The 95th Annual Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine 5k Road Race is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Portland, ME. As one of the longest-running road races in the United States, this event represents nearly a century of community support for local youth. Hosted at the Shipyard Brewing Company on Hancock Street, the race serves as a vital fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine, an organization that has provided a safe and supportive environment for children since 1909. Historically, the Portland branch alone serves over 2,000 members annually, offering programs that focus on academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good character.
| Race Category | Distance | Start Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5K Road Race | 5 km | 9:00 AM EDT | Hancock St, Portland |
| Kids Fun Run | 1 Mile | 8:00 AM EDT | Hancock St, Portland |
Participation and Logistics
The race start and finish lines are located near Shipyard Brewing Company, providing a scenic route through Portland's historic waterfront area. The morning's activities begin early with the Kids 1-Mile Fun Run at 8:00 AM, followed by the main 5K event at 9:00 AM. This timing allows for a family-friendly atmosphere where young runners can complete their event before cheering on the adult participants. Given the race's 95-year history, it has become a staple of the Maine spring running calendar, often attracting a mix of competitive athletes and multi-generational families who have participated for decades.
Registration and Fees
Registration is currently open at a flat rate of $45.00 for the 5K and $14.00 for the Kids 1-Mile (all fees and taxes included). These rates are consistent from January through race day, April 18th. Participants are encouraged to register online to facilitate smooth race-day check-in. Beyond individual entry, the event features robust fundraising options where participants can create personal pages to collect donations for the Clubs. For specific inquiries regarding the course route or sponsorship opportunities, event contact Garrett Doody can be reached at [email protected].
Apr 18, 2026
Distance — 5km
Type — Running
09:00
$45.00
Apr 18, 2026
Distance — 1mi
Type — Running
09:00
$14.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for April in Portland.
Learn more about the host city, Portland.
Portland is on a peninsula in Casco Bay on the Southern Maine coast approximately 100 miles north of Boston, Massachusetts. It has more than 65,000 inhabitants, making it the largest city in Maine. Portland is a small seaside city with a high concentration of shops, restaurants, museums, galleries, tours and many things to see and do. Many people commute to Portland to work, and the city's population significantly increases in the summertime.
Read more launchWatch highlights and course previews from previous years.
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