Join us to run one of Bath's most popular trails in the first ever Thorne Head 4k Trail Run!

The Kennebec Estuary Land Trust is hosting one of the most fun, cheerful, community-led trail runs this fall season. We keep it small so that everyone can have a good time, and so you can really load up on our incredible finisher's fall breakfast: think pumpkin muffins, apple cider donuts, hot coffee, cider, pancakes, bacon. We're not joking around about the breakfast!

Whether it's your first time running trails or you love to get out on midcoast Maine trails every week, there is a space for you at Thorne Head Trail Run!

Your sign up fee goes directly to supporting our local trail system and environmental education with the Kennebec Estuary Land Trust. With your support, we can keep conserving land and making amazing trails that inspire our community to get outside.

Thorne Head Trail Run will have it all: fun single track, nice wide trails, water views, and good company. We won't have winners but everyone will get a one-of-a-kind finishers mug. See you there!

Thorne Head Trail Run is full and closed to registration for 2024. See you next year!

Event Details: Thorne Head 4k Trail Run

schedule and parking:

Parking will be at Bath Middle School, and there will be one bus to the start line. That bus will leave Bath Middle School (6 Old Brunswick Road) at 7:30 am - don’t miss it! It’s your only chance!

At the conclusion of the race, buses will return people to their cars between 8:45 am and 9:40 am on a rolling basis. We’ll give a shout at the finisher’s party whenever a bus is loading up!

How big is the race?

Participation will be limited to 100 runners, so make sure you are signed up for KELT emails to get the alert when registration goes live on July 2.

What is the cost?

Registration is $35 to run, and of course you are welcome to add a donation to your registration ticket to support KELT trails in our community!

What is the course like?

This is a great trail run for beginners and trail lovers alike! It will start with a slight uphill on nice, wide Overlook Trail, then you peel off on Ridgerunner to join the Whiskeag Trail. After that you’ll enter a fun, technical section on the Narrows Trail that will be full of riverfront views, scenic stops, and funky trail features - feel free to stop and admire! The race will finish cruising back down the wide Overlook Trail so you can finish feeling confident and fast. The total distance will be 2.5 miles and 239 feet of elevation gain - short and speedy.

The reason Thorne Head is such a popular preserve is the lovely waterfront trails overlooking the confluence of the Kennebec River and Whiskeag Creek. At this fall race, you’ll be able to enjoy the river while winding through woodlands dotted with large hemlock, tall white pines, and red pines. All this in an area so close to Bath downtown - it’s a really special spot!

tell me about this breakfast.

We know that’s why you’re here. The race is October 26 so we are leaning into Maine fall brunch! When you come across the finish line, you’ll have your pick of fall flavors of donuts and apples from local shops, and we’ll be frying up some hot pancakes and bacon. The finisher’s prize is a one-of-kind mug, yours to fill with hot coffee and cider. We can’t predict the weather in October, but we can lean into the cozy vibes!

since there is busing to the start/finish, can I bring layers or rain gear?

Yup! We’ll have a covered space to drop your bags as the race is going on. Please don’t bring anything precious or that you might be worried about - think layers and hats, keep your valuables on you.

are there bibs or timing chips? can i win?

Not at this race! We wanted to pick a run that highlights our small dedicated community, and not so much to applaud the fastest runner. We won’t have bibs, race numbers, or professional timing - or a first place prize for that matter. Everyone who shows up and finishes the run gets a finisher’s mug, and we like it that way.

for that matter - can I walk this racE?

We welcome all at the Thorne Head Trail Run. If you want to walk/hike the route, we’ll just ask that you start behind our runners at the start, to help with the flow of people on our narrow trails. The buses will stop running at 10 am at the latest, so if you can swing 2.5 miles in two hours, you’ll be a finisher!

are pets or strollers allowed? can kids run?

Unfortunately, the Thorne Head trails won’t support a running stroller (too narrow and rooty) and we can’t have pets in the race. Kids over 10 are welcome to register with a parent signature on the waiver!

What will the weather be like?

Late October in Maine - it could be anything! This event in rain or shine, the only thing stopping us will be lightning. We will have covered tents at the finish but please dress prepared. Because this race is a fundraiser for our trails, if we have to cancel, race registration is non-refundable and we thank you for your understanding.

Are there bathrooms or aid stations?

This course is so short, there will be no aid stations with food or water on the trail. We’ll have volunteers stationed throughout the course to assist runners with wayfinding, photos, and encouragement! We will have two portapotties at the start/finish.

Are there spectators allowed at this race?

Sadly, no spectators at Thorne Head Trail Run! We know… the party is going to stay small and just for the runners. Your supporters can high five you back at parking when the bus brings you back to Bath downtown. If you want to watch a runner in this race, you can position yourself along the course by joining as a volunteer!

I don’t want to run/ i’m injured/I want to be a spectator. can i volunteer?

Yes yes yes! Email Emily, Race Director, at epistell@kennebecestuary.org to volunteer. We’ll have a formal request for volunteers in September - check back here for a form.

Volunteers will have a bus ride just for them from Bath Middle School at 7:00 am to give us time to get ready and do a volunteer briefing before runners arrive.