This was my 50th state (66th half) so I have a lot to compare it too. The expo left a lot to be desired, we got there right before 2 … MORE
This was my 50th state (66th half) so I have a lot to compare it too. The expo left a lot to be desired, we got there right before 2 when it opened and thank goodness since they only had 4 or 5 people working the table and they were assigning numbers as you came up which added a lot of time. You needed to show an ID to get a beer bracelet which was also confusing making people stand in line that weren’t even old enough to drink. By 4P the line was down the stairs, out the door and curving up the block. There was no expo to speak of with only one retailer and some freebies for locals. The tank instead of a shirt was nice and high quality. The start line was easy to get to but was self seeding which of course is a nightmare since people aren’t honest and put themselves where they really shouldn’t be. The first mile was crushingly slow due to massive crowd and inability to spread out. There were a few hard hills but very, very short, no climbs. Overall, was generally flat. On the back bay you are running on crushed gravel which was nice but it had been raining for 2 days so there was a lot of jumping of puddles. At the end, there was a brutal uphill that dumped you onto a cobblestone street for the last 0.2 miles which sucked because you cannot sprint on cobblestone without breaking your neck. The medal was nice, you get 2 beers, a pizza slice and an ice cream. Water stations were plentiful and they had wet towels after mile 9 I think at about every mile which were appreciated. We got lucky on the weather, there was a wind that kept the humidity at bay and it was slightly overcast which was also nice.
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Nice course, expo not so hot
This was my 50th state (66th half) so I have a lot to compare it too. The expo left a lot to be desired, we got there right before 2 … MORE
This was my 50th state (66th half) so I have a lot to compare it too. The expo left a lot to be desired, we got there right before 2 when it opened and thank goodness since they only had 4 or 5 people working the table and they were assigning numbers as you came up which added a lot of time. You needed to show an ID to get a beer bracelet which was also confusing making people stand in line that weren’t even old enough to drink. By 4P the line was down the stairs, out the door and curving up the block. There was no expo to speak of with only one retailer and some freebies for locals. The tank instead of a shirt was nice and high quality. The start line was easy to get to but was self seeding which of course is a nightmare since people aren’t honest and put themselves where they really shouldn’t be. The first mile was crushingly slow due to massive crowd and inability to spread out. There were a few hard hills but very, very short, no climbs. Overall, was generally flat. On the back bay you are running on crushed gravel which was nice but it had been raining for 2 days so there was a lot of jumping of puddles. At the end, there was a brutal uphill that dumped you onto a cobblestone street for the last 0.2 miles which sucked because you cannot sprint on cobblestone without breaking your neck. The medal was nice, you get 2 beers, a pizza slice and an ice cream. Water stations were plentiful and they had wet towels after mile 9 I think at about every mile which were appreciated. We got lucky on the weather, there was a wind that kept the humidity at bay and it was slightly overcast which was also nice.
Worth doing
Nice tank top. Nothing else for swag. Nothing at the expo except for one small store with two bookshelves of shoes, two cloths racks, some socks, and fuel. There are … MORE
Nice tank top. Nothing else for swag. Nothing at the expo except for one small store with two bookshelves of shoes, two cloths racks, some socks, and fuel. There are a couple of 3.5% grade hills.the down hills make up for it though. At one point the 5k meets up with the half. Not thrilled about a sudden big crowd to navigate through. The medal is ok. Never sure why the 5k and half shirts and medals are the same. There is a price difference, I think the shirts and/or metals should be race specific. The worst thing is some rough cobblestone you have to run on near the finish line.
Great 5k!
After 4 years of running the half, I really enjoyed this 5k. It started uphill for about the first mile, but the downhills for the following miles were worth it! … MORE
After 4 years of running the half, I really enjoyed this 5k. It started uphill for about the first mile, but the downhills for the following miles were worth it!
Some unique things about this race:
-It began 15 minutes after the half, so we lined up perpendicular to the half runners and got to watch them begin.
-The 5k merged with the half around mile 2, and then turned off into a side street for the finish.
The post race party was, as always, fantastic! This year it seemed a little less well-run. There were tremendously long lines for post race snacks, pizza and beer. The band was amazing and had so many runners dancing!
The shirts have been hit or miss over the years, but this year’s tank top was great. Definitely continue to recommend this race!
Repeat race - always worth it!
This was my first half marathon ever, and I keep coming back. I love racing in Portland, ME, and this race stands out to me for the stellar communication, promotion, … MORE
This was my first half marathon ever, and I keep coming back. I love racing in Portland, ME, and this race stands out to me for the stellar communication, promotion, small expo, and atmosphere. I certainly have never run my fastest half marathon, as the hills near the beginning and then in the middle and end can be challenging.
The atmosphere is wonderful – the DJ/emcee is lively and upbeat, and it is hard not to get excited before the race even starts. One nice touch is that they usually offer cold towels around mile 11 – very needed on a hot day!
The coolest part about this race is that you run along the water for so long. A running tour of Portland ME is incredible. From viewing the ocean to exploring neighborhoods… all the way to running alongside the highway for a little bit, you barely get bored.
The after race party makes it an all-around festive event. I love staying for the beer, music, and general atmosphere.
This year, they changed the course from beginning on the pier to beginning/ending in the heart of the city. I found this a little disappointing, because starting on the pier was pretty cool. The finish felt impractical, because the final stretch was across very bumpy cobblestones that prevented me from finishing as strong as I would have liked.
Aside from the slight course change, I would highly recommend this well-organized and planned out race!
Kudos all around...
Portland, Maine is a nice place to visit. It has a great personality to it. The event was very fun. They changed the course this year to put hill portion … MORE
Portland, Maine is a nice place to visit. It has a great personality to it. The event was very fun. They changed the course this year to put hill portion immediately at the beginning which wasn’t too bad. Plus, we had a light sprinkle of rain during the first portion that helped keep the body from heating up too much at the beginning. There is one more hill between Mile 11 & 12, I believe, but it was bearable. The course, overall, was beautiful. About 100-200 feet of cobblestone just before the finish was a little treacherous, but added a nice quaint feeling.
The event was well organized. We arrived late the evening before and did the packet pick up the morning of. It was a quick in & out. The finish line DJ/announcer was very cool; added a good personality to the finish. The after party was awesome – two free beers, free slice of pizza, free ice cream. Great post-race atmosphere.
The medal was very cool. Looks much better in person, than in the pictures.
I recommend getting a room at the Hyatt Place, because you literally walk out the door and you’re at the start line & only a small block or two from the finish line. The hotel also provided some fruit, snacks, & water as you head out. There are probably some other good hotels within the area as well, but this was super convenient.
If you fly into Portland, you don’t need to rent a car. Uber/cab is less than $20 and everything you need is within a half mile radius.
state #18, Personal Record ;-)
Great scenery, plenty of water stops and the weather was great. It sprinkled a couple times, but, actually was felt good. I felt great the whole time, well except for … MORE
Great scenery, plenty of water stops and the weather was great. It sprinkled a couple times, but, actually was felt good. I felt great the whole time, well except for the never ending incline between 11-12 miles. The cobblestone towards the end was interesting, but just need to pay close attention to your footing. I wasn’t a fan of the race tank, but, the medal is very nice. Two beers pizza and ice-cream were the highlights of the many snacks and refreshments at the finish. I would recommend this half marathon.
Last thing, stay at the Hyatt place Portland old port, start and finish are literally out the front door.
Wicked Fun!
Great course; especially running on a dirt path around a lake for a few miles. There's a pretty steep incline between 11 - 12 that threw me (and my time) … MORE
Great course; especially running on a dirt path around a lake for a few miles. There’s a pretty steep incline between 11 – 12 that threw me (and my time) and the last .10 has some old cobblestones to navigate, but other than that a wonderful course! My biggest complaint would be the wait to get some food after the race. The line was long and moved so slowly. Great scenery and wonderful weather!
Best half in New England!
One of the best races I’ve participated it. Majestic views of the Casco Bay and Back Cove. Weather was cool sub-60 at the start with a few bouts of rain. … MORE
One of the best races I’ve participated it. Majestic views of the Casco Bay and Back Cove. Weather was cool sub-60 at the start with a few bouts of rain.
Course itself was half road and half cinder trail (around Back Cove). Stay on the inside around the cove… I hit a root on the outside and ended up pulling a muscle trying to maintain balance. Watch out as there is about a 0.1km stretch of cobblestone before the finish… slow down to avoid an ankle injury.
This race is extremely well organized… everyone was excited that the start & finish wash relocated to the old port this year. After crossing the finish line you had 2 beer garden options… one with a live band! 2 free beers, pizza and ice cream topped the post race food offerings along with fruit, kind bars and maple water.
Swag included a tech tank (ran large) and a stained glass medal.
Highly recommended race!!!
Run the best of Portland!
This is a great race that runs right through the heart of Portland. Gorgeous scenery throughout, getting to both west and east ends of the city. There was plenty of … MORE
This is a great race that runs right through the heart of Portland. Gorgeous scenery throughout, getting to both west and east ends of the city. There was plenty of crowd and organizer support, but it would have been nice to see a few more community touches get involved with entertainment along the way. Nice post-race party and simple packet pickup process. Nice race!
Beautiful scenery but long steep hills
Race has a beautiful location! Most of the course has water on one side of you. Hills are a bit tough as you go up and then turn to keep … MORE
Race has a beautiful location! Most of the course has water on one side of you. Hills are a bit tough as you go up and then turn to keep going up!
Race swag is non existent. Shirt might be the ugliest one I have (you have to pay extra for a shirt).
Packet pick up was quick and smooth.
Minimal locations for cheering squads.
Great after race fair-food trucks, beer, etc all on the water!
Best 90s Cover Band
The race started on a main street in downtown Portland. The first couple of miles were fairly flat. We ran through some beautiful neighborhoods with large houses. Then there was … MORE
The race started on a main street in downtown Portland. The first couple of miles were fairly flat. We ran through some beautiful neighborhoods with large houses. Then there was mile 6. Mile 6 had a crazy incline hill of 90 feet over ½ a mile.
The second half of the race was picturesque. We ran along Back Cove, a pretty basin full of ships. Most of the remainder of the course was flat.
The best part of this race was the festivities following the event. At the pier they had food, beer and live music. To my excitement the band was a 90s cover band. I LOVE THE 90s!
Little bit of rain this year
This is a great course and a fun run. Even though it was not hot this year, as it has been the past two, the hills, a little rain, wind … MORE
This is a great course and a fun run. Even though it was not hot this year, as it has been the past two, the hills, a little rain, wind and humidity made it surprisingly difficult. The wind was from the North and close to half the race was headed into it. It helped with the high humidity, but did slow one’s time I feel. Great finish festival and truly a destination race.
Hot, but scenic!
Took a long weekend from NYC to run this race. Portland is a great town with lots of good eats and beautiful scenery. We picked up our bibs the morning … MORE
Took a long weekend from NYC to run this race. Portland is a great town with lots of good eats and beautiful scenery.
We picked up our bibs the morning of which wasn’t a hassle at all. The start consisted of two waves, but beyond that, there wasn’t much of a corral system so I was hard to know where you were lining yourself up at.
The course weaves through Portland, passing some beautiful neighborhoods and looping back down Portland’s main street before heading around a lake (partially on dirt trail here) and back to the start. There is minimal shade in some parts, but aid stations were plentiful.
After the finish, Shipyard hosted a nice post-race beer garden where runners could get two beers. There was also free pizza and several Portland food trucks came out with food for purchase and samples. There was even a portable shower truck where, for a couple bucks, you could take a nice shower and have a clean towel. I actually used this, since we had plans to walk around Portland the rest of the day, and was instantly refreshed!
Swag is just so-so… There isn’t any apart from the medal. The medal is nice, but if you’re expecting a shirt or anything more, you have to buy it.
Awesome course, great scenery.
It can get hot in Portland at this time of year, but the race is run early enough in the morning to avoid most of the heat. Awesome course with … MORE
It can get hot in Portland at this time of year, but the race is run early enough in the morning to avoid most of the heat. Awesome course with a great finish. Two fairly tough hills, but they are both in the the first half of the race and you get the downhill payback from both. Mostly flat once you hit the back bay. Some complain about the gravel surface of the back bay loop, but I love it. Finish area is awesome. Love this race.
Beautiful Course!
I've run this race a couple times. Two hills get your attention, but you get the downhill reward from both. It's been hot the past two years and that's not … MORE
I’ve run this race a couple times. Two hills get your attention, but you get the downhill reward from both. It’s been hot the past two years and that’s not unusual for July, but the race is early enough in the morning where the heat is not an issue. Awesome course overall. The second half has a loop around back bay. Running on the fine stone path is an issue for some, but I personally love it. Great finish area as well. Overall, an excellent race to run.
Nice race - tougher than expected
The first hill at mile 1.5 was tough, but the second hill at mile 6 was brutal (the race map showed the elevation changes, so this was expected.) The scenery … MORE
The first hill at mile 1.5 was tough, but the second hill at mile 6 was brutal (the race map showed the elevation changes, so this was expected.) The scenery was fantastic – you ran on the waterfront, through really nice neighborhoods and around the back bay. One problem – the water bottles were warm at the end of the race. Everything else about the race, including the medals were nice. If you run this race and want a t-shirt – you have to request and pay for it as a separate part of the registration – they are not provided free to participants.