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Mountain Epic

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Sunday, 10/7/12

View the 2010 race results 

View the 2011 race results

View 2011 race photos

2011 athletic guide

2011 Race Recap

The 2011 Mountain Epic has come and gone and Sunday River and Tri-Maine would like to thank the 200+ competitors and volunteers that helped make this years race such a success. It may seem far away, but we are already getting ready for next year. The race will take place on October 7th, 2012. The new start time for next years race will be 9am. If you are interested in registering for the race, scroll down to find the registration form and more information. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you in October!

Peak to Peak Challenge

Mountain Epic is a joint adventure between Tri-Maine and Sunday River that brings trail running to a whole new level, offering athletes the chance to enjoy the mountain lifestyle while conquering tough climbs and stunning descents. 

About the Race

There are three different races that you can choose from:

»   4 miles - 1 peak 
This course is designed for anyone to conquer. It's straight up and straight down,  with great views at the top, and will take between 40 minutes to 80 minutes complete.
Full Description: The way up to North Peak is almost entirely on dirt roads and about 1.5 miles long. The road travels along Lower Lazy River, turns right and crosses Escapade, Northern Exposure, and 3D, then along Last Mile where it turns left on Sensation Work Rd. When runners leave the North Peak aid station they will loop up over Peak Easy and down Dream Maker until they reach Sensation Work Rd and turn left. Runners will get their first taste of twisty, technical single-track trails when they turn off the road and head down the Moose Tack bike trail.  They run along the AP Work Rd for a bit before they turn back into the woods and run along Buck Shot. The berms and jumps on this bike trails are make the trip down fast and fun. As runners emerge from the woods and pass the bridge they’ll cross over Double Dipper and Spectator, take a sharp left turn and pass through the mud pit to the finish line.

»   8 miles - 5 peaks
This course is challenging, to say the least, and will take between 1.5 hours and 2  hours to complete.
Full Description: The 5-Peak course is designed to have one long ascent followed by a quick descent. The first 1.5 miles of this course coincides with the first 1.5 miles of the 1-Peak course. From the North Peak Lodge runners continue up Lights Out and then left onto Aludra until they reach Spruce Peak. They will then run along an old jeep road that starts behind the Spruce Peak patrol shack, and terminates on the backside of Aurora Peak (mile 3). Runners continue on Kansas until they reach Oz. They then turn left on Kansas and run to Jordan Bowl. Runners divert up Cowardly Lion to the peak of Oz and then down Ruby’s Place. One of the most memorable sections of the course will probably be the quick descent down Lollapalooza to the base of Jordan Bowl. In the last 2 miles runners will follow the same course as the 1-Peak course: Sensation Work Rd, AP Work Rd, and the Buckshot bike trail.

  • 8.08 miles
  • 2,481' elevation gain
  • 2,470' elevation loss

»  12 miles - 8 peaks
This is the granddaddy course, covering every peak at Sunday River. It will take  between 2 and 3 hours to complete.
Full Description: Runners start off on the same dirt road as the 1-Peak and 5-Peak course, and then fork to the left near the base of Easy Street. They stay on utility roads all the way up to the base of Heat’s Off, and then start the steep ascent on Heat’s Off and Salvation. This section of the course will be truly epic and hated by most runners, but it’s better to get it done at the beginning of the race when people are fresh. The 8-Peak course is designed so that runners make two significant ascents and descents. The first descent starts from North Peak and goes all the way to the base of Jordan Bowl. The second long ascent takes runners up State-Fair, Cyclone, Aludra, and Sirius all the way up to Spruce Peak. The second descent is a 1,300 ft vertical drop along Lollapalooza. The 8-Peak course is also a figure-8 design with runners double-tracking in opposite directions along a short flat stretch of the Sensation Work Rd. There is a potential for confusion along this stretch since runners from the 5 and 8-Peak courses may be traveling in opposite directions. The last 2 miles of the 8-Peak course follows the same route as the other two events.

  • 12.07 miles
  • 3,361' elevation gain
  • 3,346' elevation loss

There will be a number of aid stations located along the courses stocked with water, electrolyte drink, and snacks.
 
There is a 3 hour time limit for all races.

Awards will be given to:
The top three overall finishers, both male and female, in each race.
Top age category finishers, both male and female.

Age categories:
  • 19 & under  
  • 20-29
  • 30-39
  • 40-49
  • 50-59
  • 60+

Team Prizes are being offered for each race. Teams are any group of four or more people with the same team/club name. The team with the fastest combined time of the top four members wins the prize. 

Festival: Following the race, join in at Sunday River's Fall Festival at the finish line for a live band, BBQ, kids activities, and a glorious beer tent to celebrate the changing of the seasons.

Spectators: Sunday River will be operating the Chondola from the South Ridge Base Lodge up to the Peak Lodge - spectators are encouraged to either join the party at the base lodge during the race, or use the chairlift for a ride up (and/or down) to watch the race on North Peak. Prices for lift tickets are available at the Sunday River website.  

Schedule:

Saturday, October 6th

  • 9:00 am to 11:00 am and 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm - Race packet pickup and Registration, South Ridge Lodge Welcome Center

Sunday, October 7th

  • 7:30 am -- Race packet pickup and registration opens, South Ridge Lodge Welcome Center
  • 8:30 am -- Registration closes
  • 8:50 am -- Mandatory pre-race meeting for all runners at start line
  • 9:00 am -- All races begin on slopeside of South Ridge Lodge
  • 10:00 am -- Post-race party held under the large white tent
  • 12:00 pm -- Award ceremony held under the large white tent
  • 12:11 pm -- All race courses close

Registration

Online registration for the race is now open on racewire.com. Sign up online for individual or team entries. Cost of Entry:
  • 4 miles – 1 peak
                $30 for Individual Entry
  • 8 miles – 5 peaks
                $40 for Individual Entry
  • 12 miles – 8 peaks
                $50 for Individual Entry

Entry fee will include custom designed technical race shirt (short sleeve for 4-mile & 8-mile race, long sleeve for 12-mile race), commerative beer mug, one complimentary post race beer, fully supported marked race course including stocked aid stations and on-trail medical support. 

Entry Fees go up $5 on Race Day (10/7)

Additionally, we are offering a form available for download and mail in registration. Instructions are on the form. Registration will be open the day of the event as long as we still have openings. This race will be capped at 400 racers. On-site registration will take place Saturday & Sunday, October 6 & 7.

Online registration coming soon or Download Registration »  

Get Involved ~ Volunteer Today

Volunteer and race support is needed in the following areas:

  • On-course monitors
  • Checkpoint support
  • Checkpoint timers
  • Athlete registration
  • Finish line timers
  • Venue set up and take down
  • Volunteer check-in
  • Water stations
Get a great shirt and a free lift pass for the day!

No experience is necessary, just bring your smile and be ready to have a great time!  Snacks and beverages will be provided at the race venue.  For more information please contact Nicole Pisani at 207-751-6003 or by e-mail @ nicole@tri-maine.com. Thank you for your interest, and we hope to see you there!

For more information and to sign up to volunteer click on the below link. 

Volunteer registration coming soon  

Stick around and enjoy the mountain festival right after the race!  It’s a fun time for all!

Where to Stay

Sunday River offers two full-service hotels and hundreds of condominiums located right at the resort, with lodging stays available. Check out the Lodging Options available.

Media Gallery

click images to enlarge

Take a look to this "Trail Monster Running" video from the course to get an idea of what this is all about!