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Maine Marathon
Race Details:
- Location: Portland, ME, USA
- Race Date: 10/04/2026
- Race Distances: Full Marathon, Half Marathon
What This Race Counts Toward:
Boston: Yes
World Marathon Majors: Yes
Maine Marathon Description
The Maine Marathon is a Boston qualifying race run each fall through Portland and the surrounding Maine coastline. The rolling out-and-back course starts and finishes flat, with a mix of rolling hills and flat stretches through the middle miles before turning mostly flat and downhill over the final nine miles toward the finish. Runners pass scenic coastal views and charming New England neighborhoods throughout. A half marathon and relay option run the same course, making this a favorite fall destination race for runners chasing a Boston Qualifying time.
Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.
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Maine Marathon Additional Details:
Nothing says Maine quite like finishing a marathon and immediately grabbing a lobster roll from a food truck parked right at the finish line, and that’s exactly the tradition here. Aid stations are evenly spaced and generously staffed throughout, with volunteers who bring genuine Maine friendliness rather than just going through the motions. The finisher medal is consistently ranked among the best in New England by returning runners, and the finish-line team has a reputation for running one of the smoothest operations in the region. Add in live music and a lively post-race scene, and this turns into less of a quiet coastal run and more of a genuine fall celebration for Portland.
Course Information
Profile: Rolling Hills
Type: Out and Back
Surface: Road/Pavement
Pace Groups: Yes
Time Limit: 5 hr 30 min
# of Finishers
Half Marathon: 2,300+
Marathon: 1,176
Elevation Details
Elevation Gain: 852 ft (259 m)
Elevation Loss: 852 ft (259 m)
Average Temperature
- Low: 47°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 Portland, ME, USA
Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.
Shopping
Old Port
Browse cobblestone streets lined with shops, galleries, and 19th-century brick warehouses in the Old Port district — an easy, flat stroll for a post-race souvenir.
Scenic Drives & Viewpoints
Fort Williams Park
Take in views of Portland Head Light from Fort Williams Park in nearby Cape Elizabeth — a relaxed, flat way to spend a rest day.
Museums & History
Wadsworth-Longfellow House
Explore original furnishings and exhibits at the Wadsworth-Longfellow House and adjacent Maine Historical Society Museum — an easy, indoor, low-impact stop after race day.
Landmark
Portland Head Light
Visit Portland Head Light, Maine’s oldest lighthouse dating to 1791, inside Fort Williams Park — an easy, low-impact stop after race weekend.
Arts & Culture
Portland Museum of Art
See works by world-renowned masters and American icons inspired by Maine at the Portland Museum of Art — a relaxed, indoor way to spend a taper day.
Food & Drink
Old Port Restaurants
Sample raw bars and dishes from world-class chefs along the Old Port’s working waterfront — a relaxed way to refuel after race day.
Outdoors & Trails
Eastern Promenade Trail
Bike or run the Eastern Promenade Trail, a waterfront park with postcard-worthy views of Casco Bay — an easy option for tapering or recovering legs after race day.
Hotels & Lodging Near the Maine Marathon
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Featured Race
A pancake-flat course made for chasing a PR — and a Boston Qualifier.
Boston Qualifier: Yes