Boyden Lake Half-Marathon

Join the Bold Coast Runners and Pottle Tree Farm for the 2nd annual Boyden Lake Half-Marathon! Whether you run, walk, ruck, or team up for the relay, this event promises a memorable experience for a meaningful cause. Proceeds and fundraising will benefit three incredible organizations: Achilles Freedom Team, supporting disabled veterans in achieving their athletic goals,  House in the Woods of Lee, Maine, a retreat dedicated to honoring and helping veterans and their families and The Travis Mills Foundation  of Mt. Vernon, Maine - supporting post-9/11 recalibrated veterans and their families through various programs that help these heroic men and women overcome physical and emotional obstacles, strengthen their families, and provide well-deserved rest and relaxation. Don't miss this opportunity to challenge yourself while making a difference for those who have served.

The Boyden Lake Half-Marathon in Perry, Maine, is a scenic and serene route that encircles Boyden Lake, a beautiful freshwater body in the Downeast region. This loop is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts, especially runners, walkers, and cyclists, for its combination of quiet roads, natural beauty, and tranquil surroundings. Along the route, you'll enjoy picturesque views of Boyden Lake, peaceful forests, and the occasional glimpse of local wildlife, such as eagles, herons, and loons. Starting and Finishing at the Pottle Tree Farm surrounded by rolling hills, forested areas, and open fields, the farm offers stunning views that capture the essence of Maine’s natural beauty.

Each year the race committee will select a local veteran to honor and dedicate the Boyden Lake events to;

• 2026 dedicated to: Thomas Bouchard of Eastport - In December 1967, Bouchard, then a 19-year-old Army private, repeatedly risked his life during a fierce firefight in Vietnam, rescuing wounded soldiers under heavy fire and leading assaults on enemy bunkers. For his actions, he received the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, the Air Medal, a Purple Heart, and Vietnam’s Cross of Gallantry. He was later inducted into the Legion of Valor. After the war, Bouchard devoted himself to supporting fellow veterans through volunteer work with the DAV, the VFW, and advocacy for POWs and MIAs. He struggled with PTSD and died in 2000 from complications related to Agent Orange exposure. Learn more and read the Quoddy Tides article.
• 2025 dedicated to: Brian Manza - a Vietnam veteran and Baileyville native, passed away in 2008 from complications of Agent Orange. Brian was also a valued member of the Washington County running community and his accomplishments are many. He was the 1967 Maine state high school cross country champion from Woodland High School (Baileyville), ran both the Boston and Pikes Peak Marathons, and was a founding member and president of the Sunrise County Roadrunners. Other than his decorated US Army service, while stationed at Fort Carson he was a member of both the boxing and running teams. Learn more about Brian from this Quoddy Tides article published in 2020.

Complete Race Day information will be emailed about 1-2 week before the event. Carpooling to the event is highly encouraged. 

Aid Stations will have water and Gatorade. There are 4 aid stations on the course. 

Athletes with disabilities are welcome to participate. Bold Coast Runners and The Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) supports inclusive running and follows the divisions outlined by World Para Athletics (WPA) to ensure equitable competition for runners with disabilities. These divisions are based on the type and degree of impairment, allowing athletes to compete fairly with others who have similar abilities. 

Please email us: boldcoastrunners@gmail.com or call 207 214 2877 to discuss how we can support you or if are are any questions regarding the course,terrain, logistics and/or accessibility. Thank you for this opportunity to serve you!

Events:

• Boyden Lake Half-Marathon: Run and challenge yourself with a beautiful 13.1 mile loop. Early Start for those taking 3-hours or longer; Course time Limit is 3.5hrs.
• Boyden Lake Walk - Choose your distance; An out and back 5 mile or 2.5 mile walk. An aid station will mark the turnaround point for each walk.
• Boyden Lake Ruck - Ruck 13.1 miles or 5 miles; participants will all be required to carry in a pack at least 35 Pounds. Participants may use their discretion to ruck more weight. Participate as a Relay Team or solo.
• Boyden Lake Relay -  Complete the Half-Marathon distance with a friend or two! Two person and three person relay teams take turns running sections of the Boyden Lake Loop. All participants receive swag, giveaways and Top relay team awards.  Leg 1: 5.4 miles, Leg 2: 3.62 miles Leg 3: 4.22 miles. Relay Participants are responsible for getting to the exchange points. We recommend have a chauffeur.  Relay Map here
  Leg 1 finish: Kendall Ln
  Leg 2 Finish: Boyden Lake Boat Landing

Included in your entry fee

• Boyden Lake T-Shirt -
• Boyden Lake Half-Marathon Finisher item for all finishers across events.
• Awards for Half-Marathon; the Top 3 (Men, Women and Non-binary divisions), Relay Team and 10 year age groups, First 5 mile Walker, and First Ruck participant.
• Post Race Pot-Luck Lunch at the beautiful Pottle Tree Farm Barn - Please bring something to share

Registration Fees: 

• Half-Marathon
  • • Early Bird - November 11th - December 31st - $40
    • Regular - January 1st - April 11th - $45
    • Late - Race Day - $50
• Half-Marathon 2 Person Relay (per person)
  • • Early Bird - November 11th - December 31st  - $30
    • Regular - January 1st - April 11th- $35
    • Race Day April 6th - $40
• Ruck
  • • November 11th- April 11th - $35
    • Race Day April 6th - $40
•  5 mile Walk or 2.5mile Walk
  • • Early Bird - November 11th - December 31st -- $27
    • Regular - January 1st - April 11th-- $32
    • Race Day April 6th - $35
• Para Division -
  • • November 11th- April 11th - $35 
    • Race Day April 6th $40 

Location/: Pottle Tree Farm, S. Meadow Rd, Perry, Maine
Directions here
Parking is Limited if conditions are extremely wet. Please plan to carpool

What is Rucking?

Rucking is a common training activity in the U.S. National Guard and other military branches, designed to build endurance, strength, and discipline. Men, Women and Non-Binary participants will all be required to carry in a pack at least 35 Pounds. Participants may use their discretion to ruck more weight. All weight must be carried in a pack on your shoulders, no open weights or hand carry. All participants must be 14 and older.
Key Preparation Tips:

• Train Gradually: Build rucking endurance over time by gradually increasing distance, weight, and intensity.
• Focus on Foot Care: Invest in high-quality boots and socks, and learn to prevent and treat blisters
• Stay Hydrated and Fueled: Proper hydration and nutrition are essential during and after rucks.
• Master Your Gear: Ensure your ruck is properly packed and adjusted for comfort and balance.

Tentative Race Day Timeline:

• 7:30am-8:45am - Check-in/Bib pick-up and Day of Registration
• 8:00am Early Start for half-Marathoners/Ruck expecting to take 2:50min or longer
• 9:00am Regular Half-Marathon Starts
• 9:15am -2.5mi/5mi Walk/Ruck Starts
• 11:00am - Potluck Lunch starts
• 11:30am - Tentative awards ceremony (awards are always after the last finisher, let's celebrate everyone!

The 5 Mile walk or Ruck Starts on South Meadow Road going North out to Otis Ln and turning around. Finish is the same finish Line as the Half-Marathoners. An aid-station with volunteers, Water/Gatorade/Basic First Aid will be the turnaround point.

Join us in raising funds for Disabled Veterans. All monies raised will go to these two organizations:

House in the Woods, Lee, Maine:

https://www.houseinthewoods.org/
House in the Woods is a nonprofit organization offering outdoor programs to bring together small groups of active military, veterans, and their family members to relax, share, bond, and deal with the stress, loss, grief, and other emotions which can haunt the grieving soul. 

HITW offers canoeing, kayaking, hiking, hunting, fishing, nature tours, campfires, swimming, wildlife identification and spotting, and other natural Eastern Maine resource “treasures” God has given our beautiful state to enjoy. As participants face the outdoor challenges presented by Mother Nature herself, they will have the opportunity to share laughter, memories, sorrow, service, and pride, among many other common bonds.

The Achilles Freedom Team:

https://www.achillesinternational.org/achilles-freedom-team
An extension of the Achilles process of physical strengthening, building confidence, and generating a
supportive community, the Achilles Freedom program was adapted to the specific needs of wounded, ill
or injured members of the U.S. military. Program participants receive training as well as use of
specialized adaptive devices, such as hand-crank wheelchairs. This allows the members to experience
success and build confidence. All injured military personnel and veterans are eligible for the program,
whether the injury is combat or non-combat related.

The Half-Marathon Starts on South Meadow road, just South of the Pottle Tree Farm (Bib pick-up/parking). The Course will be marked with Mile markers, orange painted directional arrows and volunteers at key turns. There are 4 aid-stations with Water/Gatorade/basic first-aid spread across the course. 1 Portajohn will be on course at the Relay exchange point (Mile 5.2). Portajohns will be located at the Start/Finish. Participants follow the paved road to Golden Road and make a Left onto Golden Road at 1.6 Miles. Going North participants enjoy the rolling hills and straightaway to Lake rd. The Relay exchange point is on the right at approximately mile 5.2 (Kendall Ln.). A left onto Lake rd leads to beautiful views of Boyden Lake on the left and lake side houses on the right. Another left at mile 8.1, enjoying more views of Boyden. At Mile 9.3 another left and it's straight shot to the finish.

Strava Map here