Second Annual Pleasant Mountain Race nearing

The Second Annual Pleasant Mountain Race, a half marathon, will take place at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5.

Participants compete in last year's Pleasant
Mountain Race. This year's race starts at
8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 at Pleasant Mountain
Ski Area's East Lodge in Bridgton.
PHOTO BY R.PERRY FLOWERS   

Loon Echo Land Trust officials say the inaugural race in 2023 was a great success with over 70 runners participating. This year’s race is expected to be even bigger.

Pleasant Mountain is the tallest mountain in southern Maine and draws tens of thousands of visitors every year for hiking, running, and snowmobiling. The mountain is also home to Pleasant Mountain Ski Area.

Funds raised from the race support Bridgton-based nonprofit Loon Echo Land Trust, who maintains the 10+ mile trail network on the mountain.

Runners will compete on a tough course that begins at Pleasant Mountain Ski Area’s East Lodge in Bridgton. Runners will then head up the Bald Peak Trail and descend the mountain on the Firewarden’s Trail. They then run on the road from the Firewarden’s Trailhead to the Southwest Ridge Trailhead to head back up the mountain to the summit, across the ridge to Sue’s Way Trail, and down the Bald Peak Trail back to the East Lodge. The course is 21 kilometers long and has over 3,600 feet of elevation gain.

There are still a few spaces left to participate in the run. Runners can register at LELT.org/race-series or directly on UltraSignUp.com. All participants receive a t-shirt, meal ticket, and a beer for those over the age of 21.

The public is welcome to attend the post-race party at Pleasant Mountain’s east area ski lodge. Mow’s Munchies food truck will be at the event providing food, with beer provided by Norway Brewing Company. TJ Swan will be performing live music.

Volunteers to help direct and cheer on runners along the course are still needed. Anyone interested in volunteering should fill out the volunteer interest form at LELT.org/race-series, or email maggie@lelt.org. All volunteers receive a free t-shirt and beer for those ages 21 and over. <

Thank you to the 2024 Pleasant Mountain Race sponsors: Revision Energy, Pleasant Mountain, Norway Brewing Company, Fleet Feet, and Maine Morning Micro Roasters.

Loon Echo Land Trust (LELT), founded in 1987, is a nonprofit organization that protects land, ensures public access to the outdoors, and builds and maintains recreational trails in Raymond, Casco, Naples, Harrison, Sebago, Bridgton, and Denmark. For more information on LELT properties, upcoming events, or how to get involved, visit LELT.org or their Facebook page. <