Wicked Tough 10K

Saturday, Sep 9, 2023. 8:30am.

While not an ultramarathon, this 10K is no piece of cake. The views from Battie and the shoulder of Megunticook are stunning and will come at a time when runners will be very inclined to take a short break to enjoy them. With over 1600’ of elevation gain, this course will test even the most accomplished runner. The majority of the course is on trails through the beautiful woods. But twice, you’ll break out onto open ledge and have stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the coastal areas from Acadia to Tenant’s Harbor. This signals the end to an arduous climb and the beginning of a much-appreciated downhill section. But make sure you have your “trail eyes” well trained lest a rock or root grab your foot. Whether a competitive runner wishing to test him/herself against one of the toughest courses around or a fast-walker more interested in exploring the mountains of Mid-Coast Maine, you will find what you’re looking for in the Wicked Tough Ten.


Aid Stations

  • 2.5 mi to Aid #1 at Battie Summit

  • 4.6 mi. to Aid #2 at Carriage Trail/Tablelands intersection (Water only)


Course Map


Race Course Narrative

  1. Start at gatehouse and run toward the campground.

  2. Bear right on the campground loop road as the road splits with the Multi-Use trail.

  3. Make a full loop around the campground and bear left when you come out the to Main road.

  4. Follow the road down toward the gatehouse.

  5. Before gatehouse turn right onto Mount Battie Road.

  6. Join Tablelands Trail ⅔ up Battie Road.

  7. From Battie Summit, Proceed Down Battie Road to Carriage Road Trail.

  8. Carriage Road Trail .7 Miles Then Right on Carriage Trail.

  9. Carriage Trail .8 Miles Then Left on Tablelands Trail.

  10. Tablelands Trail 1.2 Miles to Megunticook Lookout.

  11. Right on Megunticook Trail 1.5 Miles to Finish.


Rules

  • There is no race day registration.

  • Packets and race bibs for the all races may be picked up between 1 and 7:30 p.m. the Friday before the race or starting at 6am on race day. If you are picking up on race day please arrive at least 45 minutes before your event.

  • If you abandon the race, you MUST leave your race bib with a race official.

  • There is no crew or drop bags. People wanting to cheer-on their runner are more than welcome to hike out on the course to do so but cannot pace, mule or offer aid.

  • No complaining to volunteers.

  • Be kind to other racers and considerate of hikers. Help the injured.

  • No littering.

  • Headphones are fine but pay attention to your surroundings, especially around aid stations.

  • When on roads, run on the left side, inside the cones and facing traffic.

  • Trekking poles are okay but don’t stab the person behind you. Also, if using poles, you must keep them for the entire race. No ditching poles or stashing them to pick up part way through the race.

  • There is no cutoff for the 10K or 20k.

  • No shortcutting the course. Volunteers and/or timing mats will be in place to record runners who complete the out-and-backs.

  • Bring a refillable water bottle or collapsible because we will not be using disposable cups on the course.

  • We love dogs but this event is not for them.

  • Parking is limited please carpool if you can.

  • Each runner’s bib will act as an access pass for the Camden Hills State Park for one day. Friends and family will have to purchase their own passes.

  • No pacers. No stashed coolers or supplies.

  • The first aid station is at the summit of Mount Battie. While friends and family can drive to meet you there, we discourage that. Instead, we would suggest they walk or run up the hill to reduce congestion on the road. Plus, they can cheer for other runners as they go along.

Considerations

  • Carry plenty of water. This especially so if the weather is warm.

  • Study the course before the race. Not only will it help you know where to go but it will also help you know when the climbs are coming.

  • Train adequately for the 50k. If you think this is an ordinary race, you could end-up in trouble.

  • Aid stations 3, 4, 5 and 6 will have snacks as well as water and electrolyte drinks. Aid stations 1 and 7 will have only water.

  • The course will be well-marked. However, people do get off-course. If you go more than 5 minutes without seeing a flag, sign or ribbon, turn around and go back until you see one.

  • Orange flagging will be placed on the right side of the course. If there is flagging on both sides of the road, that indicates the course also goes the other direction at some point.

  • Use bug spray.

  • Use sunscreen.


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