THE MAINE EVENT
When - Aug 18-24
Where - Maine
Style - Completely self guided, we pickup and drop-off at arranged trailheads, setup camp, and feed you when camping.
Difficulty - Hard
Why - Why Maine?
I have traveled and run a lot of trails in my life, and Maine just delivers. It’s hard, it’s gritty, the obstacles are shocking to the senses, and the beauty is on full display. This place is raw and made me feel as though I had never really run trails until now. So come find out what it is all about. It will change you.
Welcome to “The Maine Event”, a trail running experience crafted for the intrepid soul. This seven-day journey through Maine’s most challenging & magnificent landscapes is designed for those who seek adventure in its purest form. From the towering peak of Mt. Katahdin, the demanding terrains of the Bigelows, to the unrelenting grind of the Mahoosuc Notch, prepare to test your limits.
Your expedition will be punctuated with days of intense trail running followed by necessary rest & recovery. Expect to be self-reliant but supported, carrying what you need but guided by our extensive planning, driving, cooking & communication. The days will be tough, the terrain unforgiving, but the reward lies in the experience of the raw beauty in Maine’s wilderness.
Transportation, campsites, logistics & most meals will be provided. This trip is for the experienced people whose bodies can take the terrain ahead & want to experience a great journey, tall stories & memories of a lifetime.
What we provide
Transportation to all stated trailheads, camps, and transportation to airports.
All camping fees and entries into the park
Water and Electrolytes
Digital gps files and maps
All logistical planning
Cooking on certain days
Pack ins to meet you on the trail
What to Bring
What to Bring?
Will send you a list and video on what to prepare and how to pack but below is highly suggested gear:
A long sleeved tech shirt. I like mine with a hoodie to block sun if needed.
A short sleeved tech shirt
Rain jacket and rain pants
Filtered water bottle. Our favorites are the Salomon or Katadyn
Cell phone and GPS tracker if you have one
Headlamp with extra battery or two headlamps
Two extra water bottles besides the filter or a large camel pouch equal in capacity
Software that supports GPX files. Our favorite for this particular endeavor is Gaia GPS. You can also download the maps here for offline use.
Wind breaker jacket. Our favorite is the Houdini
Puffy or Micro-Puffy coat for night time
Emergency blanket or bivy
Sun glasses.. Bring good ones
Sun Block
Thin neck gaiter. You will be exposed
Running poles
Salt tablets or portable electrolyte packs
A small ziplock bag of 8 KT strips and 5 inches of duct tape folded together
Bottle of lube. Put what you think you will need for the traverse in another ziplock
Ziplock of TP
Light gloves
Some trail running shoes would be a good idea
Cut-off finger gloves. These help in the mountains as you will use your hands a lot and the rocks eat them up
Trekking poles
General Questions
Is This Trip Right for Everyone?
Participation in this trip requires a foundation of endurance and strength. Speed is not the primary concern; rather, it’s your ability to sustain effort over consecutive days. Building this kind of endurance is essential for safety in mountainous terrain, where the challenges include not only the daily distances but also the cumulative effects of climbing and descending. I do not recommend this trip to someone who does not regularly trail run. If you’re looking for guidance on how to train or simply wish to refine your mountain skills, feel free to reach out via email. I’m here to provide support and advice to ensure you’re ready for this adventure.
Do we need to do the full distances each day?
We have set the routes with fixed point-to-point distances which you are required to complete. As an alternative, you may do an out & back, starting at the end point. You can then choose your distance accordingly.
How’s the weather?
Average temperatures range from a high of 80 to 56 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temps in the mountains can change dramatically from the temps above and are typically cooler. For me, at night, a puffy or R1 Hoodie with a Houdini is a must. Also, gloves and pants are nice. A 20-degree or lower sleeping bag is recommended.
Group Size?
10-12 people
Do we tip for this event?
We’re committed to delivering great service at the listed price, but if you feel we’ve exceeded expectations, tips are warmly appreciated.
Do you have medical equipment with you?
We have minimum medical gear on the trails but will have some medical gear at the vehicles. If it is an emergency, a rescue will take place. If you are prone to minor injuries then be sure to bring along what is needed.
What do I need to come?
The best thing to bring is a positive attitude. This trip is about the people next to you and your journey with them. We must care and look out for each other, we must be brothers and sisters. We will need and depend on each other during this trip.
Cancelations
Cancellation terms are as follows:
If you cancel 90 days before the trip starts: You’ll receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 61 to 90 days before the trip starts: You’re entitled to a refund of 50% of the total payment.
If you cancel 60 days or less before the trip starts: No refunds are available.
We reserve the right to cancel the trip 60 days out. If we do this you will get a full refund.
If we have to cancel the trip due to external events out of our control then we will refund all expenses that have not gone out so far. Again – get insurance for this trip. Life happens to all of us.
Layout
Day 1 – Travel + Meet + Prepare
Arrival in Portland, Maine
Supply stop
Ground transport to destination
Set up camp + Dinner
Day 2 – Mt. Katahdin (10 Miles)
Summit Mt. Katahdin – the highest point in Maine & northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail – by way of the Knife’s Edge or the Saddle Trail
Descend via the Appalachian Trail to Katahdin Springs campground
Additional time on trail is possible for those looking for more miles
Dinner
Day 3 – Travel + Relax
Morning stretch & shake-out run
Breakfast
Travel to Kingfield, Maine
Set up camp + Lunch
Afternoon Activities (Options may include more running, hiking, massages, relaxing)
Dinner at restaurant
Return to camp
Day 4 – Bigelow Range (15 Miles)
Breakfast
Travel to trailhead
Hike/Run 15 miles southbound on the Appalachian Trail through the Bigelow Preserve – experiencing dense forests, rocky peaks & spectacular views of Maine.
Dinner
Day 5 – Travel + Relax
Breakfast
Travel to Bethel, Maine
Set up camp + Lunch
Afternoon Activities (Options may include more running, hiking, massages, relaxing)
Dinner in Bethel
Prepare for the hardest upcoming day
Day 6 – Mahoosuc (8 or 26 Miles)
A day of epic proportions, you will enter the Mahoosuc Range. It’s a place of steep terrain, alpine bogs & the Mahoosuc Notch – the notorious “hardest & slowest mile on the Appalachian Trail”.
Options include an 8 mile route, exiting just after the Notch (with out & back miles later in the day if desired.) Or experience the entire range in 26+ miles, crossing by foot from Maine into New Hampshire.
Please keep in mind that it can take up to 20+ hours to do the full 26 miles. It’s that difficult.
Dinner
Day 7 – Departure + Reflection
Pack up & head towards the airport with a stop for one final group meal, sealing the experience of the wilds of Maine in camaraderie & shared memories.
Event's current local time: 1:46 AM ET
