Maine Marathon 2026

The Maine Marathon is one of the longest-running fall marathons in New England, reaching its 35th edition in 2026. Staged in Portland on the first Sunday of October, it has grown into the largest marathon in the state and — after the Beach to Beacon 10K — the second-largest road race of any distance in Maine, drawing more than 5,000 registrations across its marathon, half marathon and marathon relay. The field mixes competitive runners chasing Boston qualifying times with recreational entrants who come for the peak-foliage timing and the event's volunteer-run, charity-driven character. The course is a rolling out-and-back that starts and finishes on Baxter Boulevard at Back Cove. Runners head north out of Portland on Route 1, cross Martin's Point Bridge and pass Mackworth Point in Falmouth before turning onto Route 88, which follows the shore of Casco Bay past stately homes through Falmouth Foreside and Cumberland Foreside. Marathoners continue to Yarmouth for a loop of about 2.5 miles through a rural neighborhood near Prince's Point, then rejoin Route 88 for the return leg; the half marathon turns around earlier. The first and last four miles are largely flat, while the middle is moderately hilly with water views, glimpses of the Portland skyline and heavy fall color. The course is USATF-certified (#ME24001DT) and the race is an official Boston Marathon qualifying event. A 6:30 a.m. early start is offered to marathon walkers expecting a pace of 13 minutes per mile or slower.