The Maine Coast Marathon is a gorgeous point-to-point course that features some of the most breathtaking coastal views in Wells including pristine marshes, miles of sandy beaches, the occasional rocky ledge outcropping, as well as pastoral farmland, community solar farms, and shady country roads.
The Maine Coast Marathon was the 202nd largest marathon in the U.S. last year.
This year 11.1% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 3.2% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Maine Coast Marathon the 392nd highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 140th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 98.24 ranks it as the 298th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 3rd 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 Coast Marathon a PR Score of 98.24. This PR Score ranks it as the 240th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 3rd fastest in Maine.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Maine Coast Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 227 feet (69m) Min Elevation: 5 feet (1m)
Disappointing. The overall course was very bland relative to what I expected from seeing all the promo videos and images. There were a few nice areas but mostly just regular back roads. The lanes were not closed and we had traffic zooming by as we ran on the shoulder and sometimes the sidewalk. They only had half a banana for finishers. There were no GELs at the stations. There were only a few tracking spots along the course. The weather was horrible. And to top it off - the course was inadvertently a half-mile long so BQ attempts were impacts. Overall, a very disappointing experience and I would not recommend it.
Aside from a major issue with directions on the course adding .5 to the race, the Maine Coast Marathon was a beautiful race along the coast of Maine. The views are amazing and the rolling hills are nothing to be afraid of. Crowd support small but is spread out along the course. The race is well supported with aid stations full of happy faces cheering you on. I find the support of a family on their front law cheering you on just as amazing as the cheers of 100 supports so it suited me.
Race Tips
There are long stretches of open road where you may need to up the mental game but if you have done any long solo runs during training you will be ready. This race feels like another long run through your hometown...low key.
Hi, this was my first marathon. It is not ''mostly flat'' as described here but ''rolling hills'' like it is written on the marathon website (the second half). Did not help that is was 42F and pouring rain. I found it very hard and my next one will be totally flat in Ottawa. Great views on the ocean, I forgot it was raining at times...
Race Tips
If you are expecting flat all the way, this is not the marathon for you. If you are looking for great scenery then it is. very small, I ran alone most of my 5 hours which made it a bit difficult. The rain did not help, supporters were pretty rare. Great jacket and tshirt.
easy parking at departure or finish. bus ride provided. lots of potties at the beginnings and oh nice hot shower at the end in the university.
Joe Flick's review of 2016 Maine Coast Marathon.
2 /
5 Stars
Review
I liked that I was able to pick my race number, the video from the race (at an extra cost) and the views along the coast. I didn't like that the roads were not closed, there was a timing mat at 7 and then again at 21 or 23 (what happened to 10K, half and 20 miles?) and we had to run no more than 2 side by side along the shoulder and sometimes on the sidewalk.
3.3 Stars from 4 Reviews
