Just ran this race two weeks ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. Very well organized, great pasta dinner, and friendly atmosphere. I was glad to have finished in under 3 hours as it got quite warm in the latter part of the race. The only other race I can compare it to is the Adirondack Marathon in Schroon Lake, NY. However the course at Sugarloaf is much faster.

-Paul Young - CMS open racing team

My running partner and I chose this marathon based on the positive comments on this website. Everything they said was true--downhill and flat finsh, great pasta dinner, friendly people, small town atmosphere. Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate and the temps got up into the upper 70's with the sun blazing overhead and virtually no shade on the course. I know there's nothing anyone can do about Mother Nature, but my advice to the race directors is to think about adding a few more water stops on the back half of the course in the event of warm weather (which appears to be quite common in Maine in the late Spring). I encountered many runners from mile 14 on who were walking and suffering from lack of fluids. I will give the volunteers credit, as they were very helpful and encouraging on a hot day. I would love to go back and give this course another chance, but only on an overcast day.

I just ran the 2003, and while I have nothing but kudos for the organizers who did a great job with such a small race (mile markers, water stations, finsh area, etc.), I do have a few words of warning for others considering this race:

1. this year was extremely hot and sunny compared to normal with temps up in the high 70s low 80s. the course is almost 100% exposed to sun, so on a day like this, this is a tough course as there's virtually no breeze in this area, so it can feel like running in an oven as the course runs between hills/mountains.

2. miles 24-finish are more uphill than anything, so if you're planning on a kick at the end, need to factor that in. in fact, overall, the course is feels more rolling and less downhill than the topo map would lead you to believe.

3. the traffic can be slightly annoying as cars and trucks sometimes drive by too closely or kick up lots of dust as they swing by the shoulders.

Overall, a good event, with very friendly runners and volunteers and organizers, but be warned, this course may not always run as fast as one would like to plan on.

Amazing weather in Maine: 35 at the start and what felt like 75 here and there along the way as the race progressed. I hadn't read in anyone's prior comments to be prepared for that large a temp. swing. If the sun is shining for this race, you can't escape it. Once you get past the first heavily tree-lined mile, you are out in the open. Very fast course if the late race heat and the early big up and big down don't suck the energy out of you. I passed a lot of crashed runners late. One thing that's great about this course are the individual fans who are in their cars supporting their friends, wives, husbands, whatever. I must have seen the same three or four fans 10 times and another three or four about five times. Friendly group of runners too. Spoke briefly with a guy while checking in. Spoke with a woman at packet pick-up. Spoke with many runners during the race. Spoke with several more afterwards. Probably the friendliest, chattiest marathon I've ever done. Great race, worthy of a repeat effort even if traveling from a distance.

This was my third marathon and I improved over my second marathon by 29 minutes. This has inspired me to attempt to qualify for Boston in the fall. I only need to 'shave' 9 more minutes! This was a very well done race for a race of this size. The water stop volunteers were most enthusiastic, which is great because these are pretty much the only spectators you see along the course (except for a few hardy souls in Eustis just after the start at 7:00 a.m.!). My hats off, particularly, to the massage crew. They were just tremendous and I know were key in my quick recovery. I was one of only two Nova Scotians entered in the race and I must say that I enjoyed myself immensely and was fortunate to meet several runners from around the US during the race. I highly recommend this course to anyone looking for a PB. Hopefully this year I can qualify for Boston, but I do hope I see another Sugarloaf Marathon in my future!

This was my fourth marathon and my best PR. I shaved 22 minutes off my previous PR. The course was scenic with snow covered mountains,trees,and rivers. Saw a moose too. The downhills were great and the uphills were manageable. The spectators were few but were there for the runners. The llamas around mile 22 were a welcome sight. Would suggest extra time to shop in Kittery and Freeport. Great marathon to do.

(Ran in '02). While lacking the glitter and rah-rah of popular marathons, this marathon provides a great experience by doing race basics well and providing a fast downhill course in a forested, hilly setting along a rocky river. The entry fees are reasonable and I was grateful and impressed how staff graciously allowed a packet pick-up a half-hour after official closing. There is sufficient nearby lodging, although it could be slightly inconvenient for a lone marathon traveler. 2002 started slightly late. 2002 weather was near-perfect. Although runners are restricted to the right side of the road and course is open to traffic, car encounters weren't bad. Aid stations every 2 miles are frequent enough for the majority of runners. 6.5-hr cutoff (5.5 + optional early start) is discouraging for walkers/very slow paces... good or bad depending on your point of view. Finish area professionally timed and post-race food/drink spread was better than what is expected of a race this size (261 finishers). Massages were available, and finish line parking was no further than 1/4 mile away.

From finishers' residences and times, Sugarloaf seems to be a good regional BQ/PR choice for those 'in the know.' The course is not flat, but downhills outnumber and outweigh the uphills... hill familiarity/training would bring better results.

This was my first marathon and Sugarloaf provided the perfect environment to have a fantastic run! The pasta dinner the night before is delicious with a great local feel. The organization and planning couldn't have been better. The spectators were few and far between but the stunning mountainous scenery more than makes up for it. This course has some hills at the beginning and a little climb at the end but its nothing impossible. The pottery awards make this race unique and adds to the friendly atmosphere. I hope to make this marathon an annual event!

I too ran this course after running Boston & PR'd by 6 minutes. The downhills are tough but can lead to a fast time if your quads don't get trashed in the process. You'll likely end up running alone for part of the race which can be good or bad.

I would recommend this course if you are looking for a small, well organized marathon with great scenery.

My 26th marathon. Despite having only about 350 runners, this race has the features normally found only in larger marathons: buses to the start, efficient luggage transport to the finish, well-managed water/Gatorade stops, abundant good food, massage, instant photos, prompt results, interesting awards. Logistics are very efficient, and the people are very nice. The course is mostly flat, uphill from 8-10, but then downhill until 19 or so; ideal for negative splits. My only complaint is that the course is run on the right lane, so the crest is opposite that in typical training, but you can run close to the middle of the road. There are few spectators, but the road is open with wide shoulders, so supporters can drive along the route and cheer individual runners at several places. This is an excellent choice for a late Spring marathon, not only for the course and the organization, but for cooler temperatures as well.