Embark on an unforgettable trail running adventure at the Blue Hill Mountain Trail Fest, set to unfold on August 1, 2026, in the charming coastal town of Blue Hill, Maine. This celebrated multi-distance event invites runners and hikers of all abilities to experience the unique beauty of Blue Hill Mountain, a 934-foot monadnock that rises majestically above the landscape. Choose your challenge from 50K, 25K, 10K, or 5K, each offering a distinct journey across a course designed with a figure-eight profile that includes invigorating summit climbs. Prepare to be awestruck as you traverse vibrant fields of wildflowers and navigate densely forested technical trails, complete with loose rock, exposed roots, and stone stairs, all leading to breathtaking coastal vistas of Mount Desert Island and Blue Hill Bay.

The Blue Hill Mountain Trail Fest is more than just a race; it's a vibrant community gathering and a testament to the preservation of this cherished landmark. Typical race day conditions in early August bring highs around 78°F and lows around 58°F, with only a 15% chance of precipitation, creating ideal running weather. The race proudly stands as a "Trail Sisters Approved" event, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity with equal podiums and awards, women's specific apparel, menstrual products at aid stations, and a supportive pregnancy and postpartum policy. Aid stations, including the main hub at the start/finish and a smaller one at the Post Office/Osgood/Mountain Road intersection, are strategically placed to ensure runners are never more than three miles from hydration, a variety of snacks (salty, sweet, vegan, including local whoopie pies), and even avocado sandwiches.

Your journey begins and ends at the lively Mountain Road field, where a festive atmosphere awaits, including a live steel pan band to celebrate your finish. The event also holds deep local significance, with profits benefiting the Blue Hill Heritage Trust and the Wabanaki Alliance, honoring the mountain's ancestral name, Awanadjo, meaning "small, misty mountain," given by the Penobscot Tribe of the Wabanaki Confederacy. Whether you're tackling your first trail race or aiming for a challenging ultra, the Blue Hill Mountain Trail Fest promises a memorable experience filled with stunning scenery, supportive community, and a true celebration of Maine's natural beauty.