Race Day Information - Lincoln Marathon & River Driver 50 Miler
Sunday, September 20, 2026 · Lincoln, Maine
Race day is coming to Lincoln. On Sunday, September 20, 2026, the Maine Endurance Sports Alliance (MESA) brings the Lincoln Marathon Running Festival— Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K — to downtown Lincoln, along with the Penobscot River Driver 50 Miler for the ultra crowd. To make your race morning as smooth as your stride, we've published a complete Race Day Questions & Answers page covering everything from the starting gun to the finisher's medal.
Here's a preview of what runners are asking — and the answers.
What time do the races start?
The River Driver 50 Miler leads the day with a 4:30 AM start. The Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K all start together at 7:30 AM.
Where do the races start and finish?
All races start at the corner of West Broadway and Main Street in downtown Lincoln — look for the Loon statue, one of the town's best-known landmarks. Every distance finishes at scenic Prince Thomas Park on the lake, where post-race food and a well-earned cool-down dip await.
Where do I park?
Parking is very close to both the start and the finish line. Parking maps will be distributed to all registered runners before race day, so you'll know exactly where to go before you leave home.
When is bib pickup?
Bib pickup happens Saturday, September 19, the afternoon before the race, close to the starting line in Lincoln. There is also race-morning pickup for runners arriving Sunday. Full details are on the Race Day Q&A page.
What about water and facilities on the course?
Water stations are positioned every 3 miles along the route. Portapotties are located at the finish line, the Half Marathon turnaround, and the Full Marathon turnaround.
Do finishers get medals?
Every runner crosses the line to a finisher's medal. Podium winners in the Full Marathon and Half Marathon also take home an award plaque. And 2026 brings two special challenges: the Run the Highlands medal for completing both the Bangor Marathon and Lincoln Marathon, and the Vacationland Triple Crown for completing three of MESA's four marathon events this year.
A flat, fast, Boston-certified course — with no time limit
The Lincoln course is flat, straight, and fast — ideal for personal bests. The Full Marathon and Half Marathon are USATF sanctioned and Boston Marathon certified, so your qualifying time counts. And there's no time limit: MESA wants every runner, at every pace, to reach the finish line at Prince Thomas Park.
Ready for race day?Get every answer in one place on the Lincoln Marathon Race Day Q&A page, and secure your spot at RunSignUp. We'll see you at the Loon.
The Maine Endurance Sports Alliance (MESA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting endurance sports in Bangor, Augusta, Waterville, and Lincoln, Maine. Learn more at mesa-maine.org.
