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Maine Marathon Reviews
Maine Marathon
4.9 Stars from
12 Runners
Recommending this mid-sized, well-run race on a beautiful course in autumn
By MPG about 2023
Review
The Maine Marathon is run in Portland the first weekend of October. The course itself is beautiful, running along the water and on lovely country roads, and the time of year makes it very pleasant -- this year, the temps were in the 50s at start and they complained it was warmer than usual -- it did heat up, but not too badly.
The race was very organized, with good communications, a really nice expo (for a mid-sized race), and great support along the course.
There were no negatives, but I would note the course is rolling hills and some of them felt daunting, especially on the way back.
Would gladly do this race again. Portland is a lovely city and this race did it proud.
Race Tips
Please see above -- rolling hills are something to watch for. The course is out and back -- the hills were OK going out and most were OK coming back, but there were a few that beat me up.
Hotels in Portland were surprisingly expensive, but we found a very convenient AirBNB so I'd look for that.
5 /
5 Stars
Great Marathon Just a Bit Hilly
By MS about 2022
Review
If you sign up be aware that there are hills. Not one or two, lots of hills! The course is fairly scenic as it winds through the local communities. The starting area is well organized. You should be able to park near the start and once there you will find a few vendors that can sell you a Gu or related item if you forgot it. My only complaint is that there were nearly no porta-potties along the course. Basically, just at the relay transfer points. Worse, the waiting relay racers create long lines so if you want to stop, it will not be a quick one.
Race Tips
I would suggest driving the course if you can. The hills are significant and driving through will give you some idea as to where they are and how big they are. As to the race, the hills start in earnest at about mile 6 and then end at about mile 20. Just keep that in mind when you start out along the water and it is pancake flat.
The race parking seems to be plentiful and is near the start. If you decide to stay near the water (which I recommend) you will not have any problem finding a parking spot on race day.
5 /
5 Stars
Scenic & Friendly
By ld about 2018
Review
Lots of support along the course.
5 /
5 Stars
Well-supported race
By Ds about 2018
Review
Well-supported race, pretty course with nice crowds cheering
5 /
5 Stars
Everything a runner could ask for!
By Christine about 2017
Review
Beautiful views, great course, extremely well organized!
Race Tips
Don't over dress! The day warms up as the sun comes out.
Parking is free at the University of Southern Maine! Arrive early to avoid traffic and enjoy prerace time.
5 /
5 Stars
By jc about 2015
Review
Well organized, nice gift bags to all runners, not a lot of turns on the race course mostly straight out and back.
Race Tips
Expect a few hills between mile 17 and 21 otherwise mostly rolling hills. Course is normally about 1-2 tenths of a mile longer on my gps than the track mileage.
5 /
5 Stars
By Larissa about 2015
Review
Awesome course. Amazing race goodie bag. Loved this marathon!
Race Tips
Train on some hills.
5 /
5 Stars
By Gregory Lull about 2015
Review
The Maine Marathon is all about the Maine experience. Exciting without being overly dramatic, scenic but never showy, friendly and genuine, and fun. The weather is always perfect temperature. The course is shaded, run under the oaks along the coast of southern Maine, starting and finishing in beautiful downtown Portland. The first 2 miles and the last 2 miles take you along the Back Cove. The crowds are out, cheering for you by name, the support tables are enthusiastically managed and evenly distributed along the course. The medals are always top of the line, and the director and finish line team are the best in the business!! There are three or four sections with small hills, otherwise this is a flat and fast run. I've done this marathon and half-marathon course numerous times and it always makes me smile to finish it. What a gem!! They celebrate their 25th year in 2016 and from I can see, this race has legs. Expect another 25 years easy!
Race Tips
Slow and steady start. No hills until mile 6, when you hit the Falmouth Foreside section. Tree lined and shaded. Temps are typically in the low 50's at the start. Hills in mile 6, 7, 9, 15, 17. Easy hills for the most part. Tuttle Road section is the toughest one. Great crowds to help motivate you, especially at the route 88 pickup and the Tuttle Road intersection. They do run the half, marathon relay and marathon all concurrently, so for the first 6.5 miles, it's a bit crowded, especially at the half midpoint which is close to the first relay handoff. Other than that, it's easy running with room to spread out.
Eat at BreaLu cafe after the race. It's literally two blocks from the finish line on Forest Avenue. You've earned the sort of breakfast they can make for you!!
5 /
5 Stars
By John Carter about 2014
Review
The Maine Marathon is a very well run race. Volunteers are very friendly. Pleasant course hills are not overly hard
Race Tips
Expect a slower first few miles as half marathon follows the same course. The pack thins out around mile 7 as the half marathon turns to head back. Hills are not as bad as advertised keep a steady pace until mile 17 after that race is flat or down hill.
Parking is easy in the garage at Southern Maine Unv. Use the bathrooms at the parking garage clean and no crowds!
5 /
5 Stars
By EMR about 2012
Review
Well run mid-sized race. They have race day packet pick-up. Run w/ a half and a relay. You get a nice T-shirt and Medal. They have an early start for walkers.
Race Tips
The course is a modified out and back. Some rolling hills in the middle miles. If you've trained on hills these shouldn't scare you away. The last few miles are nice and flat. Post race area is a little cramped but they have some nice food.
