Maine Needs - A Community Walk & Race
About this race
Join us around Back Cove for our 2nd Annual Maine Needs Community Walk & Race presented by Maine Beer Company!
This event is a family-friendly community effort that brings together students, families, local businesses, and community members to do what's right for a morning of fun, fitness, and fundraising. The event features a 5K run combined with a 3.5 mile run and 3.5 mile walk. Attendees will also enjoy visiting with local non-profits and event sponsors, face painting for kids, a DJ, Maine Needs merch for sale, coffee, snacks and more!
All proceeds help support Maine Needs mission of providing basic material goods for individuals and families throughout Maine.
Each week, Maine Needs receives 1,000+ requests from caseworkers, teachers, nurses and street outreach teams for basics, such as; sneakers, boots, clothing, outdoor gear, socks, underwear, diapers, bedding, towels, kitchen basics, baby gear, tents, sleeping bags, soap, deodorant and cleaning products. These items reach individuals and families all over Maine that are going without these essential items.
Over 6,000 volunteers support the work of 523 providers from 265 organizations across Maine. Support our mission and enjoy a morning along Back Cove. You don’t want to miss it!
Do what's right. Essential needs for all.
Join fellow runners on May 23, 2026 for the Maine Needs - A Community Walk & Race. It's a fantastic 5.6K, 5K featuring a flat and fast course in Portland.
Pick your distance
Running
Community Race
Timed 5K and 3.5 mile run. Awards will be given in the following categories: 5K Top 5 male, female and non-binary finishers who complete the 5k portion of the course in under 21 minutes. 3.5 mile Top male, female and non-binary finishers Plus top finisher in each age group: 10 to 19 years old 20 to 29 years old 30 to 39 years old 40 to 49 years old 50 to 59 years old 60 to 69 years old 70 to 79 years old
Virtual Community Walk or Race
Join in on the fun from afar with our virtual run/walk option. The virtual option will be untimed and participants will not receive the custom Maine Needs socks.
Fundraiser: Community Race
In person participation with fundraising required. Enjoy the morning on Back Cove all while raising money for Maine Needs. Once the $200 fundraising minimum has been reached, the event fee will be refunded. Team Fundraising also available! When you complete your individual registration you have the option to set up a Fundraising Team. Get your friends, families, colleagues, and peers to join you on the run and in raising money for Maine Needs! --------------- Timed 5K and 3.5 mile run. Awards will be given in the following categories: 5K Top 5 male, female and non-binary finishers who complete the 5k portion of the course in under 21 minutes. 3.5 mile Top male, female and non-binary finishers Plus top finisher in each age group: 10 to 19 years old 20 to 29 years old 30 to 39 years old 40 to 49 years old 50 to 59 years old 60 to 69 years old 70 to 79 years old
Walking
Community Walk
Untimed, fun, and family friendly charity walk around Back Cove
Weather Overview
These values represent the 2-year monthly averages for May in Portland.
About Portland
Maine Needs - A Community Walk & Race takes place in Portland, Maine, United States. The local timezone is America/New_York.
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🏃 Plan Your Next Race in Portland
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- Portland Running Calendar 2026 See all upcoming race dates.
Race information has been sourced from the event's official website and other publicly available resources. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the official website directly. If you notice any incorrect or missing information, don't hesitate to reach out to us by email.
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