Things Are Gearing Up For Next Month’s Milestone ‘Millinocket Marathon’…Will You Be Taking Part?

The Millinocket Marathon is celebrating its 10th anniversary in December, and organizers are hoping to mark the occasion with a big turnout for this year's event.

According to their Facebook Page, even though the marathon itself is a few weeks away, locals who plan to take part are being encouraged to register and grab their bibs early. Organizers are even sweetening the pot, offering special incentives for the first 500 to 1,000 people who show up for Friday's bib pick up."

"Why are we doing this? We’re trying to entice you with super cool, limited edition swag! As you likely know, we have an enormous record field registered for our historic tenth edition, and we really need more people to pick up their bibs on Friday to help alleviate the crush of late check-ins on Saturday morning. If you live or are staying within an hour of Millinocket, please, please, please consider picking up on Friday, 12 pm-8 pm."

Started back in 2015, the Millinocket Marathon grew from a few dozen participants to many, many more, after organizer Gary Allen put out an initial call on his Facebook Page for the first known "Flash Mob Marathon."

2 weeks later, over 50 people showed up to run. The event now welcomes thousands to the Katahdin Region each year, having grown rapidly over the last decade.

The race is funded entirely by donations and organized by unpaid volunteers, which is no small feat considering the numbers they've been pulling the last few years.

"We’ve seen our numbers grow over the years, just shy of 2k finishers in ‘24!! Between the half/full marathon, we have over 3,100 signed up for this year!!"

Allen's long-time friend and now fellow organizer, David Goodrich, says he's taken part in the event each year, since its inception. He ran the first 7 marathons and is now helping out with the effort.

Read More: Wonder What It's Like To Run A Marathon Carrying A Chainsaw?

He believes it's the event's unconventional approach that has kept people coming back, while also attracting new participants each year.

"To me, the 'heart' of this race is about 'making a difference in the Katahdin region', or as Gary Allen (race organizer, teammate, and friend) says, 'Creating Ripples' and let’s see how far they travel."

"So often, as runners, we sign up for a race, pay the entrance fee, and expect 'a, b, c'….. this race is the opposite, it’s free!! If you want a race t-shirt or a finishers medal, we have folks buy them to support locally. Participants are asked to come and 'contribute' and give to the community and region. There are multiple options to participate via shopping locally, eating/staying in local lodging, etc."

Businesses in the region look forward to the influx of funds during the holiday season. And the community comes together to host special activities in town that weekend, like concerts and the very popular Artisan Craft Fair, featuring goodies for sale from local vendors. There's even a social media page to help runners from out of town find lodging for the weekend.

Kimberly Robichaud grew up in the Katahdin Region and has returned to Millinocket to run the marathon several times since it began.

"It's a blast! I only do two races a year, the Millinocket Half and a ski race up the auto road of Mount Washington. The Millinocket race is by far the best event."

"It's full of laughs, cheer, positivity, and unpredictable weather...The crowd is so friendly, the town is so welcoming, and the race snacks are as unpredictable as the weather, lol!"

"I got pickle juiced one year...thought I was drinking Gatorade."

She says it's not just the atmosphere, but the purpose of the race that keeps her coming back.

"It's a fundraiser to help a gorgeous community that could use some propping up. I run it for the views, the laughs, and to help support the community."

"The post-race pizza at Knife Edge Brewing makes it all worth it!"

Goodrich says it's become something of a tradition in the area now.

"It’s always scheduled for the first Saturday in December with folks from all over the US traveling to Maine… a chance for us all to play 'Santa'! We’ve had some gnarly weather as you can imagine! It’s a FULL weekend activity-wise for the town/region."

This year's 10th Anniversary Race will take place on Saturday December 6th, 2025.

You can find more information online via their Facebook Page or on the runmillinocket.com website.