The 2024 Gorham Savings Bank Maine Marathon drew a large number of runners from 49 U.S. states, along with Canada and China. Of these, 62 runners were from Gorham, including the first place winner, Ryan Jara.
This year marks the third year in the books for the Great Falls Maine Marathon Relay Team, a team of teachers from Great Falls School in Gorham. The team of Great falls teachers was put together three years ago by second grade teacher, Heather Dupuis.
She said, “We each run one leg of the race that is the total distance of a complete marathon. The last two years we ran in honor of Kim Kelly-Brewster’s brother who passed away. Our team name has been “Running for Rick” (her brother’s name).
A day after the marathon, Dupuis told us, “The excitement, compassion, and camaraderie within our team and all marathon runners is amazing! I look forward to it each year.”
Kim Kelly-Brewster added, “Our team, “Running for Rick” ran in memory of my brother Rick Jason Dorman yesterday. It was a beautiful day and experience at the Maine Marathon for our family and friends. Thank you team for making this happen. Rick would be so honored to have this support.”
Todd Gagnon tells it this way, “The marathon itself is a wonderful event. Our team has been involved for several years. Running in the memory of a loved one makes this marathon mean even more to us.”
Will York, special education teacher at Great Falls added, “I love running with this incredible group of friends and Great Falls educators! Running in Rick’s memory is an honor and I am glad to be a part of it with these three amazing people.”
The Maine Marathon is an annual event. Next year’s date is set for Oct. 5, 2025. The Marathon has raised a total of $7,000,000 for charity since 1997. The featured beneficiaries for the 2024 race are the Percival P. Baxter Foundation, Maine Paws for Veterans, Maine Senior Games, Riding to the Top: Therapeutic Riding Center, Saltwater Classroom, and Strong Girls United.
Founded in 1979, the Gorham Savings Bank Maine Marathon, Half Marathon and Marathon Relay is one of New England’s longest running marathon events. Wrapping around Portland’s Back Cove neighborhood and up the scenic Maine coast to Yarmouth, this out-and-back course is known for its rolling hills, peak fall foliage and stunning views of Portland and the Atlantic Ocean.
The race is comprised of three unique events, all of which start and finish along Baxter Boulevard in Portland’s scenic Back Cove.
Marathon
A USATF certified course and Boston Marathon qualifier, the Maine Marathon is a runner-friendly, scenic marathon course that attracts racers of all levels, including elite runners from Maine, across America and around the world.
Half Marathon
USTAF certified, the Maine Half Marathon follows the same course as the marathon for the first 6.5 miles before breaking off and returning back toward Portland.
Marathon Relay
Perfect for groups and charity fundraisers, this event allows teams of up to four people cover separate legs of the course. Relay exchange stations and convenient shuttles make this event a favorite.
For more information about the Maine Marathon, or to get involved, visit https://mainemarathon.com/.