Our Alliance. Our Community.

Maine Endurance Sports Alliance (MESA) supports and organizes marathons, half marathons, 10K, and 5K races in the communities of Bangor, Augusta, Waterville, and Lincoln, strengthening local economies and community health through endurance sports, volunteerism, and sustainable event programming.

How You Can Get Involved

Call (207) 694-9184 to Donate Or Contact Us to get Involved

Volunteer

Volunteers are essential to the success of Maine Endurance Sports Alliance events. From staffing water and aid stations to cheering runners along the course, managing check-in areas, and supporting finish-line operations, volunteers help create safe, welcoming, and well-organized race experiences. Their presence keeps participants motivated, ensures smooth event flow, and strengthens the sense of community that defines endurance events across Maine.

Sponsor

Sponsorship plays a vital role in making Maine Endurance Sports Alliance races possible. Local businesses and community partners help support event logistics, safety, and participant experiences while gaining meaningful visibility and goodwill within the communities they serve. Sponsorships allow races to remain accessible, well-organized, and impactful, creating shared value for participants, volunteers, and the local economy.

Run

Race participants are at the heart of every Maine Endurance Sports Alliance event. To support a positive and well-organized experience for runners, RunSignup is used as the official registration and communication platform for MESA races. It provides a reliable, user-friendly system for race registration, participant communication, volunteer sign-ups, and event management, helping ensure clear information, smooth coordination, and a strong race-day experience for everyone involved.

Visit the festival

MESA running festivals turn race day into a full community experience, welcoming runners, families, and spectators alike. While athletes take on the course, festival areas feature local food vendors, live music, sponsor booths, and gathering spaces that keep the energy high from start to finish.

Designed for all ages, these festivals offer something for everyone—whether you’re racing, cheering on a participant, or simply enjoying the atmosphere. From morning coffee and breakfast bites to music, food, and post-race celebration, MESA festivals bring people together and showcase the fun, community spirit that defines race weekend.

The Maine Running Festival Series

Bangor Race Festival - June 7, 2026 - 7:00 am

Npw in it's third year, the Bangor course runs from the heart of downtown Bangor to Kenduskeag and back, creating a fast, flat out-and-back route ideal for strong pacing and PR attempts. Turnaround points accommodate shorter distances, allowing all runners to share the same energetic race environment while racing their own goals. With city streets, community support, and a festival finish, Bangor delivers both performance and atmosphere. All distances are USA Track & Field (USATF) sanctioned, making qualifying times eligible for major events, including Boston.

The Lincoln Triathlon - August 9, 2026

The Lincoln Triathlon is one of Maine’s most exciting multi-sport events, bringing athletes to the scenic lakes and forests of the Katahdin region. Participants begin with a refreshing open-water swim, followed by a challenging bike course through beautiful rural roads, and finish with a spirited run through the welcoming community of Lincoln.

Athletes of all experience levels are invited to participate, whether competing for a personal best or enjoying the supportive race atmosphere. The Lincoln Triathlon highlights both the natural beauty of the region and the strong community spirit that makes events like this memorable for competitors and spectators alike.

For triathletes looking for a rewarding race in the heart of Maine, the Lincoln Triathlon offers both challenge and unforgettable scenery.

Waterville Race Festival - October 4 , 2026 - 7:00 am

Vacationland Triple Crown Challenge - 2026

he Vacationland Triple Crown is a special challenge for runners who want to experience some of Maine’s most scenic and exciting races in 2026.

Participants earn the Triple Crown by completing three Maine races in one season — choosing either the marathon or half-marathon distance at each event. The program is designed to encourage runners to explore different parts of the state while enjoying the unique communities, landscapes, and race experiences that make Maine such a special place to run.

From the rivers and forests of the Penobscot Valley to the beautiful coastal views and vibrant host communities, the Vacationland Triple Crown celebrates the spirit of running and adventure across Maine.

Runners who complete all three events will receive special recognition and commemorative awards celebrating their achievement.

Whether you’re chasing a personal record or simply looking for a memorable running journey across Maine, the Vacationland Triple Crown offers a fun and rewarding way to challenge yourself in 2026.

Run The Highlands Challenge - 2026

Bangor – Lincoln

The Run the Highlands Challenge celebrates the beauty and adventure of running in Maine’s Highlands region. Participants complete races in Bangor and Lincoln, connecting two communities known for their outdoor recreation, scenic landscapes, and welcoming race atmospheres.

From the Penobscot River valley to the forests and lakes of the Katahdin region, runners experience a unique journey through some of Maine’s most inspiring terrain.

Athletes who complete both events earn special recognition for finishing the Highlands Challenge and joining a growing tradition that highlights the region’s active lifestyle and community pride.

The Run the Highlands Challenge invites runners to explore, compete, and celebrate the spirit of Maine’s Highlands.

Augusta Race Festival - July 12, 2026

Ready for it's second year, and set in Maine’s capital city, the Augusta race features a fast, flat course running from Augusta to Belgrade and back combining city streets with scenic rural roads. Popular with race enthusiasts, this route is known for its smooth pacing, open stretches, and enjoyable out-and-back flow that appeals to both competitive and recreational runners. With strong participation and a lively race-day atmosphere, Augusta continues to grow as a favorite on the calendar. All distances are USA Track & Field (USATF) sanctioned, making qualifying times eligible for major events, including Boston..

Lincoln Race Festival- September 20, 2026 - 7:00 am

Now in it's fifth year, Lincoln is known for its small-town charm, scenic surroundings, and strong community support, making race day feel welcoming and personal. The Lincoln Running Festival features a fast, flat course designed for smooth pacing and strong finishes, appealing to both first-time runners and experienced athletes chasing personal bests. With its relaxed atmosphere, loyal local volunteers, and growing reputation among runners, Lincoln continues to build momentum as a favorite stop on the Maine running calendar. The festival setting brings the community together to celebrate fitness, fun, and race-day tradition.

Run The Moose Challenge - 2026

Waterville – Augusta

The Run the Moose Challenge invites runners to experience two of central Maine’s most popular race communities. Participants complete events in both Waterville and Augusta, earning special recognition for conquering the Moose Challenge.

The series celebrates the region’s vibrant running culture and encourages athletes to explore two historic Maine cities connected by the Kennebec River. Whether you’re chasing a new personal record or simply enjoying the camaraderie of fellow runners, the Run the Moose Challenge offers a fun and rewarding way to stay active and connected with the Maine running community.

Complete both races and earn your place among those who have taken on the Moose Challenge.

What We Do

Maine Endurance Sports Alliance (MESA) organizes and supports marathons, half marathons, 10K, and 5K races in the communities of Bangor, Augusta, Waterville, and Lincoln. MESA works in partnership with municipalities, volunteers, sponsors, and local organizations to deliver safe, well-organized endurance events that promote health, community engagement, and economic impact. Beyond race day, MESA focuses on sustainable event planning, volunteer leadership, and long-term community benefits. By coordinating best practices and fostering collaboration, MESA helps ensure endurance events remain accessible, impactful, and beneficial to Maine communities year after year.

Our Mission

Maine Endurance Sports Alliance (MESA) is a Maine nonprofit organization assuming management of all Lifestyle Sports Global race events across Central Maine to ensure their long-term sustainability and growth. Built on four years of successful race development that brought more than 1,200 runners to Maine, MESA will expand participation opportunities, strengthen community engagement, and enhance experiences for runners, volunteers, and sponsors. Partnering with Husson University’s School of Sports Management, MESA will also support education and workforce development in sports and tourism. MESA’s mission is to produce inclusive endurance events that invite athletes from around the world to experience Maine through running and competition.

Get in Touch. Get Involved.

Maine Endurance Sports Alliance (MESA) supports community-centered endurance events that promote health, economic vitality, and long-term race continuity across Maine. Through collaboration with municipalities, sponsors, and volunteers, we steward races that reflect the character and resilience of the communities that host them.

MESA events are made possible through the support of local sponsors, municipalities, volunteers, and community partners who believe in the lasting value of endurance sports in Maine. We are committed to responsible race stewardship, transparency in governance, and preserving the continuity of Maine’s endurance events for future generations.

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2337 Union St, Hermon, ME 04401, USA

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