About

Firebird Trail Race is a challenging and wicked fun trail race with distance options of 13M, Marathon & 50K, that runs on donations, positive vibes, and a crushingly technical course in Falmouth, Maine.

Our goal is to celebrate our amazing trail running community and accomplish great feats together, cheering each other to the finish, for the first time or the millionth time. Unlike other races, to compete here you must donate to a non-profit of your choice in addition to paying the low cost registration fee. Instead of some mega race conglomerate taking the profits, we ask that you pay it forward and contribute to a non-profit that aligns with your values. The donation must be made between August 25, 2024 and August 22, 2025, and we must have proof of the donation (a receipt, confirmation letter from the recipient, image of your check) by August 22, 2025 in order to confirm entry. Donations must be at least $20. Participants have donated over $30,000, which is nothing short of astounding!

Start Times

- 50K – 6:30 AM
- Marathon - 8:00 AM
- 13M - 9:30 AM

Aid Stations

There will be two aid stations - one at the start/finish and one at the 5 mile turnaround point. There will be water, soda, chips, candy, and LMNT salt/electrolyte drink mix available at both stations. There will be volunteer personnel to assist runners at both aid stations throughout the event. Drop bags can be left at either (or both) location, please bring your preferred nutrition and electrolytes.

The Course

The 10 mile loop in Lowell Preserve and thru North Falmouth Community Forest is technical and challenging, with lots of rocks and roots on mostly single-track trails. All events start and finish in Lowell Preserve at the Windham Fire Station.

- 13M course: one 10 mile loop in Lowell Preserve and North Falmouth Community Forest plus an additional 5k loop in the new East Windham Conservation Area trails
- 50K course: three 10 mile loops in Lowell Preserve and North Falmouth Community Forest plus an additional 5k loop in Lowell (this one gives you a little extra for your registration fee)
- Marathon course: twice around the 13M course.
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/173773736?fbclid=IwAR3RBwpUhQ1GgDJcm0AWebZXu3Co5COJYDd54hhW1ZpwNi0cKZytE1Sb9oY

Course Markings

The course will be well-marked with high viz pin flags, "LEFT" "RIGHT" and "WRONG WAY" signs, and directional arrows. Three pin flags indicate a TURN and arrow signs will be at critical turns. One pin flag and/or ribbon, every 1 - 2 minutes of running will indicate that you are ON COURSE.

Awards

Each participant will receive a wood carved Firebird medal as well as custom race swag. Top non-binary, male and female in each distance will receive top finisher awards!

Cut-Offs

50K overall cut off 8 hours 30 minutes 16:25 min / mile pace; all distances must be completed within this time.

Refunds / Cancellations / Dropping

This is a grassroots event benefiting the local trail systems. Accordingly, event management will not issue any refunds associated with this event, under any circumstances. All residual profits will be donated to a local land trust of the event organizers choosing.

Runners in the 50K or marathon may drop down to a lower distance through the day of the race. Please notify a race director or start line volunteer prior to the start of the race if you plan to drop down. Runners who decide mid-race to drop down to a lower distance will not be eligible to win the lower distance event. 50K or marathon runners who drop down in distance mid-race will be given a finishing time for the lower distance. Those dropping down to the lower distance will not receive a refund. Organizers will offer a pregnancy deferral for this event to be used in a subsequent year following pregnancy and post-partum recovery.

Event's current local time: 5:01 AM ET