The variety of half marathons run in Maine will keep you coming back year after year. Below are the best half marathons in Maine as rated by runners of the events.
Maine Half Marathon – Portland
A half marathon along the picturesque coast of Maine. Take the opportunity to enjoy the scenery of Portland’s Back Cove area. Proceeds from this race will go to the Dream Factory of Maine, which grants wishes to chronically and critically ill children between the ages of 3 and 18. Click here to read more about the Maine Half Marathon.
The Course
This USATF certified half begins at Portland’s Back Cove. The out-and-back course then continues up the coast to Falmouth and then returns. The run is a flat one through the scenic trails, parks, and waterfront.
Image Source: findmymarathon.com.
Reviews
“If you are doing 50 states, if you want a great half PR course, and if you want to participate in a well-run, great event that supports its local community- this is the race for you.” – A.H., Bibrave.com Review
“This race, in my opinion, has it all: beautiful scenery that includes running along the bay and running through cool neighborhoods, good crowd support, but not overwhelming wall-to-wall people, not too hilly, and an out-and-back course. I was very surprised how much I liked the out-and-back aspect of this race” – Emily T., Run blogger at One Mom in Maine
Moose Pond Half Marathon – Bridgton
Embrace the stunning natural beauty of Maine in this race run at Shawnee Peak Ski Area. The race is a small one–the cap is 400 runners–but the scenery doesn’t disappoint. Find out more.
The Course
The course is a loop around Moose Pond. After three right turns (how often do you see a description like that?), the finish is at the Shawnee Peak parking lot. Be prepared for the steep rise as you hit Hio Ridge Road when you make the turn just before mile 4. The course is USATF certified.
Image Source: MoosePondHalf.com.
Reviews
“This was my first half. Course, runners, and volunteers were all great. Loved that the race was on Saturday because it allowed us time to do some sightseeing in Portland after the race.” – W.L., Facebook Review
“I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better first half marathon. This was such a positive experience….” – Kelsey, Blogger at Spice & Dice
Mount Desert Island Half Marathon – Bar Harbor
This “stunningly beautiful” course was voted “most scenic” in Runner’s World Magazine. Participants can’t stop raving about the surroundings. There are few places on earth more breathtaking than Bar Harbor, Maine, in the fall. Seriously, take a look at this:
Image Source: Scott Kublin
The Course
Lucky participants get to run in “one of the most beautiful places in the world.” The course begins at the half-way mark of the full marathon, in the village of Northeast Harbor. The race offers views of the only fjord on the US Atlantic coast. The last few miles are a stunning descent to the finish in the Southwest Harbor.
Image Source: runmdi.org
Reviews
“MDI is a spectacular course. The scenery is fantastic, the route is challenging, and the volunteers are wonderful… there’s everything to love about the race. This is one marathon where the journey truly is its own reward. I plan to keep coming back year after year. – T.G., Commenter at CoolRunning.com.
“Thanks to MDI for the gorgeous show of color, and to the MDI Marathon folks for putting on such a stellar, well-organized, feel good event. We are totally going back next year….” – Emilie, Blogger at OneMominMaine.com
Freeport Half Marathon – Freeport
If the name “Freeport” rings a bell, it could be because the town is the home of catalog behemoth L.L. Bean. Check out the store after the race (or the day before) and see the place that inspired the phenomenon.
The Course
The race begins at the intersection of Park and Bow streets in downtown Freeport, then proceeds in a loop that passes through mostly rural surroundings before finishing at Depot Street. Keep an eye out for views of Manquoit Bay in the first half of the race.
Reviews
“The race management is experienced, efficient, and puts on top-notch running events. There were less than 150-200 runners in today’s race, but I think this is the start of something bigger… If you are looking for a great local racing experience with the benefits of a big time half marathon, look no further.” – Jason Saltmarsh, Blogger at Saltmarsh Running
Maine Coast Half Marathon – Biddeford
The Maine Coast Half is designed to give participants optimal views of Fortunes Rocks Cove, Horseshoe Cove and Biddeford Pool, a large tidal pool off Saco Bay that lies between Biddeford and Kennebunkport. As with so many other Maine races, the name of the game is scenery, and this race has it in spades. Click here for more information.
The Course
The course begins at Sokokis Hall in Biddeford at the University of New England. From there, the mostly flat race course offers lengthy coastal stretches along Fortune Rocks Road and Mile Stretch Road. The vistas of the coast and the waterfront homes are spectacular.
Image Source: mainecoast262.com
Reviews
“Very back of the pack friendly. I was fourth to last finishing the full. All the volunteers cheered me on at every water stop. They let my 94 year old grandfather wait for me under the mc tent. I can’t wait to run this again. Think I might even do the 39.3” – C.T., Facebook Review
“This was definitely a race I would love to run again! You had a very well supported race for a hot day. Your volunteers were awesome, and everywhere. I felt safe, the course was beautiful and the spectators were so awesome and kept me going! The course was marked mile by mile, and labeled for all turns and stops.” – S. B., Facebook Review
Acadia Half Marathon – Bar Harbor
The Acadia Half Marathon offers a rare opportunity to run in a “breathtaking” national park. Acadia National Park is the only one of its kind in Maine, and the vistas it offers make it more than just a footrace.
The Course
The course passes entirely through Acadia National Park. After beginning at the YMCA, the race proceeds along the Park Loop, Ocean Drive, then along the Tarn and Dorr Mountain.
Image Source: Peter Rintels
Reviews
“This half marathon course? Amazing. Beautiful surroundings, and awesome volunteers manning the water stations and directing people through the course.” – Christine, Blogger at RunningFull
“Definitely lives up to ‘the most scenic marathon.’ Figuratively breathtaking in an unsurpassed beauty and literally breathtaking in its challenge.” – A.M., Marathonguide.com Review
Shipyard Old Port Half Marathon – Portland
This race, which bills itself as Portland’s premier summer running event, not only offers unparalleled views of the city of Portland and the natural beauty of its coves, but it also has Shipyard Brewing Company beer waiting for participants at the finish line. Sign me up!
The Course
The course begins near the Eastern Promenade of Munjoy Hill overlooking the Casco Bay and East End Beach, a frequent beach recreation area for locals. The race then continues west toward Fort Sumner Park and Back Cove along the Eastern Promenade before passing Back Cove on the way to the finish line.
Reviews
“What a beautiful course, made it worth enduring that heat! Enjoyed the “Old roots Zimbabwe music”…. Was grateful for no battles with traffic at all, and people clearly worked hard to make this a well organized race! Thank you!!!” – Kim O, Facebook Review
“This race has steadily grown in size and in quality each year. What was fantastic this year: nearly enough porta potties at the start and along the course, tons of water and gatorade for all at the plentiful water stops, gorgeous scenery provided by the beautiful city of Portland, really cool music festival and runner’s expo the day prior to the race, friendly volunteers, helpful and encouraging runners as companions the whole way, and for the most part it was really well organized.” – M.L., Facebook Review