Race Description
Blue Hill Mountain Trail Fest is a multi-distance race and gathering in celebration of the mountain overlooking the coastal town of Blue Hill. Runners and hikers of all abilities are welcome, with your choice of distance:
5k- starting at the Mountain Rd field, runners will turn onto Mountain Rd, run a short out-and back on Post Office Trail before continuing up Osgood Trail to summit, then down the Service Road trail, returning to the start/finish.
10k- one “upper loop” on the figure-eight profile for a first summit just as the 5k runners will do, then a full figure-eight loop along Mountain Rd, down Pleasant St, turning onto the Post Office Trail head. Continuing up Post Office Trail to Osgood Trail, runner will complete a second summit and descent for a 10k(+).
25k- Three full figure-eight loops, followed by the shorter "upper loop"
50k- 7 full figure-eight loops.
You’ll be awestruck at the beauty as you traverse fields of wildflowers and up densely-forested technical trail, only to be greeted by coastal vistas second-to-none.
Keep the earbuds out as your cross the finish line or pass through the hub, depending on your distance, because we have a live steel pan band posted up in the Mountain Field; a festive occasion that celebrates you, the runners, the community, and beloved Blue Hill Mountain.
Profits from the event will be transferred to Blue Hill Heritage Trust and Wabanaki Alliance.
Start and Cutoff Times
50k: 5:00am. 10-hour cutoff
25k: 8:00am 5-hour cutoff
10k: 9:00am. 3-hour cutoff
5k: 9:00am. 2-hour cutoff
Packet Pickup
Packet pickup is from 4-6pm on Friday, August 2th in the Mountain Rd Field. There is an optional pre-race meeting at 5pm on Friday, August 2nd, to review the course and answer questions. We encourage all runners to pick up packets and attend the meeting on Friday, but if you are unable, you can still check-in prior to race start on Saturday.
We will live stream the Friday meeting on Instagram, @bhmtrailfest.
The Mountain and Land
Blue Hill Mountain is a 934-foot monadnock (isolated mountain) that has long been a local landmark and is now mostly conserved and under the management of Blue Hill Heritage Trust. Awanadjo, meaning “small, misty mountain” was the name given to the mountain by the Penobscot Tribe of the Wabanaki Confederacy. Since humans have lived in coastal Maine, Blue Hill Mountain has been central to the identity of the region’s residents. Blue Hill Heritage Trust acknowledges that the land we conserve is part of the homeland of Wabanaki peoples who have lived in this region from time immemorial, and who are now sovereign tribal nations.
Trail Sisters Approved
We are proud to be a Trail Sisters Approved Race. As such, we offer:
-Equal Podiums & Awards
-Women’s Specific Apparel & Swag
-Menstrual Products at Aid Stations
-Women On the Starting Line
-Pregnancy & Postpartum Policy. Whether planned or unplanned, an
expected or unexpected start or end to a pregnancy, healing and recovery time are required for a woman’s overall health. In consideration of this, deferral to the following year or full refund at any point will be granted upon request.
Pricing
5k- Early bird through May 31st, 2023- $45
After May 31st, 2023- $55
10k- Through May 31st, 2023- $60
After May 31st, 2023- $70
25k- Early bird through May 31st, 2024- $75
After May 31st, 2024- $85
50k- Through May 31st, 2023- $90
After May 31st, 2023- $105
Fees are waived for Wabanaki Tribal Members. Please contact bhmtrailfest@gmail.com for code.
Aid Station and Drop Bags
There will be one aid station on the entire course at the intersection of Osgood Trail Head and Mountain Rd. Because of the course design, runners will never go than three miles without passing the aid station. 10k and 50k runners will be allowed a drop bag near the Osgood/Mountain Rd intersection, as well.
The aid station will be stocked with water, vegan-friendly electrolytes, salty and sweet snacks, soda, pb & j, avocado sandwiches, and fruit.
Any special requirements for 50k and 25k runners should be included in personal drop bags. Drop bags will have a designated spot at the race hub in Mountain Field.
Support Crew
25k and 50k runners may have a crew present and stationed at Osgood/Mountain Rd. No pacers are allowed for any race category.
Lodging
Blue Hill peninsula has myriad coastal inns, B&Bs, motels, etc. Finding vacancy in the summer can be challenging. We highly encourage that you book accommodations within suitable driving distance as soon as you register for the race if you're coming from out of town.
This year, we're thrilled to partner with Foxwalk Adventures, only a few minutes from the mountain and our preferred lodging partner. Space is limited and will book fast. They offer a timber frame lodge and multiple tent platforms, and these highly-talented folks specialize in guided sea kayaking adventures. If you're looking for the perfect way to compliment your Maine weekend, head to their website and scroll to the BHMTF race specials on their "Book Now" page.
We're happy to announce we have secured camping within walking distance to the race hub at 206 Mountain Rd.
Camping at Tilth Farm- 206 Ellsworth Rd, Blue Hill
$30/person
Includes: Tent Site, Portapotty, and Running Water
Campers are responsible for: Their own tent and sleeping set up, meals/water, bathing (can pay for a shower at the local YMCA in Blue Hill)
To make a reservation, please email Bill Giordano at tilth.me@gmail.com and cc Phoebe Markle phoebe.markle@gmail.com with:
The names in your party
Your contact information
An emergency contact person and phone number
Payment may be made via cash or check day of, PayPal, or Venmo.
Event's current local time: 11:00 AM ET
