Upcoming Races in Portland, Maine 2026

Written By: Jeremy N

If you are looking for races in Portland, Maine, you have come to the right place. Portland has a growing running scene with 18 races listed in our directory, including 6 upcoming events in 2026. Whether you are lacing up for your first 5K or chasing a new personal record, there is something here for every runner.

Upcoming Races in Portland, Maine

Here is a look at the top upcoming races in Portland this year. We update our listings weekly so you always have the most current information.

Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk – Portland, ME

Date: August 29, 2026

Distance: 5K

Lace up for this 3.1-mile run or walk through Portland that honors firefighter Stephen Siller’s legacy and supports first responders and military members. Every dollar you raise goes directly to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, helping families of fallen heroes and veterans. Read full details →

Register for this Race →


Run for the Dogs – Portland

Date: August 30, 2026

Lend your support to a local animal rescue while enjoying a speedy, easy 5K run through the scenic Back Cove Park on Sunday, August 30, 2026 at 9:00 am! Read full details →

Register for this Race →


KAT-Walk & Karo-5K for Brain Aneurysm Awareness

Date: September 20, 2026

Distance: 5K

Head to beautiful Payson Park in Portland to celebrate the 18th annual KAT-Walk and 14th annual Karo-5K, where you’ll help raise awareness for brain aneurysms while enjoying a scenic route along the oceanside Back Cove Boulevard. Read full details →

Register for this Race →


Almost Half Way to St. Patrick’s Day 5K

Date: September 20, 2026

Distance: 5K

Get ready to celebrate the luck of the Irish with this fun 5K in Portland that welcomes both runners and walkers! You can save a few bucks by registering early (through March 24th), with packet pickup happening the morning of the race at Marathon Sports before we kick things off… Read full details →

Register for this Race →


2026 Travis Mills Foundation Plane Pull®

Date: September 26, 2026

Get ready to test your strength and teamwork on September 26, 2026, at Portland International Jetport, where you’ll join 44 other teams in the ultimate challenge: dragging a massive 757 FedEx aircraft across the tarmac! Read full details →

Register for this Race →


Maine Marathon, Half Marathon and Marathon Relay

Date: October 4, 2026

Distance: Half Marathon

Get ready to tackle rolling terrain while soaking in stunning views of Portland’s skyline, Back Cove, Casco Bay, and gorgeous fall colors on this out-and-back certified course that qualifies for Boston! Read full details →

Register for this Race →

Why Run in Portland?

Running events in Portland offer a mix of community fun runs, charity 5Ks, and competitive road races throughout the year. The local running community is active and welcoming to runners of all levels — from first-timers to seasoned racers. Many of these events benefit local charities and organizations, making race day about more than just your finish time.

Find More Races in Maine

Portland is just one part of a thriving Maine running scene. If you want to explore more events across the state, check out our full race listings for Maine — we track every upcoming running event from 1 mile fun runs to full marathons.

Get Ready to Race

Found a race you want to run? The next step is making sure you are properly trained for it. Whether you are a first-timer aiming to finish or a veteran chasing a PR, having the right training plan makes all the difference.

Take our free 3-question training plan quiz and get matched to the right plan for your fitness level in under a minute. We will send it straight to your inbox so you can start training today.

Good luck out there — see you at the finish line in Portland!

Hi, Jeremy Here, 

I am the the guy behind Train for a 5K. On this site, I share everything that learned along my running journey. The content I create is the running training I wish I had before we started this journeyAbout Jeremy. 

I have run over 250 races including the California International Marathon, Clarksburg Country Run, and various other 5K & 10K races throughout the United States. I am a former Athletics department employee at University of the Pacific and Shoe Consultant with Dicks Sporting Goods

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