Gorham Savings Bank Maine Marathon, Half Marathon & Relay
Join Gorham Savings Bank Maine Marathon, Half Marathon & Relay
Founded in 1979, the Gorham Savings Bank Maine Marathon, Half Marathon and Marathon Relay is one of New England’s longest running marathon events. Wrapping around Portland’s Back Cove neighborhood and up the scenic Maine coast to Yarmouth, this out-and-back course is known for its rolling hills, peak fall foliage and stunning views of Portland and the Atlantic Ocean.
Beyond the beautiful scenery, the Maine Marathon is known for its amazing people. There are enthusiastic fans who line the course to cheer on runners of all levels. The all-volunteer staff – led by the dedicated members of the Maine Track Club – has earned a reputation for organizing and executing one of the most well-run events in the country.
You can’t beat Maine in the fall, and the Maine Marathon is a must for runners of all levels. Plus, because this nonprofit race donates roughly 40% of its gross revenue to charity, your participation helps some great causes.
The race is comprised of three unique events, all of which start and finish along Baxter Boulevard in Portland’s scenic Back Cove.
Marathon
A USATF certified course and Boston Marathon qualifier, the Maine Marathon is a runner-friendly, scenic marathon course that attracts racers of all levels, including elite runners from Maine, across America and around the world.
Half Marathon
USTAF certified, the Maine Half Marathon follows the same course as the marathon for the first 6.5 miles before breaking off and returning back toward Portland.
Marathon Relay
Perfect for groups and charity fundraisers, this event allows teams of up to four people cover separate legs of the course. Relay exchange stations and convenient shuttles make this event a favorite.
Course details
Start address: Portland, United States of America
Finish address: Baxter Blvd & Preble St, Portland, ME 04101, USA
Route map
Included in the fee
- Custom long sleeve shirt for entrants.
- Custom medal for finishers.
Practicalities
After Race Services
Pre- and post-race massages will be available at the start/finish line, weather permitting. If necessary, the massage tables will be moved to the place of registration pick-up—Sullivan Gymnasium. Postrace food and beverages will be available on the baseball field for runners only. We ask that you not get food for family and friends so that runners who may finish after you also have the opportunity to replenish themselves. Spectators will be able to purchase food and beverages at one of several food trucks that will be parked near the finish line on Preble Street. All participants will receive a $3 coupon that can be used at any food truck. Locker rooms and showers are located in the basement of the Sullivan Gymnasium on the USM Campus (site of registration). There is no charge for the use of these facilities. Neither the university nor the Maine Track Club is liable for losses or theft incurred by participants. Locker rooms are for day use only.
Aid Stations
Water and Gatorade (lemon-lime Endurance Formula) will be available at each aid station. The stations are situated approximately every two miles. Each of the aid stations will be in contact with medical personnel so that runners may receive medical assistance if needed.
Award Medals
Medals for all finishers, cash prizes for top athletes.
Equipment Storage
There will be a baggage tent near the starting line where you can leave clothing. Clothing left in the gymnasium will be brought to the start/finish area after the race begins. Articles of clothing that are left unclaimed after the race will be donated to a local homeless shelter. The Maine Marathon and Maine Track Club are not liable for any losses or theft that runners may incur.
Maximum Time
Course closes at 2 PM. Early start at 6 AM available.
Parking
On race day, parking is allowed in the USM parking garage or any of the university parking lots, in the lots along Marginal Way, in the two small lots on Back Cove and on nearby streets. We strongly recommend that you park in the parking garage or one of the university parking lots off Bedford St., which is the first left-hand turn off Forest Ave. from I-295 Exit 6B. There will be signs for these lots. See our Google maps for more information. Parking is not allowed in the Hannaford Shopping Center parking lot adjacent to the start/finish area. This year, we’ll also be offering valet bike parking, which will be set up on Preble Street Extension near Hannaford and the Back Cove parking lot.
Qualifications
Able to finish before the course closes at 2 PM.
Race Kit Includes
Long sleeve shirt provided at bib pickup. Finishers receive a medal.
Refreshments
Water and Gatorade (lemon-lime Endurance Formula) will be available at each aid station.
Timing
Race timing is provided by All Sports Events, using Race|Result disposable bib transponders. This is a disposable chip system in which the timing tag is placed on the back of the bib. Please do not fold your bib, because doing so can break the electrical circuit inside the tag, possibly resulting in your tag not being recognized when you cross the start or finish line. Results will be available live on the internet, and at the venue at touch screen tablets which allow you to print a receipt record showing your time and splits.
Transport
Buses for relay runners.
Refund Policy
2021 COVID 19 refund policy: IN THE EVENT OF A CANCELATION, the Maine Marathon will offer registered participants the choice of what they’d like to do with their paid race fee. Participants can choose one of the following options: 1) Donate their race fee to one of our 2021 race beneficiaries 2) Defer their registration to the 2022 event. 3) Receive a refund of their registration fee minus the processing fee. Otherwise, we do not offer refunds, but we do allow bib transfers and deferrals until the end of August.
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
Can someone collect my race pack for me?
Yes, but you’ll need to provide a signed note giving someone permission to pick up your packet.
Can I change the distance after I purchase a ticket?
Yes, registered runners may switch events at any time before the race. There is no partial refund for those who switch from the marathon to the half marathon, and those who switch from the half marathon to the marathon will be asked to pay an additional $25 to account for the difference between the two entry fees. To switch events, contact Bob Aube at [email protected]
When and where can I collect my BIB/race pack?
Saturday, Oct. 2 — 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. or Sunday, Oct. 3 — 5:30 a.m. to 7 a.m. at Sullivan Gym, University of Southern Maine, 96 Falmouth St.
Is this race a qualifying race for the Boston Marathon?
Yes, both the marathon and half marathon courses are certified, and complete marathon results will be submitted to Boston Marathon officials.
What if I need medical attention?
Medical personnel will be at the finish line and at four locations on the course, and will be roaming the course on bicycles. In addition, each fluid replacement station is in contact with the medical team so that runners can receive medical attention if necessary.
The race information has been found on the official website of the event or through publicly available sources. Always refer to the official website the latest race information. Please let us know if any data is wrong or missing, by emailing us.
