Halfast 20K

Saturday, Sep 9, 2023. 8:00am.

New this year, the rebel Halfast 20k without as many rocks, roots and summits, is very different from our other races. A great option for someone wanting to dip their toes into the world of trail running for the first time. Alternatively, it's a great course for a runner who wants to test their speed on a faster 20k course. Mainly on wide gravel trail, only 3.9km of this course are single track. The only summit on this course is Cameron Mountain where to the east you'll get a view past Bald Rock Mountain to the ocean and to the west you'll be overlooking Megunticook Lake. You'll mostly be running on the Multi Use trail which starts as a steep ascent out of the campground and traverses to park all the way to Lincolnville. Here you'll turn around heading a mile back the way you came before changing course and heading out to Cameron Mountain. The multi use trail is wide and (mostly smooth) but it is not flat. Beside a few short stretches you will either be heading up or down hill. The elevation gain for the whole course is 1,900 feet. There are 2 aid stations, one of which you'll pass twice for a total of 3.

Aid Stations

  • 2 miles to Aid #1 at Ski Shelter

  • 4.9 miles to Aid #2 at Lincolnville Entrance

  • 11.2 miles to Aid #3 at Ski Shelter

Course Map

Race Course Narrative

  1. Turn right out of the field and run on the road into the park.

  2. When the road splits bear left to get onto the Multi-Use Trail.

  3. Follow the Multi-Use all the way through the park to the gate at in Lincolnville Entrance about 5 miles.

  4. Return up the Multi-Use for about 1.5 miles and take a right on the Cameron Trail.

  5. Go for about a mile and then take a short trip up to the top of Cameron Mountain.

  6. Return back down to the trail, taking a right at the bottom.

  7. Follow Cameron Trail, taking a left after .2 miles and then another left on Sky Blue Trail after .7 miles.

  8. Continue on Sky Blue Trail until you hit the Multi-Use again and then go right.

  9. Follow Multi-Use back to the Finish Line.

Rules

  • 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.

  • The overall cut-off for the 50K is 11 hours.

  • The cut-off at Mile 25 (Maiden Cliff Aid Station) is at 4:30 p.m. (9 hours, 30 minutes). Runners not OUT of that aid station by that time will receive a DNF.

  • 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 20k. If you think this is an ordinary race, you could end-up in trouble.

  • Aid stations ___ will have snacks as well as water and electrolyte drinks. Aid stations __ 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.

Local Resources

UTMB Index Race

Both the Megunticook 20K and 50K are UTMB Index Races and can satisfy that portion of the UTMB registration process.