Skip to content

Facebook Twitter Instagram

Portland Trails

A Nonprofit Urban Land Trust

70 miles of trails and green space in Greater Portland, Maine.

Our Work
Our Trails
Get Involved
Events
About Us
Donate
Membership

Our Work
Our Trails
Get Involved
Events
About Us
Donate
Membership

Holiday Dash 5K

You are here:

Home
Events
Holiday Dash 5K

December 2023

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2022 Holiday Dash 5K, presented by Martin's Point Health Care!

Each year, over 400 other runners participate in this one-of-a-kind 5K. All proceeds benefit Portland Trails' work to transform Greater Portland into a more walkable, bikeable, sustainable, and equitable place for all. We look forward to seeing you at our 2023 race!

Have a question? Click here for our FAQs!

What's the race course? Click here for a map of the course.

Can I dress up/wear a costume? Of course! Lots of participants do. We always welcome silliness!

Do I have to dress up/wear a costume? Not at all! Wear what you feel comfortable in.

Can I run or walk with my dog or stroller? No. Unfortunately, the race course is too narrow to safely allow strollers or dogs.

Can I sign up if I'm under 21? Yes! We welcome runners and walkers of all ages to participate (just no strollers).

I purchased the post-race brunch add-on. Do I need to bring my ID? Yes! All participants' IDs will be checked at the door. Participants under 21 are welcome at brunch!

Can I volunteer for this event? Yes! Our volunteers help the event run smoothly at every turn. Click here to check out our volunteer opportunities.

Can my company sponsor this event? Yes! Please contact Lindsay Conrad at lindsay@trails.org for more information about sponsoring the Holiday Dash.

Want to be the first to hear updates about the Holiday Dash?

Join our 10K & 5K email list!

Email (required) *

First Name *

Last Name *

Select list(s) to subscribe to10K/5K races

Example: Yes, I would like to receive emails from Portland Trails. (You can unsubscribe anytime)

Constant Contact Use. Please leave this field blank.

By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: PORTLAND TRAILS, 305 Commercial Street, Portland, ME, 04101, https://www.trails.org. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact

Thank you to our 2022 sponsors!

Presenting Sponsor

Snowman Sponsor

Snowball Sponsors

Media Sponsor

In-Kind Sponsor

Portland Trails

A Nonprofit Urban Land Trust

305 Commercial Street
Portland, ME 04101
207-775-2411

portlandmetrails

Portland's nonprofit land trust bringing you 70+ miles of beautiful, accessible trails.
Find your next adventure today! ⤵️

Happy spring! 🌱 Today is the vernal equinox, a

Happy spring! 🌱 Today is the vernal equinox, a day with equal daylight and darkness. Head to your favorite local trail today to celebrate the transition of the seasons 🌞

Why does @backcoveanimalhospital support Portland

Why does @backcoveanimalhospital support Portland Trails?

“We love nurturing the special bond between our clients and their pets. Helping Portland Trails maintain such a beautiful network of pet-friendly trails is an exciting way for us to support that bond, while also investing in our community."
-Matthew and Nicole Fortin, Owners and Veterinarians

Thanks for keeping all our furry friends happy and healthy! 🐶🐱🐹 You can check out their adopted trail in Evergreen Cemetery (moved from the Mid-Slope Trail, pictured here).

We are thrilled to share that Dana Totman has been

We are thrilled to share that Dana Totman has been named our Interim Executive Director! 🎉 He has decades of nonprofit leadership experience, enthusiasm for Portland Trails’ mission, and a passion for outdoor recreation. We’re lucky to have him join our team and help guide the organization through our leadership transition. Welcome, Dana!

To read the @mainebiz article about Dana’s hire, click the link in our bio.

Shoutout to one of our longtime Adopt-a-Trail part

Shoutout to one of our longtime Adopt-a-Trail partners, @bissellbrothers! This fall, they spent a day cleaning up and taking care of the Thompson’s Point Trail, their adopted trail that leads right to their door. Cheers to all @bissellbrothers does to support the trails and urban outdoor spaces! 🍻

In case you missed it, the white trail in the Fore

In case you missed it, the white trail in the Fore River Sanctuary has reopened! All the bridges are back in place (shoutout to our amazing volunteers), so you can resume your runs, walks, and bike rides 😃

Three cheers for our bridge repair crew! 👏👏👏 Today, an awesome group of volunteers helped restore two bridges in the Fore River Sanctuary that had been displaced during last month’s rain and wind storm. The trail is now officially passable once again!

Maintaining the trail network is only possible with many hands. Volunteers make it happen, whether it’s building a bridge or pulling one out of the marsh! Today, we’re feeling extra thankful for everyone who has ever helped us care for the trails.

🔨Volunteer opportunity! 🔨 This Tuesday, Ja

🔨Volunteer opportunity! 🔨

This Tuesday, Jan. 10th from 11am to 1pm, we’re gathering a group of trail volunteers to help reposition several bridges in the Fore River Sanctuary that were moved out of place due to high tides and flooding last month. Your help will make this trail passable once again!

To volunteer, sign up using the link in our bio. Please note that we only have space for a limited number of volunteers.

The perfect spot to reflect on the past year and d

The perfect spot to reflect on the past year and dream up possibilities for the new year ✨ Which trails are your favorite to visit in the winter?

🚫 Due to last Friday’s storm, one of the brid

🚫 Due to last Friday’s storm, one of the bridges in the Fore River Sanctuary has been washed away. The trail is impassible at this time and likely won’t be back to normal for a few weeks. Please be safe and plan your visits to the trail accordingly! Swipe for a map.

If you ever find damage to the trails, let us know! Send us a direct message or send an email to info@trails.org.

Did you know… 🌲 There’s a trail within at l

Did you know…
🌲 There’s a trail within at least half a mile of every residence in Portland!
🌲 The trail network is used over one million times each year!
🌲 In 2022, over 500 volunteers helped maintain 70+ miles of trails!

This year on the trails, families explored nature together, commuters bikes to work, runners enjoyed space to exercise, and every trail user found community, solitude, and peace. Keeping the trail network free, open, and well-maintained is only possible with the support of many in our community. Make your end-of-year gift to Portland Trails today by visiting the link in our bio.

We can’t end the year without thanking one of ou

We can’t end the year without thanking one of our biggest sponsors, @martinspointhealthcare! They’re the Adopt-a-Trail partner of the Presumpscot Falls, they bring a volunteer crew to help with trail work every year, and they are our presenting sponsor for the Holiday Dash 5K! Their partnership is vital to the work we’re able to do each year. Thank you for all you do, Martin’s Point!!! 👏👏👏

This was the reaction of our Fundraising Assistant

This was the reaction of our Fundraising Assistant, Mo, when we told him we reached our $25,000 challenge match 🎉 Thank you to everyone who made new or increased donations! They’ve been doubled by our Board of Trustees.

There’s still time to give to Portland Trails’ 2022 Annual Fund! Click the link in our bio to donate today and support more transformative trail projects in 2023. It would make Mo’s tail wag!

We’re still basking in the glow of last weekend’s Holiday Dash 5K! ❄️ Thanks to everyone who braved the cold for a fun run along the ocean. We’re so grateful to have you all as part of our wonderful community.

There was some extra cheer at the post-race brunch at @riraportland! Thank you to all our beer sponsors for helping our runners toast to a race well run 🍻 @baxterbrewing @foulmouthedbeer @shipyardbrewing @guinness @oronobrewingcompany @foreriverbrewing @risingtidebeer @lonepinebrewing

We're ringing our bells for our Holiday Dash 5K sp

We're ringing our bells for our Holiday Dash 5K sponsors!🛎🎉
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor @martinspointhealthcare for their generous partnership, and their second annual sponsorship of this race! Thank you to Snowman Sponsor @startingline207, and Snowball Sponsors @@floatharder, @cportcu, @machiassavings, and @norwaysavings. Also, a big shout-out to our media sponsor @themainemag and @athleticbrewing! These important partners make this event possible! #holidaydash5k #portlandme #funrun #supportthetrails

It’s almost time for the Holiday Dash 5K! ❄️

It’s almost time for the Holiday Dash 5K! ❄️ There are still a few spots available for you to join us for this silly and chilly winter celebration. The race is THIS Sunday, Dec. 11th at 11am. See you there? 🏃‍♀️

Sign up at the link in our bio!

Thank you for supporting Portland Trails on #Givin

Thank you for supporting Portland Trails on #GivingTuesday! Because of you, we exceeded our fundraising goal 🎉 All the money raised will help us maintain the trail network and create a more walkable, bikeable, sustainable, and equitable for all.

If you missed the chance to give earlier this week, you can still contribute to our 2022 Annual Fund! The link is in our bio.

We completed the #GivingTuesday Forest City Trail

We completed the #GivingTuesday Forest City Trail Challenge!!! 🎉 Swipe to see the six Portland Trails representatives who trekked across Portland today, from the Stroudwater Trail to the Presumpscot Falls, featuring a few furry friends.

We’re on our way to reaching our $10,000 fundraising goal, but we need your help to get there. You can donate at the link in our bio — any new or increased gifts will be matched dollar-for-dollar! We’re so grateful for all the ways you support Portland Trails ❤️

#GivingTuesday is tomorrow, and we’re so excited

#GivingTuesday is tomorrow, and we’re so excited to embark on the Forest City Trail Challenge once again! Six staff members, board trustees, and volunteers will walk, bike, and run the Forest City Trail, relay-style, with the goal of raising $10,000 for Portland Trails. Today, we’re taking a look back at last year’s journey across Portland 🗺

You can help us get a head start by making a gift today at the link in our bio!

We sent Charlie, our Resilience Corps Fellow, and

We sent Charlie, our Resilience Corps Fellow, and Geoff, our seasonal trail crew member, off in true Portland Trails fashion last week! We threw a party in the Gould Street parklet, drank hot apple cider, ate pie for breakfast, and thanked these two hard workers for all they accomplished while working for Portland Trails. Swipe for a silly photo with 75% participation.

Thank you Charlie and Geoff! Good luck with all you do, and keep in touch!

Last Thursday, our Trailside Poetry Reading lit up

Last Thursday, our Trailside Poetry Reading lit up the night ✨ Our poets inspired us to cherish moments in nature with loved ones, fight for the health of our planet, and be present with the beauty that surrounds us. Thank you to our three poets whose words kept us warm all night, Mike Bove, Hailey Talbert, and Samaa Abdurraqib. Thank you to everyone who braved the cold to join us for an unforgettable evening of poetry. And lastly, thank you to our event partners for their help and support, @thetellingroom, @mainehumanities, and @portlandpubliclibrary.

#poetry #poetryreading #naturepoetry #portlandmaine #portlandme #portlandtrails

We hope to see you this evening for our Trailside

We hope to see you this evening for our Trailside Poetry Reading! The event will feature four incredibly talented local poets. Swipe to meet them!

We’ll be gathering at the Fort Allen Park Gazebo at 5pm. Bundle up, bring a chair, and settle in for an evening of beautiful poetry!

Thanks to our event partners, @thetellingroom, @mainehumanities, and @portlandpubliclibrary!

Swipe to see greener days and a bridge transformat

Swipe to see greener days and a bridge transformation! 🛠 Thanks to our Adopt-a-Trail partner @tylertechnologies for all their hard work helping us maintain the Lyseth School Trail this fall!

We are honored to be a partner of @idexx! Last wee

We are honored to be a partner of @idexx! Last week, Lindsay represented Portland Trails at IDEXX’s Community Partner Nonprofit Expo and was surrounded by many other fantastic non-profit organizations throughout Maine. Thanks for supporting the trails, IDEXX!

There’s something about golden hour in November

There’s something about golden hour in November that’s extra golden 🌞🍂 We hope you’ve been enjoying these unseasonably warm days by visiting the trails!

Our Trailside Poetry Reading has a new date! Next

Our Trailside Poetry Reading has a new date! Next Thursday, 11/17, join us at the gazebo in Fort Allen Park for an evening of poetry and nature featuring four talented local poets. Their words will be sure to keep us warm and brighten up the night! ✨

The reading starts at 5:00pm and is free to all. Bundle up and bring a chair!

Thank you to our event partners, @thetellingroom, @mainehumanities, and @portlandpubliclibrary!

Thanks so much to our recent trail volunteers from

Thanks so much to our recent trail volunteers from @gorhamsavingsbank! They spent a day helping build the new Stroudwater Trail extension in Westbrook. In addition to volunteering, Gorham Savings Bank is also one of our Adopt-a-Trail sponsors!

“It was very hard work but extremely rewarding,” one volunteer said. “To make a difference is such a great feeling.”

BEAUTIFUL fall weather welcomed a group of some of

BEAUTIFUL fall weather welcomed a group of some of our Board and Advisory Board trustees on Sunday as we worked together on the new Stroudwater Trail extension. These wonderful humans know what it means to work collaboratively for a great cause. Thank you! #portlandtrails #westbrookmaine #fall #trailworkparty

On an overcast day like today, we thought we’d s

On an overcast day like today, we thought we’d share a peek into the trip our Executive Director, Kara, recently took to Skiathos, Greece for the @worldtrailsnetwork 2022 conference!

In addition to soaking in the gorgeous Grecian scenery, Kara met with 12 Trail Ambassadors from around the world (photo 2) and led a Trails & Cities discussion and problem-solving session (photo 3). “The excitement and enthusiasm for more city trails was palpable!” says Kara.

At Portland Trails, our guiding belief is that tra

At Portland Trails, our guiding belief is that trails are spaces for all to use and enjoy. We focus our resources on trying to reduce social and physical barriers so that all people will feel welcome to use the trails for transportation, recreation, and emotional wellness. Everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, or ability, is welcome on our trails, at our events, and in our spaces. Based on a recent incident, we want to remind our community members that we will not tolerate harassment, exclusion, or hate speech and expression.

With so many inspiring natural spaces nearby, it’s no surprise Greater Portland is abundant with poets! To celebrate this intersection of art and nature, we’re excited to invite you to a Trailside Poetry Reading! Join us next Thursday, 10/13, from 5:30 to 6:30pm for a free poetry reading featuring a slate of local talented poets reading their poems about nature, in nature. We’ll gather at Fish Point on the Eastern Prom Trail. Bring a chair, bundle up, and settle in for an evening of nature and words.

Featured poets: Samaa Abdurraqib, Mike Bove, Mihku Paul, Hailey Talbert, and Evie Smith

Thank you to our event partners, @thetellingroom, @mainehumanities, and @portlandpubliclibrary!

Load More... Follow on Instagram

Sign up for updates from Portland Trails!

Email (required) *

First Name *

Last Name *

Select list(s) to subscribe toE-news

Yes, I would like to receive emails from Portland Trails. (You can unsubscribe anytime)

Constant Contact Use. Please leave this field blank.

By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: PORTLAND TRAILS, 305 Commercial Street, Portland, ME, 04101, https://www.trails.org. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact

Our Work
Our Trails
Get Involved
Events
About Us
Donate

Main 2

Copyright © 2017 Portland Trails