Sports

Millinocket Marathon & Half gives $20K in charitable gifts

MILLINOCKET — Organizers of the Millinocket Marathon & Half are pleased to announce over $20,000 in charitable gifts to 16 local groups and organizations.

The all-volunteer organizing committee representing the race are Gary Allen, David Goodrich, Marsha Hayes, Pattie McNally, and Mary Ropp. Funds were distributed on Monday, Dec. 30 at the Millinocket Memorial Library.

First held in 2015 as a self-timed, glorified flash mob, the race was started to give Maine’s most storied mill town an economic boost after the closing of their major employer, Great Northern Paper Company. Runner’s World Magazine picked up the story shortly after and put the race on the national circuit, attracting runners from all 50 states and beyond. The Maine Sports Commission estimates that the event contributes $2.5 to $3 million annually to the local economy.

Photo courtesy of Kevin R. Morris
RACE START — Runners take off from the starting line in the Millinocket Marathon & Half on Dec. 7. Event organizers gave $20,000 in charitable gifts to 16 local groups and organizations.

“Unlike traditional races, there is no formal entry fee to run. Instead, all participants are 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 event insurance. Any funds raised above and beyond the essential expenses are donated to local charitable groups and organizations,” explained Ropp, volunteer event planner for the race. “The runners really came through this year; we’re excited to have a record amount of donations to share with the community.”

This year’s beneficiaries include Boreal Theater, Center for Wabanaki Healing and Recovery, Fin & Feather Club, East Millinocket Public Library, Friends of Baxter State Park, Katahdin Area Trails, Millinocket American Legion Post #80, Millinocket Elks Lodge #1521, Millinocket Historical Society, Millinocket Memorial Library, Northern Timber Cruisers, Our Katahdin, Penobscot Valley Humane Society, St. Martin’s Food Pantry, Stearns High School Athletics Boosters, and the Unified Performing Arts Boosters.

Save the date: The 2025 Millinocket Marathon & Half is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6. For more information, please visit runmillinocket.com.

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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