Join Downeast Coastal Conservancy and Bold Coast Runners and wind through the woods and along the river in this trail running event through the Machias River Preserve to celebrate conservation in our community and help raise awareness for the protection of Downeast Maine's wild places.  The Bad Little Trail Run is named from the Passamaquoddy word "Machias" meaning Bad Little Falls in reference to the falls on the Machias river. 

Celebrating 10 years of trail running the Machias River Preserve, we invite you to join us for a 8 mile (ish) point to point trail run from Witneyville to Machias! Conquer it solo or as a 2 person relay team!

Event Starts in Whitneyville and Finishes in Machias at Middle River Park! followed by post-race awards and cookout food and drinks. Stick around for the Down East Sunrise Trail ATV Raffle Drawing, Live Music and games at the Park!

  Your race entry fees includes:

• Finisher gift
• post-race celebrations including a BBQ and Music as part of the Down East Sunrise Trail Community Picnic
• FREE raffle for a RunningWarehouse Gift Certificate and local gift cards
• awards in the following age groups (Top 3 Men and Women, 1st & 2nd Relay Teams, 1st 17 & under, 19-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+)

Course Description:​ 

Eight miles of beautiful single-track through the Machias River Preserve, Down East Sunrise Trail and Middle River Park! See Course Map here and below for interactive map. Featuring:

• NEW for 2026 - 2 person RELAY!
  1st Relay leg is 4.8 miles, second relay leg is 3.2 miles
• Self Serve Water Station at 4.8 miles - Bring your own cup, bottle or hydration pack.

Wind the Machias River Preserve from Whitneyville traversing the Homestead and Heritage trails. Take in the stunning views of the Machias River before trekking across the Down East Sunrise Trail to Middle River Park where you wind through the Second Woods and grassy fields before finishing at the pavillion with music and food!

Registration:

Registration is Open and closes at 5pm Saturday 26 September. 

$30 for the 8 mile run
$25 for each Relay team member

Day of Registration (cash or check) - 
$35 for the 8 mile run
$20 for each person on the Relay Team

⚠ Washington County Youth (17 and under) and Wabanaki tribal members can run for free! Please contact boldcoastrunners@gmail.com for details. 

Limited Day of Registration Numbers are capped (we recommend you sign-up as soon as possible).  If you are unable to run, please let us know as soon as possible so we can open your spot to someone else.

2026 Race Day Timeline:

• 8:00am - 8:45am - Registration, Check-in and Bib pick-up
• 8:50am - Bus Leaves for Whitneyville from Middle River Park
• 9:00am - 8 Mile Race Start
• 11:00am - Awards after the last finisher and Post-race BBQ and Pot-luck refreshments; lets celebrate everyone! 

Covid-19:

We will be complying with all guidance regarding COVID-19 as issued by the Federal and State governments, the RRCA, ATRA, and ACORD, at the time of the event.  In case of change in the official COVID-19 guidance we may make adjustments at short notice but these will be communicated to you in advance.