The Maine Marathon features a rolling out-and-back course. The course starts and finishes along the inner bay - the Back Cove. The first and last four miles are mostly flat. In between, runners enjoy Mackworth Point in Falmouth (just north of Mackworth Island), a short detour off Route 1. The course then returns to Route 1 and turns onto Route 88, where runners pass many stately homes. The marathon continues along Route 88 to Yarmouth for a 2.5-mile loop around a rural neighborhood before rejoining Route 88 for the return trip to Portland.
The marathon course features a mixture of rolling hills and flat sections between Miles 5 and 17, and is mostly flat or downhill for the final nine miles.
The Maine Marathon was the 82nd largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 84th largest in 2022.
This year 7.9% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 8.3% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Maine Marathon the 231st highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 191st highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 97.97 ranks it as the 324th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 4th fastest course in Maine.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Maine Marathon a PR Score of 97.97. This PR Score ranks it as the 268th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 4th fastest in Maine.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Maine Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 166 feet (50m) Min Elevation: 9 feet (2m)
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.
MS's review of 2022 Maine Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
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.
Ds's review of 2018 Maine Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Well-supported race, pretty course with nice crowds cheering
