Portland, Oregon, United States
The Maine Marathon draws approximately 1,600 finishers each October on an urban and coastal road in Portland, United States. Its New England foliage timing is a major part of the event's appeal. The route passes Casco Bay inlets, wooded neighborhood roads, and harbor-facing sections near the peninsula. Casco Bay inlets and wooded neighborhood roads climb near the peninsula harbor, where New England foliage timing adds color to the October miles.
Maine Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
The next Maine Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 4 October 2026 with a 7:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 150 m of climbing on a rolling with moderate climbs layout.
Starts and finishes at Back Cove in Portland. The route passes Casco Bay inlets, wooded neighborhood roads, and harbor-facing sections near the peninsula. Neighborhood rollers around Back Cove add work without steep grades, with peninsula spectators cheering along the cove loop.
The Maine Marathon course is rolling with moderate climbs over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 150 metres of climbing and 140 metres of descent, with a net climb of 10 metres from start to finish.
The Maine Marathon uses open online registration at mainemarathon.com with no ballot or qualifying time required. Sign-up for the October race typically opens the previous year and places are allocated first-come, first-served. Tiered pricing increases closer to race day, and charity bibs are available through partner organisations when general entry closes.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Other races closest to Portland.
The Portland Marathon draws approximately 4,000 finishers on an urban road in Portland, United States. The course starts and finishes at Waterfront Park. The route crosses the Willamette River, passes Powell's Books, and follows the Springwater Corridor. Mostly flat with minor bridge climbs.
Next race: Sunday, 4 October 2026
The Eugene Marathon draws about 4,500 finishers each April in Track Town USA, finishing at the historic Hayward Field on the University of Oregon campus. The course passes Pre's Trail, the Willamette River, and the city's running-obsessed neighbourhoods. April spring weather and the Hayward Field finish make it a pilgrimage for American running fans.
Next race: Sunday, 25 April 2027
The Seattle Marathon draws approximately 4,000 finishers on an urban road in Seattle, United States. The course starts at the University of Washington and finishes at Seattle Center near the Space Needle. The route crosses the I-90 bridge to Mercer Island and returns via the Lake Washington Boulevard. Mostly flat with a climb on the I-90 bridge.
Next race: Sunday, 22 November 2026
The Victoria Marathon attracts approximately 3,500 finishers each October on Vancouver Island's scenic capital course. Runners pass the Inner Harbour, Beacon Hill Park, and the Dallas Road waterfront with views of the Olympic Mountains across the Strait of Juan de Fuca. October's mild island autumn and rolling coastal terrain make it one of Canada's most charming marathons.
Next race: Sunday, 11 October 2026
The Vancouver Marathon attracts approximately 4,500 finishers each May through one of the world's most scenic city courses. Runners pass Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge approach, Kitsilano Beach, and the UBC campus with mountain-and-ocean views throughout. May's mild Pacific Northwest spring makes it Canada's premier destination marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027
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