Blue Hill Mountain Trail Fest!
Event Date: August 1, 2026
“The Trail Fest idea was hatched one early morning on a run up the mountain. It was one of those magical mornings, with a thick marine layer blanketing everything from the Fairgrounds out across Blue Hill Bay and the Narrows and the sun rising beyond Acadia’s peaks. I just thought, ‘more people need the opportunity to see this.’” -Mac Jackson, Founder of Blue Hill Mountain Trail Fest
Whether you’re a runner on the course or a cheerleader on the sidelines, it’s easy to get excited about the Blue Hill Mountain Trail Fest (BHMTF)! Now in its 4th year, BHMTF is a celebration of environment, community, and accomplishment.
Since the earliest human settlement of coastal Maine, Blue Hill Mountain has been a defining feature of regional identity and an enduring local landmark. Awanadjo, meaning “small, misty mountain” was the name given to the mountain by the Penobscot Tribe of the Wabanaki Confederacy. BHMTF creates a perfect opportunity for runners and their supporters to experience this culturally significant, breathtaking mountain and surrounding landscape. Fields of flowers, dense forests, and coastal vistas will be yours to enjoy.
But it’s not just glorious views and health benefits – race origins are deeply rooted in community-building and fellowship. Race founder Mac Jackson explains:
“I felt like the race should be a celebration of the land and the community, and all our race decisions are guided by those principles. By far, my favorite aspect of BHMTF is how supportive and hospitable our volunteers and sponsors are, who are proud to showcase local trails and culture. Our runners come from both coasts, with some even traveling internationally, and while everyone is initially drawn to the race itself, they leave having been welcomed into the community, forever impressed by and grateful for their time spent on the peninsula. Fast friendships are formed on race day, inspiring stories abound, and most importantly, everyone has fun.
In a way, it feels like my opportunity to give thanks for what the community did for me growing up. I’m a GSA graduate (’99), and though I was a soccer and baseball player, we had our fair share of out-and-backs from the athletic fields to the top of the mountain. Now, I get super charged watching current GSA athletes rip through the course, and I love that Coach Dan Kane and Coach Bill Gray– who both coached me in high school– have been integral volunteers at our aid station since our inaugural race. Simply put, it’s my favorite weekend every year.”
Perhaps it will become your favorite weekend too!
Interested in participating?
Runners of all ages and abilities are welcome and can select a 5k, 10k, 25k, or 50k course.
Visit UltraSignup for more information and to register: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=129120
Interested in volunteering?
Email bhmtrailfest@gmail.com
Learn more about BHMTF on their Facebook and Instagram pages
Profits from the race will be transferred to the Wabanaki Alliance.
Thank you to all of our sponsors!
Bangor Savings Bank
Variable Movement
Lynam Real Estate
