You start at 7:45 am on Baxter Boulevard with Back Cove flat and silver beside you and the smell of low tide in the air, which in early October is cold enough to make you glad for gloves. The course leaves Portland on Route 1 and turns onto Route 88 through Falmouth and Yarmouth, a rolling two-lane road past white clapboard houses, stone walls, and glimpses of Casco Bay through maples just turning red. It is out-and-back, so you will see the leaders coming home as you reach the turnaround, and the hills you enjoyed on the way out are waiting on the return. With about 850 feet of climbing this is not a guaranteed fast day, but Boston accepts it, and the race gives 40 percent of its revenue to local charities. Finish on the Boulevard, then go eat lobster.
Out-and-back from Baxter Boulevard on Portland's Back Cove north along Route 1 and Route 88 through Falmouth and Yarmouth and back; moderately hilly with water views and fall foliage.
2026 marathon pricing ran $75 to $125 in five tiers (through Jan 1, Jan 2-Apr 30, May 1-Jun 30, Jul 1-Aug 31, after Aug 31); half $50-$100; relay $120-$230. 2027 pricing and opening date not yet posted. The race donated $793,285 to charity in 2025. Register ↗
- The course is USATF-certified (#ME24001DT) and an official Boston Marathon qualifier. ↗
- The race has donated more than $8.9 million to charity since 1997, including $793,285 (40% of revenue) in 2025. ↗
- 1,176 marathoners finished in 2025, up from 747 in 2022. ↗
- All races start at 7:45 am; marathon walkers expecting 13:00 per mile or slower may take a 6:30 am early start. ↗
Checked 2026-10-13. Always confirm on the official site before booking travel.