LELT announces 2026 race schedule

By Ed Pierce

Running is a habit that benefits your heart and your physical and mental health. It addresses how many calories you burn while strengthening your muscles, your lungs, and so much more. And here in Maine, runners combine adventure and sheer scenic beauty of nature when participating in organized running events.

With that in mind, dates for the 2026 Loon Echo Land Trust Race Series have been finalized with events led by volunteer race directors Addie Casali and Scott Eugley.

All proceeds from the 2026 Loon Echo Land Trust Race Series help support the maintenance and operation of Loon Echo Land Trust trails and public access to the outdoors in the Lakes Region of Maine.

The 2026 Loon Echo Land Trust Race Series schedule looks like this:

Crooked River 5k

This race will be held on Sunday, July 26 and is a great introduction to trail running, and it will take you down to the historic Crooked River and have you exploring the trails of the Crooked River Forest. Take in some freshly cut trails featuring tall red pines and scenic river views. This race starts and finishes at Scribner's Mill, which is a historic sawmill and homestead located right on the Crooked River in Harrison. To register visit https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=135825

Bald Pate 10k

The Third annual Bald Pate 10k will be held on Sunday, Aug. 30. Runners will wind their way through the ancient pitch pine forest and take in beautiful views of Foster Pond and the surrounding area. This is a challenging course that features steep climbs and technical terrain. To register, visit https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=135826

Five Fields 50k

Runners will compete on a Figure-8, three lap course that navigates through the Bald Pate Preserve and Holt Pond Preserve on Sunday, Aug. 30. Each lap finishes with a section right through the heart of the apple orchard. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or looking to break into ultra-distance running, this race is sure to challenge you. To register, visit https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=124706

Pleasant Mountain Race 

On Sunday, Sept. 27, runners will compete in the Fourth annual Pleasant Mountain Half Marathon Race. Runners will take on Southern Maine's tallest mountain and be greeted with technical single-track and traverse across Pleasant Mountain’s iconic ridge. All participants receive a tech T-shirt, meal ticket, and a beer for those age 21 and over. Finishers will also receive a 2026 Pleasant Mountain Race finisher medal. To register, visit https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=135823

For anyone not interested in running but still wanting to be involved, race directors recommend serving as a volunteer.

“We are mainly looking for individuals to direct participants at key points on the course and to help participants at the start and finish, and at the aid stations”, said Casali. “Help our participants stay hydrated, nourished, and on course. Any and all help is greatly appreciated and no experience necessary.”

To become a volunteer for any of the 2026 Loon Echo Land Trust Race Series races or for businesses looking to become a race sponsor, send an email to [email protected]

The Loon Echo Land Trust is a community supported, non-profit land trust that works to protect the land and natural resources of the northern Sebago Lake region for current and future generations.

Since 1987, LELT has protected forests, wetland, shorelines, and open spaces in Harrison, Denmark, Casco, Bridgton, Naples, Raymond and Sebago. These lands provide public access to the outdoors, host over 31 miles of recreational trails and protect important water resources and wildlife habitat.

For more specific details about the Loon Echo Land Trust, including information about LELT trails, free public events, and how to get involved, visit lelt.org or find them on Facebook under Loon Echo Land Trust. <