This was my first ever Mainly Marathon event and I was a bit skeptical about doing a repetitive course. The course was very straightforward and you pass by a massive … MORE
This was my first ever Mainly Marathon event and I was a bit skeptical about doing a repetitive course. The course was very straightforward and you pass by a massive food and drink table new time you grab a band to count your laps. I got a new personal worst because I was too busy eating and socializing that I forgot I had a race to finish lol.
I’m a half marathon walker and loved the no pressure atmosphere. It is difficult for those of us to find a back of the pack friendly race in New England on a weekend without short time limits. When I saw this race was on a Saturday, I jumped on it.
In short, if you need course variety or large crowd support, this race is not for you. If you want a fun stress free atmosphere, then this is your race series! Already planning my next Mainly event. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, but will never look at rubber bands the same way again.
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I’m Lovin’ It!
This was my first ever Mainly Marathon event and I was a bit skeptical about doing a repetitive course. The course was very straightforward and you pass by a massive … MORE
This was my first ever Mainly Marathon event and I was a bit skeptical about doing a repetitive course. The course was very straightforward and you pass by a massive food and drink table new time you grab a band to count your laps. I got a new personal worst because I was too busy eating and socializing that I forgot I had a race to finish lol.
I’m a half marathon walker and loved the no pressure atmosphere. It is difficult for those of us to find a back of the pack friendly race in New England on a weekend without short time limits. When I saw this race was on a Saturday, I jumped on it.
In short, if you need course variety or large crowd support, this race is not for you. If you want a fun stress free atmosphere, then this is your race series! Already planning my next Mainly event. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, but will never look at rubber bands the same way again.
MAINEly Marathons
This was my second half marathon I have done with Mainly Marathons. This is part of the New England series which is a 6 day event from Monday through Saturday … MORE
This was my second half marathon I have done with Mainly Marathons. This is part of the New England series which is a 6 day event from Monday through Saturday with a race in all 6 New England states. I had to work during the week so only did Maine. I chose this race due to the lack of time limit and also the lack of other half marathon options in driving distance. This is a convenient location in Maine for me right across the NH border and is a little over an hour drive. There is the option for an early start at 5am or a regular start at 6am. I started at 6am given it would have been an extremely early wake up to get there at 5am since I didn’t opt for a hotel. The race starts at a YMCA and has plenty of parking. Packet pick up is morning of if you are just doing this race. Packet includes bib, choice of shirts and this time I remembered to get the lanyard first. There is pre race announcements a few minutes before the race including description of course and awards for people who met milestones with Mainly then you go. These courses always consists of multiple loops which while they can be boring make sense for hosting multi day races with little prep time for course marking in between and also allow these to be a more social event passing other runners and the huge aid station multiple times. The last mainly race I did in Kansas was fun but it was not a great course. However the course is Maine was lovely and shaded. It was also 7 loops which was not as bad as 9. The course was mostly on a shaded paved bike trail and was very pretty and there was perfect running temp in the shade. It was flat for Maine though did have some minor inclines but was the easiest Maine course I have done. At the end of each loop is the huge aid stations with every snack you can imagine or want and there is always a hot food option. Today it was hot dogs including vegan dogs. You then grab a rubber band to keep track of loops and do it again. I did get a little bored of the loops in the middle but less so than the 9 loops in Kansas. I did this race my usual pace though there is no time limit and lots of people walk. I finished a few minutes slower than usual due to chatting with runners and the epic aid station. At the finish you get the medal that attaches to the lanyard. Each race days gets you a new medal to attach so the end result if you do the whole series is impressive though just one race still gives you a really nice medal. Overall I really enjoyed this race in Maine. While the loops got repetitive it was a nice course. The New England series tends to be one of the more popular Mainly series since so many New England states have tight time limits although I have not had issues with back of the pack friendliness in Maine at other races. I have now done 4 races in Maine and even with the loops this was my second favorite after the Maine Half in Portland. That would still be my first choice for Maine but this is a nice choice if you want to get a lot of states at once. Since this is on a Saturday within driving distance and there aren’t many other options I will definitely do this race again. I have also decided I definitely want to do a full series with Mainly marathons but may have to wait a couple years due to some international travel plans.
Good finish course
Nice, broad, mostly asphalt, mostly shaded, small rolling hills. Easy to find ( starts behind the YMCA). As always, the friendliest and most supportive staff, volunteers, and participants. Bling is … MORE
Nice, broad, mostly asphalt, mostly shaded, small rolling hills. Easy to find ( starts behind the YMCA). As always, the friendliest and most supportive staff, volunteers, and participants. Bling is amazing! I miss these guys already.
My Fastest Day is #11
I do series of marathons, and the more I do the slower I get. Well, almost. This was my 11 marathon of the series. We had one of those crisp … MORE
I do series of marathons, and the more I do the slower I get. Well, almost. This was my 11 marathon of the series. We had one of those crisp cool days with a lite breeze to start. The early start of course… Maine was there to meet me with a fun day. Suddenly it was Saturday run day, I didn’t have much to prove after 10 days of marathons but a beautiful slightly hilly course unfolded in front of me. The first seven laps were done in 3 hours that’s good for a 72 year old. So I went into overdrive just seven to go. Up the wooded hilly trail to the asphalt rood and past the only spectators to the red turnaround cone. 7 last times. It looked close to finish in 6:30 so the last mile was full throttle. I t was going to be close breaking out of the trees into the parking lot a mad dash past several runners and ring the bell. 6:29:32 I still had 31 seconds to go. Well maybe next race I hit the exact time. Keep Moving my friends, Keep moving.
Series Finale, Super Support
Course was a 7 loop course of just under 1 mile from point to point. The course was completely on paved trail. As usual, the aid station support is fantastic, … MORE
Course was a 7 loop course of just under 1 mile from point to point. The course was completely on paved trail.
As usual, the aid station support is fantastic, and there is always some hot food at the aid station in addition to various drinks and snacks.
Race medal is in the shape of Maine, with nice details, and is part of the series chain of medals.
Local YMCA also offered use of their showers after the race, all you needed was your own towel.
Part of the appeal of Mainly Marathons is the people you run with, and become friends with after repeated days together on the course.
So for a fun, yet challenging way to complete your states, sign up for a multi-day series!
First run with Mainly Marathons
I was very happy and surprised with how well these races were ran. I ran all of the 8 day New England series. Be sure to plan things out and … MORE
I was very happy and surprised with how well these races were ran. I ran all of the 8 day New England series. Be sure to plan things out and have everything ready before hand! The only thing I would recommend is to pack big spray! Most of the races are in parks or near forested areas.