About

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

Our goal is to celebrate the amazing runners 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 September 4, 2022 and August 25, 2023, and we must have proof of the donation (a receipt, confirmation letter from the recipient, image of your check) by August 25, 2023 in order to confirm entry. Donations must be at least $20. Participants donated in excess of $7,000 in 2022, which is nothing short of astounding!

Start Times

- 50M – 6:30 AM
- 50K - 6:30 AM
- 13M - 7:30 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)
- 50M course: five 10 mile loops in Lowell Preserve and North Falmouth Community Forest.
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/173773736?fbclid=IwAR3RBwpUhQ1GgDJcm0AWebZXu3Co5COJYDd54hhW1ZpwNi0cKZytE1Sb9oY

Course Markings

The course will be well-marked with pink or orange 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; 50M overall cut off: 13 hours 00 min at 15:36 min / mile pace.

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. Any residual profits will be donated to a local land trust of the event organizers choosing.

Runners in the 50M or 50K 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, and 50M and 50K runners who decide mid-race to drop down to a lower distance will not be eligible to win the lower distance event. 50M runners who decide mid-race to drop down to the 50K will be given the option of a 50K finish if they complete four 10 mile laps. 50K runners must make the decision to drop to the 13M prior to the start of the their race and must start with the 13 mile runners in order to receive a 13M finish time. Anything else constitutes a result of DNF. 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: 3:00 AM ET