Sun, Jul 12 · 2026Augusta, MESince 2025

Great Augusta Marathon

A certified Boston qualifier out of Maine's capital city, the Great Augusta Marathon sends you out and back on a flat course that rewards runners who show up ready to race. Small field, open entry, no excuses.

FlatOpen
GREAT AUGUSTA · US
Great Augusta
SUN, JUL 12
2026
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Race Overview

EST. 2025

Augusta is a young race with a straightforward pitch: flat, certified, open entry, and held right in Maine's compact capital city. You start near the Civic Center and run out on the course before turning and coming back the same way. It's a no-frills setup, and that's the point. The field is small, which means you might find yourself running more of this alone than you're used to. Don't let the quiet miles in the middle catch you off guard. Have a plan and run your own race.

Here's the honest part: this runs in mid-July in Maine. That sounds mild, but race-day highs can push into the upper 70s and it can feel humid. The flat course is genuinely fast if the weather cooperates, and it's a legitimate Boston qualifier. But July heat has a way of turning a good effort into a grind if you don't respect it. Hydrate from mile one and don't bank on the second half feeling easy just because the terrain is easy. Registration is open and entry closes in early May, so getting in is simple. Whether you run well is on you.

Field size
~45
45 finishers
BQ rate
4%
Below national average
Time limit
Entry
Open
First-come registration

The Course

Total ascent
Total descent
Net elevation
Highest point
Lowest point
Course shape
Out and back
Same route, both directions

The Great Augusta Marathon is a certified out-and-back with zero net elevation change, which means the first half and second half are mirrors of each other in elevation. No significant net drop to bank time on early, and no late climb to survive. Pacing discipline matters more than terrain management here. The flat profile keeps effort steady throughout, so the risk is going out too fast on a July day and running out of fuel on the return leg. Keep the first half honest and you'll have something left to push the final miles.

Race-Day Weather

10-year median
Low
61°F
High
79°F
30°MARATHON-IDEAL 4560°80°
What to expect

Mid-July in Augusta means warm mornings and the potential for real heat by the time you're in the back half of the course. The gun goes off with temps already in the low 60s, and it can climb into the upper 70s before you're done. Humidity is a factor too. This isn't a race where you can ignore conditions and just trust the flat course to carry you. Hydrate early and honestly, and have a heat plan ready if the morning is muggy.

Entry

OPEN

Open registration on RunSignup. Early registration closes May 7, 2026 with price increases thereafter.

Register on RunSignup

Frequently Asked

7 questions
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