Race Report: "Local Gem" - Millinocket Marathon and Half

by Julie Millard

The Millinocket Marathon and Half - Photo by Kevin Morris Photography

Runners are widely known for their questionable idea of fun. For example, running 6 miles up an old logging road in the winter, looping around for an even 13.1, and possibly even doing the whole thing again might seem crazy to some. But with a creative race director, such an event lured 2,000+ runners up to Millinocket, Maine in December!

2019 marked the 5th running of the Millinocket Marathon and Half, the brainchild of Gary Allen, who also directs the Mount Desert Island Marathon and the Down East Sunrise Trail Relay. The race philosophy is simple: “Don’t run Millinocket for what you get; run Millinocket for what you give.” There is no entry fee; instead runners are expected to somehow contribute to the local economy, such as by staying at a local motel, shopping at the artisan fair, and/or eating at the spaghetti supper or pancake breakfast.

My first trip to Maine’s Biggest Small Town was back in 2017, when I was bold enough to register for the full marathon. I attribute this error in judgment to not really grasping the significance of the elevation profile up the Golden Road, which didn’t look like much on paper. Despite the balmy temperature (30 degrees) and clear roads, I quickly learned to respect the course and was relieved to finish both loops before the season’s first snowstorm arrived. Club members Pat and Tracey Cote both ran strong races that day, with Tracey even setting an age-group record that still stands.

Tracey, Pat, and Julie in Millinocket, 2017

Julie and Susan running Millinocket in 2019 - photo by Capstone Photography

This year marked my third trip up north, this time running the half with fellow Strider Susan Brooks. Although we drank only water and hot soup at the aid stations, we briefly ran with a woman whose goal was to complete 19 shots of Fireball (in honor of 2019) along the 26.2 miles. (According to the results, she finished the race but it’s unclear about the shots or her physical status at the end.)

Why drive 2 hours to run a potentially frigid race? One reason is that running Millinocket feels epic but is actually quite convenient to central Maine. Another is that the weather could be mild, frigid, or something in between, and gambling on the unknown contributes to the adventure. What you can count on is the warmth of the townspeople and the celebratory feel to the event. As observed by Vice President of the Striders, Jordan Castillo:

“Whenever runners gather for a race, there is a powerful experience of community, empowerment, and ambition. I’ve never seen a greater example of this than at the Millinocket Half Marathon in Northern Maine.

Nowhere else have I seen thousands gather with such enthusiasm in a small, isolated town on a cold December day for a race on rugged, logging roads covered with dirt, ice, and snow. This race is 100% free to all—the organizers only ask that runners and their friends/family support local businesses while in the area for the race.

The hospitality was mind-blowing. So many businesses had posted “WELCOME RUNNERS” signs, and numerous locals approached me to simply thank me for running. One man in particular took my hands in both of his while looking me in the eyes and said, “You have no idea how meaningful this race is to every person in this town. This weekend provides six months of revenue for some businesses. In a lot of ways, we need every person who comes up for this race.”

I was floored. I had never considered how something as simple as running could be so impactful and encouraging for a community like the one in Millinocket. I’m humbled and grateful for the chance to have run 13.1 miles alongside so many others who have chosen to see and support the incredible people of Millinocket, Maine.”

Social media director Sapan Bhatt added the following about the “local gem” called the Millinocket Marathon and Half:

“The course is a 13.1 mile loop, with those participating in the full monty going for a second helping. There’s ample parking by the high school, where locals set up a craft fair full of good buys and some delicious local coffee (shout out to Mainely Coffee, those samples were clutch). The race starts out to much fanfare downtown by the Blue Ox Saloon. From there, runners take off for the first half of the loop on the Golden Road, an old mill passage built by the Great Northern Paper Company connecting Millinocket to Canada. The Golden Road was sanded for the race but the terrain was like running through mash potatoes (spikes recommended). The water stops are especially festive; staffed by volunteers they warmly handout everything from Gatorade to Fireball shots.

The back half of the race was fast and downhill. Runners can easily shave 30 sec a mile as they cruise into downtown. By that point, you’re warmed up and have your adrenaline flowing. For runners like myself who couldn’t get it into gear on the front half through the slush, your legs are relatively fresh and itching to get on the road. The true asset is not the course, but the people. I’ve never raced in a location where the enthusiasm amongst the locals was so pure and so universal. From those handing out drinks to the guys blasting music from their pickup truck to the diners who eagerly inquired about our results (and thanked us for coming!), the community makes this race special.”

Sapan running Millinocket, 2019 - Photo by Capstone Photography

 Julie Millard has been a member of the Central Maine Striders since 1991, when she returned to Maine to teach chemistry at Colby College. Her favorite races include the Down East Sunrise Trail Relay and the Sugarloaf Marathon/15K. She is also an avid participant in running events that involve food.
(photo by Kevin Morris Photography)

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