Down East Sunrise Trail Relay
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Registration FAQs
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Team FAQs
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Course FAQs
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Race Weekend FAQs
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Other FAQs
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Registration FAQs
When does registration open and close?
Click HERE to sign up to be alerted when registration will open for the 2025 event.
See the next FAQ below to learn how to sign up.
Registration deadline for new teams:
June 1st*
Registration deadline to join existing teams:
July 1st
*There are a limited number of team spots available; registration for new teams may close without notice before June 1st. We recommend signing up in advance if you are planning to participate.
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How do I sign up to run?
There are two ways to sign up to run, as the Team Captain or as a Team Member:
Team Captain - Team Captains will register the team by choosing a team name, team password, and paying their individual entry fee. This step secures the team's spot in our limited field. (Note: By default the first person to sign up and register the team is the Team Captain.)
Click HERE to sign up as a Team Captain.
Team Member - After the Team Captain has registered and named the team, each remaining team member will register to run by selecting "Join an Existing Team" from the registration page, and then selecting their team name from the drop-down menu. They will then enter the team password to join the team, and finally complete the process by entering their personal information and paying their individual entry fee.
Click HERE to sign up as a Team Member.
Don’t have a team? Check our special Facebook event for solo runners seeking teams, and teams seeking additional runners.
Click HERE to check the special Facebook event!
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How do I claim a deferred entry?
If you selected to defer last year’s entry, you will be sent an an email from ZippyReg [email sent on 2/8/24] with instructions to claim your 2024 entry using a special registration code. Once you have claimed your entry you will receive a confirmation email and your name will appear on the list of confirmed entrants.
Important! You must claim you deferred entry by May 1st. If no action is taken before the advertised deadline your deferral will be canceled and your entry fee will be donated.
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How many runners are required and allowed on a team?
Minimum team size: 4 runners
Maximum team size: 8 runners
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What are the responsibilities of being a Team Captain?
The Team Captain's responsibilities include:
Managing the team prior to race day:
Confirming that all team members have registered to run.
Confirming that all team members have submitted accurate pace information.
Confirming that your designated team size in ZippyReg is accurate and up to date.
Click HERE to manage your team on ZippyReg.
Assigning relay legs to team members/making sure each leg has a runner.
POC (point of contact) between team and race officials.
Confirming that all team members have the required safety items for check-in.
Confirming that the team has printed copies of the Race Handbook for check-in and for each team vehicle.
Completing the team's Timing Sheet after each leg and submitting it to race officials at the finish.
Make sure all team members are following the rules of competition.
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Is there a list of confirmed entrants?
Yes. Click HERE to confirm that you are signed up to run.
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What is included in my regitration fee?
Entry into the Down East Sunrise Trail Relay.
Extensive written driving directions, running instructions, and Race Handbook.
All finishers receive a truly unique and commemorative medallion.
The race beneficiary is the Sunrise Trail Coalition, who built and help maintain the trail.
Please note: Team support vehicle drivers are optional and do not pay entry fees; drivers are not eligible for finisher awards/medallions.
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Can I manage/view/update my registration information?
Yes. The deadline is July 1st.
HOW TO VIEW OR UPDATE YOUR REGISTRATION: You will need to access your personal Registration Portal within ZippyReg to make changes or updates. Please use the link in your DEST Relay confirmation email.
If you are unable to locate your confirmation email, please click HERE for assistance.
Personal information updates are permitted thru July 1st.
Updates may include: Address, Email, Phone, Emergency Contact Info.
Due to our race weekend production schedule, personal information updates may only be permitted until 11:59PM ET on July 1st. Registration fees are non-refundable.
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Can a team member transfer their entry to someone else if they are not able to run?
Yes. The deadline is July 1st. Transferring your entry requires a $10 handling fee to be paid the new runner at the time of registration.
Pursuant to the waiver signed at the time of registration, your entry fee is non-refundable and *non-transferable, except as permitted herein. We provide the opportunity for a properly registered individual to transfer their entry only under the following conditions.
HOW TO TRANSFER YOUR REGISTRATION: You will need to access your personal Registration Portal within ZippyReg to make changes or updates. Please use the link in your DEST Relay confirmation email.
If you are unable to locate your confirmation email, please click HERE for assistance.
Restrictions - Invitational entries are not eligible for transfer. Your entry will be cancelled if you violate this rule.
*Non-transferable applies to all registrants and prohibits every registrant from giving their bib to a non-registrant without going through the official transfer program.
The first offense of an improper bib transfer outside of the stated transfer period will result in a 2 year ban from the race.
The second offense of an improper transfer outside the stated transfer period will result in a lifetime ban from the race.
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Due to our race weekend production schedule, registration changes (e.g., transferring your entry someone else) will only be permitted until 11:59PM ET on July 1st. Registration fees are non-refundable.
LATE TRANSFERS: If (IF) we are able to accommodate transfers after July 1st the transfer handling fee will increase to $20.
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Can I defer my entry to next year if I’m not able to run?
A limited number of deferrals will be available. The deadline is July 1st. However, this option may reach the limit before the deadline. Deferring your entry requires a $10 handling fee to be paid at the time of the deferral.
HOW TO DEFER YOUR ENTRY: You will need to access your personal Registration Portal within ZippyReg to make changes or updates. Please use the link in your Bridge the Gap Race confirmation email.
If you are unable to locate your confirmation email, please click HERE for assistance.
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Important deferral details:
Race entries may only be deferred for one (1) year from the originally intended race date; race entries may not deferred more than one year. (This means if you defer your entry to next year, you will not be able to defer to a second time to the following year.)
Deferrals apply for race registration only; optional add-ons, club memberships, etc., may not be deferred.
Deferred entries may not be transferred to a new runner.
Once registration opens for next year’s race, you will receive an email from ZippyReg with directions to sign up with a special registration code. Once you have claimed your entry you will receive a confirmation email. The deadline to claim your deferred entry is May 1st.
Deferring your entry does NOT mean that you are automatically signed up for next year’s race. It is the participant’s responsibility to claim their entry by following the directions emailed to them by ZippyReg.
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Due to our race weekend production schedule, registration changes (e.g., deferring your entry to next year) will only be permitted until 11:59PM ET on July 1st. Registration fees are non-refundable.
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Is there a wait list?
Yes. Please contact us to be added to the wait list.
The wait list will be open until June 1st.
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Why is there an entrant capacity?
The Down East Sunrise Trail Relay has a maximum entrant capacity for several reasons including trail permits, emergency management, team support vehicles, finish line space limitations, etc.
Enforcing this entrant caps allows our team to produce a safe, fun and enjoyable event.
Accepting more participants that we can manage would be irresponsible and a disservice to our runners as a whole. Thank you for your understanding.
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What is the cancellation policy?
Entry fees, including optional add-ons, and/or charity donations, are non-refundable. No exceptions. (See transfer and deferral information above.) This no-refund policy is clearly posted and must be agreed to by all entrants at the time of registration. This policy applies to all entrants and is in effect whether the entrant’s plans change, the entrant becomes injured, or if the entrant has an unexpected family emergency / business emergency / medical emergency / or if the entrant is unable to participate for any other reason not already listed above. Once the entrant has paid the entry fee they will not receive a refund if they cannot participate, or if the event is canceled because of weather, natural disaster, public health crisis, unforeseen circumstances, or for any other reason not already listed above. (Income generated from registration is almost entirely expended prior to race day.) Bib numbers, race materials, and/or other incentive items will not be mailed. The race committee reserves the right to accept or reject any entries.
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Team FAQs
Are teams required to maintain a minimum average pace?
Yes. Teams must be able to maintain an overall average pace of 12:00/mile.
The finish line will close at 12:30PM.
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Do teams need to declare which legs each team member is running at race check-in?
No. Race officials do not need to know your leg assignments at check-in. (We understand that this may change after your team is underway.)
Please remember that individual runners who start a leg must finish their respective leg(s) in order for a total team time to be recorded. If a runner is unable to complete an individual leg they must be listed as a DNF for that leg. The team may continue running to the finish in Eastport to collect medals and to continue chasing leg records, but the DNF leg will result in NO total team time as the route was not completed. (We are aware that unexpected injuries can happen that may prevent a runner from finishing, as per all running events, if this happens, it will unfortunately result in a DNF for the team.) Note: If a runner is unsure about their ability to finish a leg, substitutions should happen before the leg begins. Legs may not be split among more than one runner. Race officials will strictly enforce this rule without exception.
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Are the individual legs timed?
Teams are required to self-time individual legs using the using the Team Timing Sheet found on the last page of the Race Handbook. This sheet MUST be turned in to race officials at the finish line. Team who do not turn in their completed timing sheet will face time penalties.
The total cumulative finish time for each team (from when they start the race, until when they finish) will be officially recorded by race organizers and included in the final results.
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Are team members permitted to run consecutive legs?
Yes. Team members may complete as many legs as they wish before handing off to a teammate. However, they must individually record each leg time on the Team Timing Sheet (found on the last page of the Race Handbook).
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Is there a relay baton?
YES! Each team will be issued an official relay baton.
Your Leg 16 runner MUST be carrying the relay baton when crossing the finish line so that we can identify each finishing team for accurate timing.
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Does our team need any other special equipment?
Yes: The following items must be worn during the period from 7:00PM (1-hour before sunset), to 6:00AM (1-hour after sunrise). Teams not wearing the required safety equipment during this time will face time penalties.
Reflective Safety Vest: All team members must have a reflective safety vest that must be worn between 7PM and 6AM if you are running or if you are outside of your support vehicle. (Reflective piping on your apparel or hydration pack is NOT enough considered a reflective vest.)
Red Blinking Safety Light: All team members must have a red blinking safety light to be worn on their back when running between 7PM and 6AM.
Headlamp: All team members must have a working headlamp to be worn facing front when running between 7PM and 6AM.
You are required to bring the above items and present them at race check-in in order to pick up your race materials and to participate. If you do not have these items you team will not be allowed to start the race.
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Course FAQs
Are the miles marked?
The first 85-miles of the course is run on the Down East Sunrise Trail, which has approximate mile markers, stream and bog names, caution X-ing, stop ahead, road names, county line markers, and town boundary lines. (Pretty much everything that could have a sign has one.)
From where the Sunrise Trail ends at Ayers Junction (Mile Post 87 / Start of Leg 14) to the finish in Eastport, the miles are not marked.
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Where are the leg transition areas?
Please see the Course Information page. Leg transition areas are marked with signs.
PDF versions of important course maps and driving directions are available on the Race Day page and are required at race check-in.
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Is the route hilly?
The first 85-miles are run on the DEST, which has a fairly level grade (about 4%) surface that is wonderful for running.
Ayers Junction to Eastport is rolling hills. Please see the Course Information page for elevation profiles of each leg.
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What is the trail surface like?
Miles 1-85:
The DEST surface is rails-to-trail, crushed stone. It is very well maintained by the Sunrise Trail Coalition.
Miles 85-88:
The MATS-206 surface is very much a backwoods ATV trail and is quite rough in places.
Miles 88-finish:
Paved roads.
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Are cars allowed on the DEST or MATS-206?
No. Cars, trucks, vans, etc. are not permitted on the DEST or MATS-206 under any circumstance!
If a team is found driving their support vehicle on the trail the will be immediately disqualified.
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Are bicycles & ATVs allowed on the trail?
Yes. Teams are welcome to bring a mountain bike to help monitor and support their runners.
"The Down East Sunrise Trail was built to be enjoyed by everyone, and it is. I will admit I was worried about ATVs sharing the trail with hikers and cyclists, but my fears have been proven groundless. I have not returned home once from visiting the trail when I have not said, 'every ATV we saw slowed down and waved or nodded!' Everyone I have spoken to that has hiked on the trail has said the same thing. I sincerely hope the ATVers are able to go home and say, 'Every single pedestrian scooted over and waved!' It is for all of us, after all!" - Susan Shaw, Penobscot ME.
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Is the course scenic?
Yes, very!
"There is not a single stretch of trail that is not Maine beauty at its best. It crosses bogs, passes through woodlands of every configuration, parallels streams, rivers and saltwater, and has views of mountains, blueberry fields and cranberry bogs. In the spring it is going to be a birder's paradise with habitat of every possible type from mud flats and beaches to forests and shrub rows. Its bridges go over beaver ponds, marshes, and some of the prettiest creeks imaginable. Although not always readily visible, stone work supporting the trail dates from early RR days. The workmanship and beauty of those arches, supports and spans rivals that of Mr. Rockefeller's bridges in Acadia, although on a much smaller scale. - Susan Shaw, Penobscot ME.
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What kind of course support is there?
Teams must be 100% self-supported. This means your support vehicle should be well stocked with everything your team may need during the run.
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What kind of wildlife might I see?
If you are lucky you could see, Moose, Deer, Bear, Bobcat, Coyote, Fox, Beaver, Eagles, Osprey, Owl and many other birds and amazing creatures.
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Are headphones permitted?
Legs 1-14: YES - The use of Headphones is permitted, but discouraged on Legs 1 thru 14. Please keep the volume turned down low, or only run with one ear bud so you are aware of other runners, trail users and wildlife — remember, DEST is a public multi-use trail that is also open to ATVs. (Foot-traffic, has the right of way.)
Legs 15 & 16: NO - Headphones are NOT permitted on Legs 15 & 16, which are run on local state roads that are open to traffic.
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What else should my team know about the Down East Sunrise Trail?
The relay route starts in Hancock County and finishes in Washington County, which is also called sunrise county and on Saturday morning you will be among the first people in the continental USA to see the sunrise!
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Race Weekend FAQs
What happens if one of our teammates gets injured during the race?
The course is very rural and at times quite isolated. Race officials highly recommend that all runners carry a cell phone and contact 911 and/or their support vehicle if they sustain an injury.
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How will the order of finish be scored?
Final team results will be based on the total accumulated time (start to finish) recorded for each team and not necessarily in the order of finish. (i.e., the first team to cross the finish line may have a slower total elapsed time than a team that crosses the line after them.)
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Are there awards?
All runners who finish as part of a team will be awarded a medal. Final results will be posted.
The overall winning team (by total time) will be awarded the Sally Jacobs Down East Sunrise Trail Relay trophy. This is a perpetual award created by Sally's family in her memory. The winning team's name will be added to the trophy, which will be kept in a location to be determined.
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What are the rules of competition?
It is the Team Captain’s responsibility to make sure that all teammates know and abide by the rules of competition.
All team members must arrive on time to their assigned race check-in and safety briefing.
All teams must have the required safety items, and wear these items during the designated hours.
All support vehicles must have a printed copy of the Race Handbook.
All teams must complete each leg of the the timing sheet to the nearest second.
Individual runners who start a leg must finish their respective leg(s) in order for a total team time to be recorded. If a runner is unable to complete an individual leg they must be listed as a DNF for that leg. The team may continue running to the finish in Eastport to collect medals and to continue chasing leg records, but the DNF leg will result in NO total team time as the route was not completed. (We are aware that unexpected injuries can happen that may prevent a runner from finishing, as per all running events, if this happens, it will unfortunately result in a DNF for the team.) Note: If a runner is unsure about their ability to finish a leg, substitutions should happen before the leg begins. Legs may not be split among more than one runner. Race officials will strictly enforce this rule without exception.
Runners MUST be wearing their bib number to receive a finisher medal. All team members are welcome and encouraged to cross the finish line together with your final leg runner, but you must be wearing your bib number. (Hint: There are usually lots of people taking pictures of the finish and you may want to be changed into running gear, vs your favorite Levi’s.)
Handoffs should happen at the relay exchange marker — not before the marker, and not after the marker.
No cheating! Cheating includes, but is not limited to: skipping legs, cutting the course, accepting a ride on the trail, running as a bandit or as an otherwise unregistered participant, etc. Any teams found to have not completed the entire course on foot will be disqualified and banned from future Crow Athletics events.
Driving support vehicles on the trail is grounds for immediate disqualification.
Zero alcohol tolerance policy. If any member of any team is seen or reported to be consuming alcoholic beverages during the run the entire team will be disqualified immediately, and banned from future editions of this event. (Save your party pants for Eastport!)
Race officials reserve the right to make final decisions regarding results, scoring and awards.
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Other FAQs
What other lodging options do teams have?
We finish in beautiful Eastport Maine and highly recommend you stay Saturday night just as most of our teams do!
START: Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce
INTERMEDIATE: Machias Bay Area Chamber of Commerce
FINISH: Eastport Area Chamber of Commerce
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Who is the a beneficiary of this relay?
The Down East Trail Coalition, who maintain the DEST are the official beneficiary of our event. Additionally, the race supports multiple organizations in the region.
Please see our beneficiary page to learn more or make an additional donation
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Will the race have public health restrictions?
“It's tough to make predictions, especially about the future.”
―Yogi Berra
It is impossible to predict what, if any, public health restrictions or protocols could be needed in the future.
With that said, we will be working with and following the guidance of local and state public health agencies and departments to ensure that the event is considered safe.
Although currently not required, all registered participants should be prepared for the possibility of:
Masking indoors.
Masking in crowded places.
Other public health strategies, yet to be determined.
Although it is impossible to predict the trajectory of a public health crisis, it is possible that the following aspects of the race could be affected:
Race Check In
Volunteers
Finish Line
and possibly more…
It is always the hope of event organizers that the race can be held restriction-free.
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What happens if the race is forced to cancel?
There will be no refunds if the race is forced to cancel due to weather, natural disaster, public health crisis, unforeseen circumstances, or for any other reason not already listed above. Income generated from registration is almost entirely expended prior to race day. (See the full cancellation policy here.)
There will be no virtual race. Race materials will not be mailed.
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#DESTRELAY • run downeast
Crow Athletics is proud to host the Down East Sunrise Trail Relay, the award-winning Mount Desert Island Marathon, and the FREE Millinocket Marathon & Half.