Portland Trails Holiday Dash 5K

Holiday Dash 5K

presented by Martin's Point Health Care

On Sunday, December 10th, join us for Portland Trails' annual, one-of-a-kind Holiday Dash 5K! Whether you dress up in a winter-themed costume or keep things more traditional, this race along the Eastern Prom Trail is sure to warm your spirits. You'll be running and walking through snow, shine, wind, or sleet...so dress for the weather! All ages are welcome, and each participant will receive a complimentary giveaway with their registration. We'll have hot cocoa waiting for you after you cross the finish line, but if you'd like something heartier, you can purchase a $15 brunch add-on and join us for a post-race brunch at Rì Rà! A buffet-style brunch and drink ticket are included. (This add-on is only available for 200 race participants, so register today!)

The race begins at 11:00am. Please note that no strollers or dogs are allowed on the race course. 

The Holiday Dash 5K is Portland Trails' largest fundraising event of the year. All proceeds from this race go toward maintaining and caring for the trails you love – all 75 miles of them. That's why this year, you can fundraise for Portland Trails! You'll have the option to set up an individual or team fundraiser when you register. If you do, RunSignUp will generate a donation page and link that you can share with friends, family, and coworkers, and then you'll be on your way to making a huge impact on a local nonprofit. Not to mention, there are some pretty great perks for you if you reach certain fundraising milestones...

• If you raise $100 or more, you'll receive a free race registration to next year's Holiday Dash 5K

• If you raise $500 or more, you'll also receive a hip pack from REI Co-op

• If you raise $1,000 or more, you'll also receive a limited-edition Portland Trails Sea Bag, choice of Medium Tote or Sea Sack

Packet pickup:

Saturday, Dec. 9th:

• Time: 11:00am - 2:00pm
• Location: Finish Strong PT (at Fleet Feet Maine Running), 309 Marginal Way, Portland

Note: We ask that local participants pick up their packets the day before the race in order to allow out-of-town participants pick up theirs on race day morning.

Sunday, Dec. 10th:

• Time: 9:30 - 10:30am
• Location: Rì Rà Irish Pub & Restaurant, 72 Commercial St., Portland

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. We 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.