Looking for a fun running challenge and a way to support local trails? GPMCT and Frenchman Bay Conservancy (FBC) are sponsoring the 5th annual Downeast Double Trouble Trail Race Challenge. That’s two races held one weekend apart, with the GPMCT Wildlands Trail Race on Sunday, October 29 and the FBC Autumn Trail Race on Sunday, November 5. Participants who run both races are eligible for a special prize.
The GPMCT Wildlands Trail Race in Orland’s scenic Great Pond Mountain Wildlands offers two courses this year; choose the two mile fun run (NEW!) or the 6.3 mile challenge. The 6.3-mile course covers dirt roads and single track, over roots, rocks and mud, up and down hills, over small streams, past lovely views and munching moose. Total climb is approximately 1,200 gut-or-calf-busting feet. The two miler goes out Hothole Brook Trail and back, past giant boulders and over a bridge. Registration starts at 10 am, races at 11 and 11:15 am. Enter through the South Gate on Rte. 1, near the Rte. 176 intersection. Here’s a TRAIL MAP for the 6.3 mile run.
The FBC Autumn Trail Race starts and finishes at 11 am at Sumner Memorial High School in Sullivan, and offers a 4-mile run on FBC’s Long Ledges & Baker Hill Preserves or an 8-mile course traversing the new Schoodic Connector Trail. You’ll encounter steep climbs, exposed granite ledges, gorgeous views, tree roots, varied and wild terrain, old white pines, a glimpse of Long Pond and the chance to twist an ankle.
Lunch will be available at both events. Please, no dogs, for the safety of all runners.
Cost for the 6.3-mile Wildlands Race is $20 pre-registered (plus a $2 online registration fee) or $25 race day; the Fun Run is $10 or $15 race day. Pre-register for BOTH races for only $35/$25! Family rate: With two family members registered for either run, additional kids under 15 run free! Registration deadline to get a mug for the Wildlands Trail Run is Wednesday, October 18! Register online until 5 pm, Oct. 20.
You can Register Online for one or both races, download 2017WildlandsTrailRunentryform, or call Peter at 288-3909 or e-mail [email protected] for more information on the Wildlands Trail Race. Go to www.frenchmanbay.org for more info on the FBC Autumn Trail Race. First 50 entrants who sign up for and complete the Double Trouble Challenge receive a Downeast Double Trouble Trail Race Challenge prize. Swag is also available for pre-registrants at both races and prizes for top finishers. Walkers welcome.
Want to be a sponsor? Call Cheri at 469-6929 or e-mail [email protected].
Thanks to our sponsors thus far: Awards, Signage & Trophies; Dave’s Tractor Services; Tradewinds Market; Cadillac Mountain Sports; Hannaford, Bucksport; MacLeod’s Restaurant & Pub; Grand Rental Station; Curtis Family Shoe; Great Maine Lumberjack Show.
