You are here:
Maine Coast Marathon
Race Details:
- Location: Wells, ME, USA
- Race Date: 05/02/2027
- Race Distances: Full Marathon, Half Marathon
What This Race Counts Toward:
Boston: Yes
World Marathon Majors: Yes
Maine Coast Marathon Description
The Maine Coast Marathon is a fast, flat, Boston qualifying race that traces the scenic Maine shoreline from Kennebunkport to Wells. The mostly flat, point-to-point course hugs the coast for much of its route, offering runners ocean views, charming seaside towns, and cool coastal breezes. A half marathon and 5K run the same weekend along the same picturesque stretch of coastline. With minimal elevation change and postcard-worthy scenery, this is a favorite destination race for runners chasing a Boston Qualifying time along the New England coast.
Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.
Share This Race
Shop This Race
Handpicked for runners toeing this line.
Maine Coast Marathon Additional Details:
Race organizers actually schedule the Maine Coast Marathon’s start time around the tides, timing the course to hit its most scenic coastal stretches when the water and light look their best, a level of planning most marathons skip entirely. Along the way, runners pass five working lighthouses, a rare concentration for a single race. Aid stations every two miles go well beyond water and Gatorade, with jelly beans, peanut butter pretzels, mint chocolate chip cookies, and watermelon chunks fueling the later miles. At the finish, Wells Harbor Community Park turns into a proper coastal celebration with live music, cold beer, and enough post-race atmosphere that runners linger long after they’ve stopped moving.
Course Information
Profile: Mostly Flat
Type: Point to Point
Surface: Road/Pavement
Pace Groups: Yes
Time Limit: 6 hr 30 min (full)
3 hr 15 min (half)
3 hr 15 min (half)
# of Finishers
Half Marathon: 2,000+
Marathon: 913
Elevation Details
Elevation Gain: 770 ft (234 m)
Elevation Loss: 764 ft (232 m)
Average Temperature
- Low: 48°F
- High: 62°F
Train Smarter for Race Day
A great race starts long before the starting line. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or hunting a new PR, a structured training plan takes the guesswork out of race prep — building your fitness, your confidence, and your mileage at the right pace for you.
Explore plans for every distance and experience level, from your first 5K to your next ultra.
Things to Do in Wells, ME, USA
Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.
Shopping
Wells Antique Malls
Browse the shops of Wells, recognized as the Antiques Capital of Maine, with a broad collection of antique malls and dealers — an easy, flat stroll for a post-race souvenir.
Scenic Drives & Viewpoints
Wells Reserve at Laudholm Farm
Walk seven miles of trails past woodlands, fields, wetlands, and dunes at the Wells Reserve at Laudholm Farm — a relaxed, flat way to spend a rest day.
Sports & Entertainment
Wells Harbor Community Park
Spend an afternoon at Wells Harbor Community Park, with a playground, picnic spots, and trails cutting through salt marsh and dunes — a relaxed, low-impact stop after race day.
Outdoors & Trails
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
Hike the one-mile Carson Trail through pine woods with views of tidal salt marshes at the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge in Wells — an easy option for tapering or recovering legs.
Landmark
Wells Main Beach
Stroll more than 1.5 miles of sand, dunes, and tidal pools at Wells Main Beach, within walking distance of shops and restaurants — an easy, flat, low-impact stop after race weekend.
Hotels & Lodging Near the Maine Coast Marathon
Compare nearby hotels and book your Maine Coast Marathon race-weekend stay in seconds.
Sunrise Running Company may earn a commission if you book through the map below, at no extra cost to you.
Featured Race
A pancake-flat course made for chasing a PR — and a Boston Qualifier.
Boston Qualifier: Yes