Millinocket Marathon & Half
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Magic City FAQs
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Registration FAQs
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Race Day FAQs
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Race Course FAQs
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Other FAQs
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Magic City FAQs
How is Millinocket different than other races?
Entry into the Millinocket Marathon & Half is optional and by donation.
We still produce a highly organized race with one requirement: Don't run Millinocket for what you get, run Millinocket for what you give. Please be generous and kind.
Although there is no formal entry fee, all participants are strongly encouraged to make a donation at the time of registration to support the bare minimum race expenses.
Expenses include race timing, course certification, port-a-johns, bus transportation, and insurance. Anything raised above and beyond our essential race expenses will be donated to local charitable groups and organizations.
The Millinocket Marathon & Half is organized entirely by volunteers who are not compensated for their time. All donations go directly to supporting race expenses and the community.
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How do I make a donation?
If you did not make a donation to support the essential race expenses race at the time of registration, you may do so by clicking HERE. Thank you!
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Where exactly is Millinocket?
Millinocket is located in located in Northern Penobscot County — about 1 hour north of Bangor, Maine.
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What responsibilities do I have after I sign up?
First, make sure that you’re actually signed up by searching the entrants list. (You can learn more about confirming your entry by clicking HERE.)
Second, please don't sign-up unless you are serious about showing up on race day. Although Millinocket is “free”, there are still many associated costs and funds expended when planning for your participation.
If you need to switch race distances, update, or cancel your entry, please do so before November 1st.
We totally understand that life happens, but if your plans change and you can't come, don't be a no-show.
It is very important to officially cancel your registration so we don't spend our very limited (by donation) budget preparing for you.
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Can I organize something on the course such as music, fluids or other support?
Yes! Absolutely! Just show up and do it; this is the spirit of our race! Be sure to leave no trace — consider collecting any trash you see along the course, even if it isn’t yours. Leave Millinocket and our race route better than you found it!
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Can I sell stuff?
No. The race was created to help the struggling Katahdin region. If you are not a Millinocket-area group, business or resident you may not sell things.
If you are a local to the Katahdin region and you would like to apply for permission to use the race name and logo, please click HERE.
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I know the race is free, but is there a way to order a finisher medal?
Yes! Commemorative medals are available for pre-paid order from Dave The Woodworking Guy. Click HERE to order your medal today!
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Why should I stay plan to stay overnight both berofre and after the race?
Not staying is in the Katahdin region both before AND after the race means you’ll miss out on a huge part of the event! We encourage you to stay and have fun, then plan for a leisurely drive home on Sunday. (remember Millinocket is a Saturday race!)
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Where did the name ‘Magic City’ come from?
At the turn of the 20th century, the largest paper mill in the world was rapidly constructed in Millinocket. The town in the Maine Woods grew quickly to accommodate the influx of immigrants and earned the nickname of "The Magic City" since it seemed to grow as if by magic! (The video below is just under 2-minutes.)
The Great Northern Mill closed in September 2008, and the smoke stack of the largest paper mill in the world was demolished in November 2014.
“It's kind of like closure, because now everybody gets the reality of knowing that there is no mill. There will be no mill. There's no more paper making operation that's ever going to happen in this town, and we've got to go ahead and try to move forward.” -Town Councilor Michael Madore
The first running of the Millinocket Marathon & Half in December 2015.
Click HERE for a historical timeline of Maine's Biggest Small Town.
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Is there a way I can further support the spirit of the Millinocket Marathon?
Yes. If you are not running or you didn’t chip in at time of registration but would love to support the race please click HERE to make a donation to help cover our race expenses.
Although there is no formal entry fee, all participants are strongly encouraged to make a donation at the time of registration to support the bare minimum race expenses.
The Millinocket Marathon & Half is organized entirely by volunteers who are not compensated for their time. All donations go directly to supporting race expenses and the community.
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Registration FAQs
How do I cancel my entry?
Please keep in mind that although our race is free, there are still many costs associated with your entry. There are also entrant capacities for both events. If you are unable to run, please cancel by November 1st. Thank you!
HOW TO CANCEL YOUR REGISTRATION: You will need to access your personal Registration Portal within ZippyReg to make changes or updates. Please use the link in your Run Millinocket confirmation email**.
If you cannot find your confirmation email, click the red 'help me retrieve the code' button found on this page.
**Sea to Summit Race Series (S2S)—If you signed up for Millinocket via S2S, please contact the friendly folks at ZippyReg for assistance with canceling your entry.
Please keep in mind that although our race is free, there are still many costs associated with your entry. If you are unable to run, please cancel before November 1st. Thank you!
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When does registration close?
Registration is limited. Both events have filled to capacity in the past as early as August. If you are planning to run with us we recommend registering early.
No new registrations will be accepted after November 1st.
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Is there a list of confirmed entrants?
Yes. Please click HERE to search the confirmed entrants list.
If you know your friend is planning to run, make sure that they’re signed up.
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Can I view / update my registration information?
Yes. The deadline is November 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 Run Millinocekt confirmation email*.
If you are unable to locate your confirmation email, please click HERE.
*Sea to Summit Race Series (S2S)— If you signed up for Millinocket via S2S, you will need to use your MDI Registration Portal to view / update your registration information. (Click HERE for more info.)
Due to our race weekend production schedule, personal information updates may only be permitted until 11:59PM ET on November 1st. No exceptions, sorry!
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Can I switch my registration from one race distance to another?
Yes, providing the desired race has not yet reached capacity. The deadline is November 1st.
HOW TO SWITCH RACE DISTANCES: You will need to access your personal Registration Portal within ZippyReg to make changes or updates. Please use the link in your Run Millinocekt confirmation email*.
If you are unable to locate your confirmation email, please click HERE.
*Sea to Summit Race Series (S2S)— If you signed up for Millinocket via S2S, you will need to use your MDI Registration Portal to switch race distances. (Click HERE for more info.)
Due to our race weekend production schedule, race distance changes will only be permitted until 11:59PM ET on November 1st. After November 1st you will need to make any changes in-person at bib pick-up.
Please be advised: At the request of the race timer, participants may not switch distances mid-race and be officially scored.
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Can I transfer my entry to someone else if I am unable to run?
No. Managing transfers is quite a lot of extra work for our registration host and for our race staff. Given that the race is free, transfers are not permitted.
Pursuant to the waiver signed at the time of registration, your registration is non-transferable. Non-transferable applies to all registrants and prohibits every registrant from giving their bib to a non-registrant.
Improper bib transfers will result in a ban from the race.
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Can I defer my entry until next year if I am unable to run?
No. Managing deferrals is quite a lot of extra work for our registration host and for our race staff. Given that the race is free, deferrals are not permitted.
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Is there a waiting list of applicants who are added due to cancellations?
In the event that a race fills to capacity, there might be a wait list. Details will be posted HERE.
The registration deadline for all participants is November 1st. (No wait list will be offered after 11/1.)
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Why are there entrant capacities?
The Millinocket races have a maximum entrant capacity for several reasons including insurance, municipal permits, emergency management, transportation, etc.
Enforcing these 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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Why is there a deadline for updates, race switches, and cancellations?
Due to our race weekend production schedule, the deadline to update your registration, switch race distances or cancel your entry is November 1st. After this date, our team is actively planning for your participation. Bib numbers are assigned and the entrant database is finalized, and sent on to various printers, as well as the race timers. Your emergency contact information is shared with local EMS agencies. We wish we could make exceptions beyond November 1st, however, we simply cannot. Thank you for your understanding.
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What is the cancellation policy?
The Millinocket Marathon & Half is organized entirely by volunteers who are not compensated for their time. All donations go directly to supporting race expenses and the community.
Although there is no formal entry fee to run the Millinocket Marathon & Half, all participants are strongly encouraged to make a donation at the time of registration to support the bare minimum race expenses. These expenses include race timing, course certification, port-a-johns, bus transportation, and insurance. Anything raised above and beyond our essential race expenses will be donated to local charitable groups and organizations.
Donations, including optional add-ons, are non-refundable. No exceptions. 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 made payment 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 donations is almost entirely expended prior to race day.) Race materials will not be mailed. The race committee reserves the right to accept or reject any entries.
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Race Day FAQs
Where and when does each race start?
MARATHON
Marathon Start Time - 10:00AM
Marathon Start Location - 31 Penobscot Ave
Located at the south end of Veterans Memorial Park, near the intersection with Elm Street and Katahdin Ave. (Up the hill from the log trucks & common finish line.)
HALF-MARATHON
Half-Marathon Start Time - 10:10AM
Half-Marathon Start Location - 33 Penobscot Ave
Located at the common finish line, between the log trucks.
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Is there a course time limit?
Yes. The finish line will close at 3:30PM, per public safety officials and insurance. Sunset is at approximately 3:50PM. It is simply not safe to have participants on the open road once it’s dark.
Marathon - There is an 5:30 time limit [5-hours and 30-minutes] beginning at 10:00AM.
All Marathon participants must be able to maintain an average pace of 12:36/mile.
Marathoners who feel unsure or unable to maintain the required pace should officially request to switch to the half-marathon at bib pick-up.
At the request of the race timers, participants may not switch distances mid-race and be officially scored.
Marathon participants who have not completed the first lap by 12:30PM should not continue on to lap two.
There is NO early start.
There is NO official sag-wagon.
Half - There is an 5:20 time limit [5-hours and 20-minutes] beginning at the 10:10AM start.
All Half participants must be able to maintain an average pace of 24:26/mile.
There is NO early start.
There is NO official sag-wagon.
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Where is parking available on race day?
If you're not staying at one of the hotels in-town on the shuttle bus route, please park at either Stearns High School or Tractor Supply and take the FREE shuttle bus to the start/finish area. Please see the Schedule of Events page for more information.
There is NO parking near the race start/finish.
Do NOT attempt to park on Penobscot Avenue or Poplar Street; this is the race course!
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Is there shuttle bus transportation for runners and spectators?
Yes. Please see the Schedule of Events page for more information.
Using these buses will allow us to grow our event. We strongly encourage you to use the provided bus transportation.
Click HERE to make a donation to support the race expenses, including bus transportation.
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Is there a bag check?
Yes. Please see the Schedule of Events page for more information.
Runners are limited to one small, self-supplied bag.
Neither race organizers, nor volunteers are responsible for stolen or missing items. It is recommended that participants leave valuables in their car or hotel room.
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How has the weather been in the past?
Please keep in mind that the race is held in December in Northern Maine. It is traditionally quite chilly! Plan accordingly.
Race day temps average from about 18F to 33F. (2015 was very mild, while 2016 was arctic.) Click on each year below to see a detailed weather report for the day:
2023 • 2022 • 2021 • 2019 • 2018 • 2017 • 2016 • 2015
The race will happen rain, snow, or shine. However, if the weather is deemed to be dangerous, we reserve the right to shorten or adjust the course as necessary. (The 2016 edition featured single-digit air temps with a sub-zero windchill! Both races were still held in their entirety.)
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Does the race provide childcare?
No. Unattended children are NOT permitted. If you are unable to find childcare on race day you should NOT run.
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Race Course FAQs
Where can I view the course map and profile?
Click HERE to view course map and profile.
The course is a 13.1-mile loop. One loop for the Half-Marathon, two loops for the Marathon.
The first mile exiting town on Poplar Road is a paved climb. The next six-miles are run on the Golden Road, which is a gravel, privately owned logging road. The race secures permission to run on the Golden Road via multiple permit applications, both which require additional insurance. (Click HERE to make a donation to support the race expenses, including required insurance.) The final six-miles are a run on the paved Millinocket Lake Road. Runners MUST keep to the LEFT side of the road, facing oncoming traffic.
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Is the Marathon course USATF certified to qualify for Boston?
Yes. Following the second edition in 2016 we were able to successfully raise the necessary funds to have the race course USATF certified, making it a Boston, NYC and Chicago Marathon qualifier.
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Are there water stations on the course?
Water stops are not guaranteed. (Reminder: The race is a free, all-volunteer grassroots effort!) However, in the past there have been multiple runner driven pop-up affairs!
If you require certain fluids on a certain schedule, it is recommended that you plan to carry what you might need. Otherwise appreciate what might be offered, or plan to organize a water stop with your friends!
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Are there restrooms on the course?
Yes. Port-a-johns will be available in the Veterans Memorial Park at the start/finish area. Additional port-a-johns will be available along the course.
Click HERE to make a donation to support the race expenses, including port-a-johns.
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Are headphones/headsets allowed?
Noise cancelling headphones are strictly prohibited! Other headphones are allowed, but discouraged. In accordance with revised regulations of USATF, this event no longer bans the use of headsets while participating in our events. (Except for athletes competing for cash prizes; see below.)
However, the MIllinocket Marathon & Half recognizes the potential danger of wearing such devices as parts of our course are shared with auto traffic and strongly urges participants NOT to use headphones.
If you still insist on wearing headphones, please keep the volume turned down low, and only run with one ear bud so you are aware of other participants and vehicular traffic.
According to Road Runners Club of America's tips for running safety:
"Don't wear headphones. Use your ears to be aware of the surroundings. When using headsets, you lose the use of an important sense: your hearing. Always stay alert and aware of what's going on around you. The more aware you are, the less vulnerable you are."
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What items are NOT allowed on the course?
There are a number of items that are not allowed on the course including:
Baby joggers / strollers.
Animals.
Participants running in the opposite direction of the race.
Unregistered runners (bandits) not wearing a bib number.
Roller skates / roller-blades.
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After the race starts, can spectators follow along on Golden Road in motor vehicles?
No. Only official or emergency vehicles with permits will be allowed on Golden Road after the race starts. This will be strictly enforced to help keep runners safe/separated from expected heavy spectator traffic.
Spectators may drive out the paved part of the course (Millinocket Lake Road) toward Baxter State Park and turn RIGHT into Huber Road and park and walk to Golden Road to cheer on or support runners. (Do NOT turn left onto the race route!)
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Can a friend who isn’t registered to participate jump in and run with me for a few miles? Or can I have a faster friend pace me, even though they are not registered to run?
No. Only registered participants may run on the race course. Unregistered runners are considered bandits, and banditing is strictly prohibited.
Unauthorized pacing by a bandit or bandits will result in immediate disqualification of the registered runner, and a ban from future editions of our race for all involved runners.
Under no circumstances should unregistered runners line up in the starting field, run the race course, and cross the finish line. When a runner finishes the race and the race timers don’t get a time on that runner, they have to stop what they’re doing to chase after the ‘finisher’ and figure out why that didn’t get a read for them. If the ‘finisher’ in question is an unregistered runner (a bandit), they are effectively distracting the race timers, who might then miss a registered runner who, for whatever reason, didn’t get a read from their timing chip when they crossed the finish mats. There are a lot of valid reasons to NOT be a bandit.
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Other FAQs
What is next year's race date?
The Millinocket Marathon & Half is held on the first Saturday of December. Our next three race dates are as follows:
December 6, 2025
December 5, 2026
December 4, 2027
You may sign up to be notified when registration opens for next year’s race by clicking HERE.
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If didn't register can I "bandit" or use someone else’s bib number?
No.
"Banditting" or "rogue running" a race is not allowed for many reasons. First, race officials have set a participant limit on the Millinocket races to ensure that runners, volunteers, spectators, and local residents have a safe and enjoyable experience. By running as a bandit, you're making the course more congested and less safe for runners that followed the rulles and signed-up in advance.
Banditting includes, but is not limited to: Running some or all of the race course without a bib number that is rightfully registered to yourself; running the race course in the opposite direction; unauthorized pacing.
While it may seem like no big deal to give or sell your race bib to another person, it does present serious consequences to both the race organizers and the participant field alike. Race results can be impacted and medical staff might not be able to identify a participant in need of treatment on the course. It is imperative that the person wearing the bib and taking part in the race is the same person that is in our registrant database.
Under no circumstances should unregistered runners line up in the starting field, run the race course, and cross the finish line. When a runner finishes the race and the race timers don’t get a time on that runner, they have to stop what they’re doing to chase after the ‘finisher’ and figure out why that didn’t get a read for them. If the ‘finisher’ in question is an unregistered runner, they are effectively distracting the race timers, who might then miss a registered runner who, for whatever reason, didn’t get a read from their timing chip when they crossed the finish mats.
If a person is caught wearing a bib that is registered to someone else, both parties will be banned from participating in future editions of the Millinocket Marathon & Half-Marathon, Crow Athletics events. The person wearing the bib will also be disqualified from any official results.
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What is "good race etiquette"?
If the Millinocket Marathon & Half-Marathon is your first race, or if you're still new to the sport, you may not be familiar with some of the "rules" — both stated and unwritten:
Register for your spot: Running in a race that you haven't officially registered for, also called "banditing" (see above), is not fair to race organizers, volunteers, and especially the people who followed the rules and signed-up in advance. It's also unsafe, since race organizers plan their course amenities, such as medical assistance, based on the number of people who have signed up for the race. Overcrowded race conditions can lead to falls and other problems. Don't do it.
Don’t run with someone else’s bib number: Race organizers must work very closely with the local Emergency Management Agency and supply an entrant database to all area EMS departments. This database includes all runners first and last names by bib number, along with the corresponding emergency contact information for each participant. If a runner wearing your bib has a medical issue, we won’t be able to help them as effectively if we don’t know them. If you run using someone else’s bib, we don’t know you, so you’re at risk as well. You get the idea. Run only with your own race number—period. If we find you doing otherwise, you and anyone else involved risk being suspended from future Millinocket races.
Line up properly: The Millinocket races are a small affair and since there are no starting corrals, runners must 'self-seed' themselves at the starting line. Nothing is more annoying to a runner at the start of a race than having to weave around slower runners after the gun goes off. Faster runners should line up at the front of the starting line, slower runners and walkers at the back. If you are unsure if you are lined up in the right place, ask some of your fellow nearby competitors their anticipated pace, and if it's faster than yours, move further back. The Millinocket races are chip-timed, so the time it takes you to reach the starting line won't count in your final net time.
Don't jingle: Don't carry loose change or a set of keys in your pocket. Although it may not bother you, the constant jingling can be really annoying to those who are running near you.
Don't block the running path: If you're running with a group, don't run more than two abreast (2 runners side-by-side), so others can pass you.
Show volunteers appreciation: Please say "Thank You!" to race volunteers who help you. They're volunteering their time and the race would not be successful without them.
Thank supporters, too: Acknowledge race spectators who cheer for you as you pass them. If you're too tired to say "thanks," show them a smile, wave, or give them a thumbs up. It will make them feel good and encourage them to keep rooting for others.
Use caution at fluid stations: Water stations can get a bit chaotic and crowded. Use caution when running into a water stop and make sure you're not cutting off other runners or spilling water on them. If you're going to stop or slow down to walk through the water stop, make sure there's not a runner behind you.
Keep moving at the finish: Don't immediately stop at the finish line or in the chute for a selfie. There will be runners coming in right behind you, so keep going until it's safe to come to a stop.
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What are the terms and conditions to participate?
Participation - Running a road race is a potentially hazardous activity. Runners should be medically able and properly trained to participate in the Millinocket Marathon & Half. The runner understands the risks associated with running this event, including, but not limited to, weather, traffic, course conditions and surfaces, falls and contact with other runners, volunteers, or spectators.
Medical Support - Medical support for this event will be provided by volunteer personnel who may be called upon to provide assistance, including first aid, during or after the event. Medical volunteers will assist participants as necessary or appropriate. By entering a running event and participating, the entrant agrees to treatment by medical personnel, and also agrees to accept medical decisions about the entrant's fitness to participate or continue in the race.
Course Time Limit - The finish line will close at 3:30PM, per public safety officials. Sunset is at approx. 3:50PM. It is not safe to have participants on the course after the sun sets. There is NO early start.
Drug Testing - Athletes who participate in this competition may be subject to formal drug testing in accordance with USA Track & Field rules and IAAF rule 144. Information regarding drugs and drug testing may be obtained by calling the USOC Hot Line at 1-800-223-0393.
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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:
Volunteers
Transportation
Bib pick-up
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 optional donations 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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What is the history of Millinocket?
Millinocket’s Historical Timeline, courtesy MaineBiz
Native History: For 10,000 years Millinocket was inhabited solely by Native Americans. Millinocket is a Native American word (Abenaki) that means “the land of many islands.”
1829: Thomas Fowler arrives as the first settler of what would eventually become Millinocket. He worked with his family to clear land, build a log cabin, and start a farm on the West Branch of the Penobscot River.
1846: Fowler and his son, Thomas Fowler Jr., were hired by author Henry David Thoreau to be guides on a trip to Mount Katahdin. Later, Thoreau would write about the area in his book titled “The Maine Woods”.
1894: Bangor and Aroostook Railroad completes its line to Houlton, providing rail service to the area.
1898: Preliminary work by surveyors begins in Indian Township No.3 for the Great Northern Paper Co. mill.
1899: GNP Co. forms and construction on the mill begins, with a crew of 1,000 by August. The mill was built by hundreds of Italian immigrant stonemasons and laborers.
1900: The town's population reaches 2,000 residents, including 432 Italian natives, as well as immigrants from Poland, Finland, Lithuania, and Hungary. Additionally, French Canadians came from along Maine’s northern border. The region grew so quickly that the small township was dubbed “The Magic City”.
November 9, 1900: The first newsprint is made on No. 7 paper machine.
March 16, 1901: The Legislature enacts the charter for the town of Millinocket.
1911: Millinocket's population hits 5,000.
1936–37: Great Northern Paper Company is the largest newsprint mill in the world.
1970: Census reports Millinocket's population has reached 7,672.
1971: GNP Co. completes construction of the 97-mile Golden Road that parallels the West Branch Penobscot River from Quebec to its mill at Millinocket. This ended the practice of floating logs down the river via log driving, and instead shipped them by truck.
1973: The average annual gross manufacturing wage in Millinocket is $11,951, roughly $64,000 in today's dollars, compared to a state average of $7,050 (about $38,000 in 2018 dollars).
1989: Georgia Pacific launched a hostile takeover of Great Northern Paper.
1991: Georgia Pacific sells its Maine holdings to Bowater Inc of South Carolina.
1999: Canadian company Inexcon acquires the company.
Jan. 9, 2003: Great Northern Paper files for bankruptcy. Brookfield Asset Management acquires the company.
2008: The company lays off workers, then closes in September.
2010: The town's population is 4,466, according to the U.S. Census; it is projected to be 2,300 by 2020.
2011: Cate Street Capital buys the mill, eventually razing buildings and auctioning off machinery to pay back taxes.
2013: The town puts more than 60 tax-acquired homes on the market for bargain prices in an attempt to recoup tax revenue.
February 2014: East Millinocket mill closes for good.
August 2014: The iconic smokestacks and major buildings on the mill site come down; The New York Times publishes an article that says, “In some ways, the town seems as if it has frozen, with little economic growth to replace what was lost. It is hobbled by the isolation that was necessary to its founding.”
March 2014: The town seeks to raze at least 12 homes it couldn't sell.
October, 2014: Urban planning consultant Charles Buki, of CZB LLC, Alexandria, Va., visits for a pro-bono assessment after reading the New York Times article.
December 2014: Our Katahdin forms, a non-profit community-driven group that stresses “small wins” and crowdfunding; its first project is renovation of the Millinocket downtown bandstand in time for a Christmas lighting.
January 2015: Buki writes an open letter, published in Downeast magazine, telling Millinocket “the days of good jobs with little education are over” and that the town has to “invest in yourselves, because if you don't, no one else will, nor should they.”
July-September 2015: The library closes for three months because of lack of funding; it reopens after a fundraising effort and an agreement to be run by the Friends of the Millinocket Memorial Library.
August 2015: Katahdin Revitalization, a volunteer group focused on boosting the economy of Millinocket, East Millinocket and Medway, forms.
December 2015: 52 runners take part in the first Millinocket Marathon, organized by Gary Allen of Mount Desert Island; in lieu of a registration fee, runners are asked to spend money in the Katahdin region.
2016: The town's population is estimated to be 4,299
December 2016: The Millinocket Marathon draws 552 runners and is the topic of a Runner's World article.
Jan. 12, 2017: Nonprofit Our Katahdin buys the 1,400-acre mill site and other former mill property for $1, taking on a $1.4 million federal tax bill and $160,000 in back real estate taxes owed to the town.
September 2017: Library gets $500,000 grant from Next Generation Foundation to help with $1.5 million renovation project.
October 2017: Northern Forest Center announces plans to buy, renovate and rent out 10 houses in the downtown area as a workforce housing initiative.
December 2017: Some 1,856 runners register for the third Millinocket marathon; about 1,000 former GNP workers in Millinocket and East Millinocket are paid a small portion of vacation, severance and pensions they earned at the two mills.
Sources: Millinocket Historical Society; Bangor Daily News; Our Katahdin; Mainebiz
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#runMillinocket
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.