The Five Fields Farm Races take place in Bridgton, Maine on Sunday, August 30th, featuring a diverse set of distances for runners of all levels from the local area and beyond. Participants can choose between the challenging Five Fields Farm 50k course or the scenic Bald Pate 10k route at Five Fields Farm - 720 S Bridgton Rd, Bridgton, ME 04009.
The race morning atmosphere in Bridgton is serene and energized as runners gather for their respective starts. The early hour sees participants milling about the farm grounds or preparing on the trails leading up to Bald Pate Mountain Preserve. Temperatures hover around 65°F with a slight breeze, making it comfortable yet cool enough for pre-race warm-ups. By race day morning, conditions are ideal for both distance runners and those who prefer shorter, more intense races.
With its rich history of conservation efforts, the Five Fields Farm Races have become an integral part of Bridgton’s community calendar since 2014. The event supports local initiatives like the Loon Echo Land Trust, which works to preserve natural areas such as Bald Pate and Holt Pond Preserves. Over time, these races have attracted a steady number of runners who appreciate both the scenic beauty and rigorous challenge offered by the course layouts.
The Five Fields Farm 50k is renowned for its demanding terrain, featuring three laps through the figure-8 layout that encompasses trails in both Bald Pate and Holt Pond Preserves. Runners face steep climbs, technical singletrack sections, and long stretches of rolling hills, all while navigating through private property with strict rules on respect towards landowners.
For those taking part in the Bald Pate 10k, they will wind their way through an ancient pitch pine forest and enjoy panoramic views over Foster Pond. This challenging course includes steep climbs and technical terrain that test both endurance and agility. Both races start at Five Fields Farm but require distinct preparation for the unique challenges each presents.
Typical August weather conditions in Bridgton offer firm yet slightly soft trail surfaces with a UV index of 7, indicating high sun exposure levels. On race day morning, temperatures are expected to be around 65°F (18°C) with moderate humidity and no precipitation forecasted, providing ideal racing conditions for both the Five Fields Farm 50k and Bald Pate 10k.
50K
50K • Start: 07:00:00 • Fee: $75.00
10K
10K • Start: 09:00:00 • Fee: $35.00
Registration can be completed at https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=135826. The cost is $75 for the 50K race and $35 for the 10K run, with discounts available when signing up for multiple races in the series. Bib pickup takes place on race morning from 6:00 to 6:45 am for the Five Fields Farm 50k and from 7:00 to 8:45 am for the Bald Pate 10K at Five Fields Farm.
Participants must arrive early enough to pick up their bibs, show photo ID if required, and ensure they are familiar with race rules posted online. The start location is clearly marked along South Bridgton Road near the entrance of Five Fields Farm. Age requirements vary based on distance; typically, participants should be 18 years or older for longer distances like the 50K.
The Five Fields Farm Races in Bridgton, Maine on August 30th offer a challenging and rewarding experience for runners interested in testing their limits against natural terrain while supporting important local conservation efforts.
