Holiday Dash 5K

December 11, 2022

The Holiday Dash 5K, presented by Martin's Point Health Care, is a fun and festive race along the scenic Eastern Prom Trail!  

Join over 400 other runners 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. Winter and holiday-themed costumes and attire is welcome but not required. Just be sure to dress for the weather! We'll be running and walking through snow, shine, wind, or sleet. All ages are welcome. Each participant will receive a complimentary giveaway! The race starts at 11:00 a.m.

After this year's race, all participants who purchase a $10 brunch add-on are invited to enjoy a drink and a hearty brunch at Rí Rá Irish Pub & Restaurant following the race (a $30 value)! IDs will be checked at the door. This add-on is available for up to 200 race participants, so register today!

There will be complimentary coffee, hot cocoa, and nonalcoholic beer available at the finish line for all participants to enjoy after the race.

Accessibility information:

Racers who use wheelchairs are welcome to participate! The race takes place entirely on the Eastern Prom Trail, which is wide and paved. The trail conditions are weather-dependent and vary from year to year, but it tends to be slippery where the trail crosses train tracks. Please note that there is a hill on the section of trail near the water treatment facility. If you have any questions about accessibility or would like photos of the race course, please reach out to bailey@trails.org.

Payment assistance:

Northeast Runners Alliance (NeRA) is a non-profit alliance in the running space, actively working to encourage diversity in the northeast running and trail running community. Portland Trails and NeRA believe that racial equity in the running space is imperative, and we recognize that the existing lack of diverse representation, as well as the high expense associated with running shoes, gear, and race entry fees can be major contributors to the lack of participation in the sport.

Northeast Runners Alliance will pay for race entries for immigrant, BIPOC, and low-income runners – we are making running and participating in races more accessible and more diverse.

NeRA is working in partnership with Portland Trails for the Holiday Dash 5K in Portland, ME. Immigrant, BIPOC, and low-income runners of all ability levels are encouraged to reach out to NeRA and request assistance with entry fees to the Holiday Dash 5K. Click here to apply.

Packet pickup:

Saturday, Dec. 10th: Fleet Feet Maine Running (309 Marginal Way), 10:30 am -2 pm. We ask that local participants pick up their bibs and giveaway the day before the race in order to allow out-of-town participants pick up their bibs on race day morning.

Sunday, Dec. 11th: Rí Rá Irish Pub & Restaurant (72 Commercial St.), 9:30 - 10:30 am.

Covid-19 policies:

Portland Trails holds the safety of our staff, participants, and volunteers above all else. We are monitoring the Covid-19 case numbers in Cumberland County and may update our policies if case numbers increase. We will share any changes with all participants in advance of race day. In the event that we cancel the live event, you will have the option of turning your registration (minus a processing fee) into a donation that supports the trails, receiving a refund, or applying the fees to entry into a virtual race.

Current protocol: Masks are recommended at packet pickup and inside Rí Rá.

Volunteering:

The Holiday Dash 5K is Portland Trails' largest fundraising event of the year, and it takes many hands to make it happen! We have plenty of volunteer opportunities available on both Saturday, Dec. 10th and Sunday, Dec. 11th. If you're not a runner but still want to be involved, sign up for a volunteer shift today!