New England Series - ME

Just completed my 70th, 71st, and 72nd marathons with Mainly Marathons across Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine over three consecutive days. These intimate races (200-300 participants) feature out-and-back courses requiring 14-16 laps per marathon. What Makes These Special: The atmosphere is incredibly welcoming and supportive. From race staff to fellow participants, everyone creates a genuinely friendly environment. The multi-lap format means you see the same people repeatedly throughout the race, leading to continuous encouragement and cheering among runners. Who Should Consider These Races: Perfect for first-time marathoners who want a non-intimidating environment without massive crowds. Ideal for runners pursuing the 50 states goal or other milestone achievements. Since many participants are running multiple marathons in a week, there's a shared understanding and mutual support among runners at various paces. Who Should Look Elsewhere: If you're chasing a PR or aiming for sub-3:30, these races will likely frustrate you. The course requires significant energy expenditure navigating around walkers, and many participants walk entire sections or the full distance. The focus here is completion and community, not speed. Bottom Line: Mainly Marathons delivers exactly what they promise: low-key, friendly races where the running community truly shines. You won't find crowds of spectators, but you'll have fellow runners cheering you on for the entire 26.2 miles. For the right runner with the right expectations, these events are absolutely inspiring.