I ran this race in 1994 & 2001. The new course last year is an improvement over the old course. It is a very well organized/managed event. The start & finish are along Portland's scenic Back Cove. The course has a few challenging hills along Route 88 in Falmouth, but the last 6 miles of the course are mostly flat. The course is very scenic w/ ocean views and charming tree-lined Route 88. I would say that it is not a fast course. I would call it a fair course - good mixture of flat, uphills and downhills. Having run several other New England Fall marathons, I would have to say that this one rates as one of the best. The Maine Half Marathon starts at the same time as the Marathon. Approx. 1,500 runners at the starting line (600 Marathon/900 Half).

I ran the 2001 edition (my 10th marathon overall) and was impressed with all aspects of this relatively small marathon. The course was scenic, starting and finishing along what this former Boston resident couldn't help but think of as Portland's 'back bay' and continuing mostly along pretty country or near-country roads with nice foliage views. It's rolling, with a few hills here and there but nothing too severe, and given the ideal weather was probably a great place to go for a PR (not that I'm still in that business).
There were plenty of water/Gatorade stops, packet pickup was easy, they used a chip system I'd never seen, which straps to your ankle instead of lacing through your shoe (much easier on and off) and the T-shirt is great (heavy, long-sleeved, w/ a mock turtle neck, so it's a little different from all the others I've picked up along the way).
I was most pleasantly surprised by the number of spectators and their enthusiasm. Even when compared to bigger races I've run (Cincinnati, Richmond, Hartford), I think the crowds were larger in Maine.
Great job to the folks in Portland!

I have been training on the new race course for the last month. It is more scenic w/ an out and back section along scenic Route 88 in Falmouth Foreside & then back into Back Cove in Portland. There is also a nice little detour along Shoreline Drive which looks out at beautiful Casco Bay. It still has some challenging hills but it does not have the long steep hills during the last 6 miles that the old course had. Overall less hills, last 5 miles are fairly flat w/ only a few slight hills, more scenic ( ocean views ) & an overall improvement over the old course.

This was my first marathon and it could not have gone better. I came home to Maine from Colorado to run this and it did not disappoint. The organization and support was excellent. Not a huge number of runners which was great for me because I did not feel overwhelmed. Great scenery on the way out,but boring on the way back with some hills to keep your attention. Thanks for a great time, I had fun.

I ran this race 10/1/2000. There were about 500 marathon runners. The course is well designed with a few hills which keeps the race interesting but not difficult. Traffic isn't closed on much of the course but the traffic, runners, and volunteers all cooperate with each other. The crowds aren't huge, but as the race goes past various neighborhoods people come out to sit at the entrance of subdivisions and cheer you on. Water/power drinks were plentiful every two miles. Showers were available after the event at the University of Southern Maine. Very well organized race and everyone from the runners to the volunteers to the citizens of Portland, Maine seemed to enjoy the event. I highly recommend this race. The course will be modified for 2001 to cut out some of the hills.

The present course has quite a few hills, the course is moderately scenic, but not as scenic as it could be considering what a beautiful coastline Maine has. The race is put on by the Maine Track Club and is well organized. Medals to all finishers. The course is scheduled to change in 2001 to an out and back course, and is supposed to be less hilly & more scenic. Overall, it is a quality marathon & the City of Portland and its Old Port section make for a nice weekend away. The Casco Bay Half Marathon starts at the same time as the marathon & finishes in the same location.