from the start/finish, so I walked on race morning. The hotel’s airport shuttle made getting to and from the airport simple, and I only needed a rideshare for the expo.
A “must-run” in Portland ME!
First of all, a disclaimer that I participated as a pacer with Beast Pacing. Beautiful course, friendly and helpful volunteers, and excellent swag. Shirt with thumb holes? Yes please! Bib … MORE
First of all, a disclaimer that I participated as a pacer with Beast Pacing.
Beautiful course, friendly and helpful volunteers, and excellent swag. Shirt with thumb holes? Yes please!
Bib pickup the day before was smooth and the expo had lots of freebies in addition to merch for sale.
Start line was well organized and the bagpipes were a welcome surprise!
The course itself is beautiful with a few challenging hills. The ocean air and views made up for any difficulty!
Aid stations were plentiful and volunteers were absolutely amazing. Thank you!
Portland is Lovely
I completed state 44 on Sunday running the Maine Marathon. This race was a challenge to me with all of the hills, especially the second half on the marathon course. … MORE
I completed state 44 on Sunday running the Maine Marathon. This race was a challenge to me with all of the hills, especially the second half on the marathon course. The weather was in the 70’s, which is warm for Maine standards this time of year. I did not have an issue with it and enjoyed the clear blue skies running along the water front.
Logistics were easy for this race. The Portland airport is a medium size and very easy get through TSA as well as close to town. There are plenty of motels, but none within walking distance to the race start/finish line. It should be noted motel rates are expensive in this area! I stayed at the Clarion which was about 2 miles from the start/finish line.
The expo was a bit on the small size, although getting your bib and nice long sleeve tech shirt was easy. Plenty of volunteers to help.
Race day morning was very well organized. Plenty of volunteers to guide you to park for free as well as get to the start line. Lots of port a pots and both the full and half started at the same time which made for a crowed first few miles. The half follows the same course until mile 6.7. and they turn around to go back. Water stops with Nunn were numerous, however no food or Gu was given out at any of stops. The race is completely on asphalt roads with a fair amount of shade along the course. I found the course peaceful, although hilly for me. Nice finish area with pizza, snacks and free massages. There was a beer garden, but the line was long. The finisher medal was nice and I got a handmade pottery mug for placing 2nd in my age group! There were a little over 5,000 runners.
I found Portland a great place to visit. I went on a trolley tour, bicycle tour of the lighthouses and made a trip to Freeport to shop at LL Bean. Dinners were at Becky’s Diner, Little Miss Portland, and Bruno’s for carb load. Sweets included the Holy Donut and Willards Scoops for some excellent homemade ice cream!
I would recommend this race, just be prepared for the hills!
Fun, well supported race
Race was very well organized, a lot of spectators on the route with every kind of food or beverage you could want. The course has some moderate hills, nothing too … MORE
Race was very well organized, a lot of spectators on the route with every kind of food or beverage you could want. The course has some moderate hills, nothing too crazy. Great after race celebration.
Party in Portland Maine
This was a great race, huge race in Portland Maine. The race on Sunday included both the marathoners and half marathoners and relay team. The first 3 miles was quiet … MORE
This was a great race, huge race in Portland Maine. The race on Sunday included both the marathoners and half marathoners and relay team. The first 3 miles was quiet crowded. There was a wonderful Burundi drum group in the first 2 miles. The course is all street and 98% blocked off from traffic. The scenery was beautiful. The course is hilly with one hill that was a doozy near the turn around point for the half. Good water stops. Weather was nice, warm. There was only 1 aid station though. Wished there was more.
Post race was FABULOUS. The post race pizza was still hot!!! There was also fruit and snacks. My favorite was they had multiple tents offering several tables for massage and stretching so the wait was minimal. There was also a beer garden with a variety of different vendors. Finally food trucks were available with $3 off coupons! Great touch!
Beautiful Race and Lots of Local Cheers
State #46 - We stayed at the Comfort Inn South Portland. We partnered this race with New Hampshire on Saturday - It was a 2 hour drive to Maine and … MORE
State #46 – We stayed at the Comfort Inn South Portland. We partnered this race with New Hampshire on Saturday – It was a 2 hour drive to Maine and we were able to make packet pick and the expo. The shirts are cool and they added extra stuff for you on the shirts at no additional charge. Food was fruit, pizza etc and they had food trucks and you received a coupon for $3.00 off.
Wonderful experience
I'm running 50 states and chose this race because it's in Maine's largest city, so I presumed that it would be well-attended, well-organized, and well-supported. I was not wrong on … MORE
I’m running 50 states and chose this race because it’s in Maine’s largest city, so I presumed that it would be well-attended, well-organized, and well-supported. I was not wrong on any of those counts. There were about 3,200 total finishers for half and full combined (~2:1 ratio). Expo went smoothly, including packet pickup. Start could have used a little more signage, public address, and volunteer guides but I managed to be in the right place at the right time. Course was hilly and somewhat scenic but not unlike what I expected, having been to the area before. Great volunteer and crowd support for a smaller city. Aid stations were plentiful but could have used a few more fuel options, especially in the back half. Technical shirt and finisher medal were both beautifully designed. Post-race food was a little on the skimpy side but beer garden was nice and showcased a lot of local/regional brews. Easy access via PWM airport and Amtrak means you can get in and out quickly, though you’ll probably want to linger and enjoy everything that coastal Maine has to offer during peak fall foliage. Definitely recommend!
Fantastic race in Maine!
This was my first time in Maine and was my 14th state. I ran the NH Marathon the day before, but was still able to make it to packet pick … MORE
This was my first time in Maine and was my 14th state. I ran the NH Marathon the day before, but was still able to make it to packet pick up on that Saturday afternoon, then check into an Airbnb which was very conveniently located (only about 5 miles from the race start/finish). The race communications were great! I received emails detailing where to park for free on the morning of the race and there were plenty of volunteers directing traffic and runners. There were lots of portapotties near the race start line, the course itself had plenty of aid stations with water and Gatorade, and there were unofficial aid stations scattered throughout the course as well.
I ran with the 4:35 pace group and I just want to say that pacer Greg was a great support, and really all of folks in that group made the run pleasant and fun! The course is a bit hilly but definitely not as much as NH so I really very grateful that NH was first and Maine was second of the races that weekend!
The changing colors of the trees were nice to see, and some of the houses (ok mansions!) were also really cool views to take in along the course.
The after party was great – I availed myself of assisted stretching/muscle tension release by some osteopathic medical students and ate a yummy meal consisting of burger and fries at a vegan food truck – each runner received a $3 off coupon for the food trucks and there were several options to choose from. Overall this was a very well-run race, Portland was an easy city to fly into/out of, and I’d recommend this as your Maine race if you’re trying to do a marathon in each state!
Great race for Maine!
Well run race with a fairly easy course. Although there are rolling hills, they are spread out and the uphill sections are followed by downhills. Aid stations only have water … MORE
Well run race with a fairly easy course. Although there are rolling hills, they are spread out and the uphill sections are followed by downhills.
Aid stations only have water and Gatorade – carry your own nutrition. Course marshals could have done better at some of the spectator locations keeping the spectators back off the road. This was also a problem at the finish.
Overall – great race if you are looking to get Maine in for your 50 states. The 1st weekend of October can hold ideal weather for racing – which is why the date conflicts with many other races that weekend.
beautiful Fall Foliage
This was my 31st Marathon in my 21st State. ...Flying in to Boston and driving a rental car to Portland was smooth and most cost effective...Be prepared for accommodation prices … MORE
This was my 31st Marathon in my 21st State. …Flying in to Boston and driving a rental car to Portland was smooth and most cost effective…Be prepared for accommodation prices as they were higher than expected… prepare to pay for parking everywhere around town…the communications and social media before the race was superb with timely updates and information…Packet pickup and expo was at a community Center and everything seemed jammed packed together, however it was a nice small expo and the process didn’t take long….race day logistics was pretty easy ( I was dropped off as our hotel was 10 miles away)…plenty of porta potties and water was available….the weather was close to perfect….The course was very scenic as October 6th in Maine was almost perfect peak fall foliage and additionally running next to the bay was beautiful at times…It did seem repetitive as we ran through a lot of residential neighborhoods…The was plenty of official and unofficial aid stations…plenty of crowd support as well and music on the course was motivating…more hills than I expected….At the finish the medal were cool, especially for a 50 stater as they were shaped like the State of Maine (a little small). They had the traditional finish line things including pizza, bagels, and beer as well as food trucks and such. I didn’t stick around long so I can’t comment too much on the finish line festival as the family planned to do some more touristy things around the area…nice area to visit and make a short vacation out of as we visited a few museums, light houses, and beaches…not to mention lobster rolls and Holy Doughnuts….
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Fall on display in beautiful Maine
Had a terrific time running in Maine this weekend. I had my best ever performance and finally broke 3:30. Major psychological victory. Pros: great weather, scenery, support, aid station management, … MORE
Had a terrific time running in Maine this weekend. I had my best ever performance and finally broke 3:30. Major psychological victory.
Pros: great weather, scenery, support, aid station management, medal (shaped like Maine).
Cons: rolling hills, some pretty acute. Particularly mile 17. Smaller race if you need big race energy to get you through. A lot of my miles were by myself (which I enjoyed).
My first visit to my 50th state
I had been/visited 49 of the US states and DC. I decided to enter Maine to get my states-visited count to 50. I also entered New Hampshire Marathon for the … MORE
I had been/visited 49 of the US states and DC. I decided to enter Maine to get my states-visited count to 50. I also entered New Hampshire Marathon for the day before (but because of airline difficulties the Friday before, I missed NH….oh well, that left Maine).
I opted for race morning bib pick-up. I got there early as they did allow an early start and I had broken my left foot pinky two 10 days earlier so I was a bit concerned. But after I got my bib, I decided to just stay in the official start time.
The crowd was a bit larger than I expected but still easy to find a spot. I saw a few pacers – from 3+ hours to 5+ hours. I decided to stand next to a 4:45 pacer but never latched on or ran with that pacer.
The gun went off and we started running. As usual, it was a bit crowded at the start and it took me a bit of time to cross the starting mat. We ran along the shore. Weather was cool – but very comfortable (actually, almost perfect running weather for me).
First part of the course was mostly flat but then we started a small series of “rollers” that continued to the 1/2 way turn-around point (and back). The run took us through quaint neighborhoods, farm areas, and some wooded areas. Crowd support was almost constant and the aid stations well staffed. Volunteers were great.
I hit the 1/2 marathon at around 2 hours and was satisfied. My broken toe hadn’t bothered me too much. I decided to mix jogging and fast walking at around mile 14-15. I continued that way.
I chatted with other runners and was enjoying the race. At mile 25.75 I was looking at my pace, estimated the time it took me from start gun to cross the start pad, and estimated the times I stretched my legs at about 3 water aid stations and thought I had 5 hours in sight. I crossed the finish line in 5:00:18….close enough.
All in all, a very good race, very well organized, great volunteers and a beautiful location. Plus it got me my 50th state visited and 20th state with a marathon or longer finish.
Well organized, smooth road race.
Well organized, city run. Great race side music. Everything went smoothly from start to finish and plenty of porta-potties before and during the race. The course followed the bay and … MORE
Well organized, city run. Great race side music. Everything went smoothly from start to finish and plenty of porta-potties before and during the race. The course followed the bay and through some sweet neighborhoods. Had my first Lobster Roll from the truck afterwards and it was everything, HIGHLY recommend making that part of your race experience. Nice little beer garden near the finish where you can drink and cheer in the rest of the runners.
Beautiful Marathon
This was such a beautiful marathon. The neighborhoods we ran through were super nice. Not a ton of spectators but there were people cheering us on in the neighborhoods we … MORE
This was such a beautiful marathon. The neighborhoods we ran through were super nice. Not a ton of spectators but there were people cheering us on in the neighborhoods we ran through. I really liked this marathon.