I highly recommend this marathon, - Pick up packet expo was…read morea little sad - The race itself was perfect, which matters the most. The amount of spectators was consistent and the crowds enthusiasm, support, and smiles were overwhelming. - Even though I did not PR in this race, probably because I wanted to be careful, but I did do one of my top three times ever. - The post race series was contagious in finding loved ones after the race was extremely easy compared to other faces that I've participated in. There was an amount of alcohol for the spectators and race finishers to indulge in the local breweries of the Portland area.

Just completed the 2013 edition of the Maine Marathon on Sunday, 10/6/2013. It was an epic…read morechallenge for me, since I was coming from Hawaii to attempt this epic feat. This was state #39 and lifetime #61. The Maine Marathon is one of the larger marathons in Maine, although there are a handful of others within the state. I chose this race because it paired up with the New Hampshire Marathon the day before. I could get 2 states in one weekend and it would stretch my travel budget further this way. Its a crazy goal and ambition, but what a crazy adventure to be had! While the finish line was very bittersweet for me, I could not have pass up this opportunity to visit Maine and have a lobster roll as well. Most people fly into Boston Logan international airport and drive 1 1/2 hours on I-95. Portland, ME has its own regional airport as well, but it may be more pricer, but most major carriers do service this regional New England hub. The Maine Marathon expo and packet pick up was held at the Sullivan Gym on the campus of the University of Southern Maine in Portland. It wasn't particularly large, but it wasn't small either. You could get in and out within 10 minutes, if that. It was a bit of a challenge finding parking for the expo, being out of Towners, but we got it. There also was a half marathon event and a marathon relay too, so that added a lot of people cheering at some points along the course. The expo was held on Saturday and early packet pick up from 5:30am to 7:30am on race morning, if you need it. Plus, the expo arena had a restroom too. There is an early start for those participants who expect to finish over 6 hours, which I did since I was doing New Hampshire the day before. The course itself starts at the University of Southern Maine and runs out to the surrounding neighborhoods of Portland. This course has its share of hills and then some. Basically, this course is an out and back course, with a small mini out and back section of its own as well. There is a couple scenic points along the course, overlooking a lake or a large water source. Majority of the course, you are running in Portland's rural neighborhood. The race is chip timed, with timing mats at the start, half way, and at the finish. For an out and back course, I would have thought one at 20 miles would be there to curb cheating. Weather can be a hit or miss here, but me and the Marathon Maniac / 50 State Marathon Club family, two running clubs which I am proud to be apart of, were ecstatic to be here participating once again. Weather this year was a good 50 degrees and never really warmed up significantly to the upper 60's. It was great to have reached the finish line and claim Maine for my 50 states and hope to return someday to Maine for more sightseeing, since it was just a quick trip up here for the marathon itself. Overall, this race is well run and well marked course. Being that it was an out and back, sometimes, it can be a drag seeing the same things twice, but it turned out pretty good. Only good things about this course and I would do this one again for Maine sometime down the road. Run more! B+

First time I've heard about the New England Challenge was in 2017, the inaugural series was held in…read more2016. What an insane way to pick up states for the half marathon or marathon goal in a minimal amount of time. I've been around the block, but 6 days in a row seems pretty nuts. I've been around long enough to know virtually everyone in the club who's done at least one round of the 50 states marathons. I initially signed up for 5 marathons for the New England challenge, minus Maine, since I've already ran Mount Desert Island marathon in 2016. Race morning started at the Pine Tree marathon / half marathon in Portland, Maine. The New England Challenge attracts veteran marathoners and half marathoners who wish to run a half marathon or a marathon up to all 6 states in the series. You decide on what states you want to do or need for your own personal goal(s). With that said, we arrived at Back Cove Park here in Portland, Maine around 5:30am on a brisk Monday morning. It was interesting to be running a race on the weekday, even though I had ran a marathon in Rochester NY 2 days before. The New England Challenge / Pine Tree marathon & half marathon draws a small field, which is less than 100 individuals for both events. I ended up running the half marathon for Maine at this event, which was quite scenic overlooking Back Cove. The event was small and felt like a training run, even though it's a race with a race number on your t-shirt. The overall experience here at The Pine Tree marathon / half marathon in Portland, Maine was quite nice, quite excellent, and casual. The main thing about the entire series and not just this event is that there is no time limit. Many others do have a one, ranging from 6 hours to 8 hours, depending on the race. It's not festive like many races out there, but you can say that it has its purpose for goal oriented people - like myself. The course is basically multiple loops around Back Cove Trail, which was 3.62 miles once around. We had a shorter out and back loop of 2.24 miles to do initially before we started the larger loop around Back Cove. It was nice to see familiar faces each time I came across them. I did enjoy the scenery while I went around the Cove and it help me motivate myself to keep moving and keep on smiling - since it was just day one and already a bit tired from doing the same thing in NY 2 days before. The trail itself was nice and the only time it was uphill was the part where it went up to the interstate for maybe 1000 feet before sloping back down into Back Cove. Registration is conducted online, but they do have race day registration. Just need to get there early to fill out an entry form and pay the fee. There was an electronic timing station that was basically next to the main parking area at Back Cove Park. It recorded the time for every lap that we do, which is cool. The lone aid station was loaded with food and drinks - you probably could gain weight while doing a half marathon or marathon. The support staff was great, cheering us on lap after lap. It was inspiring to see friends out there to help me push forward, even though I had 5 more days of this - just different venues. It was a cozy race that was nice. Back Cove Park was the ideal location for this race. Upon finishing my half marathon, I announced that I was done and got my finisher medal. I hung out at the finish line area to wait up for a friend of mine to finish. Once everything was in order, we gingerly walked back to the rental car and headed to New Hampshire for day 2 in Nashua the next morning. The appeal for The New England Challenge and doing marathons or half marathons is the economic factor. Doing them all together brings travel costs down a lot, but you'd have to be physically and mentally prepared for such an adventure. For the most part though, I enjoyed my time here in Portland ME and at the Pine Tree marathon / half marathon. 5.0 stars for the overall experience. Consider this race or the series when you are running 50 states half marathon or marathons. Support local! Run More! A+

This is a great weekend/summer activity... just bring headphones or ear plugs!…read more I'd strongly suggest eating beforehand, as the food options are ... well ... what you'd expect at a place like this. My allergies warranted me ... hungry. Thank God I had beverages and a snack! We're in the pit and it's more fun to come early and talk to some of the crew.

I went to Hemings today to observe J day and Pit races. As a female rider (i ride a 150sx) I have a…read morelot of Respect for women in this sport. Today while pitbike races resumed I was berated and provoked by a female with a yellow staff shirt on the track of Hemonds. Multiple spectators saw her and heard her provoking me. Mind you it's 90° today, I have shorts and a tank top on- she continued to not only yell directly at me, she then openly berated my clothing. Making comments saying I'm here with shorts on and no shirt... trying to be sexy. I'm here to ride, and race. There are so few females in motocross that we have to support each other. I will never be back and I will never suggest any of my friends or family ride at Hemonds. There is no room for that kind of hate in this sport. If you're a female rider please avoid this location.

Dope trails and better priced than other outfitters. Cool country farm setting with cool motorcross…read moretracks and trails for every level. Only draw back needs better signage very easy to get lost. Would recommend to friends and fam. Would revisit again.

Awesome racetrack, and facility, great racing, need a few more vendors and simulators in the midway.read more

I've been coming here for over 20 years and they've done great with easy in, easy out. Plenty of…read moreparking for most events. Clean. Always a good time! Most recently went for drift racing with Nedco. Pretty cool a bike event was also going on. No shade though - definitely bring an umbrella for any lot event!