can I participate if I don’t want to run?

Oh yes! So many other options:

Come early to cheer on the kids and adults running the shorter races on the track. Gather beside the track by the grandstand at 10:30 and be ready for an exciting show! We’d love a huge crowd.

Come walk the 5K at noon.

Skip the races and enjoy the farmer’s market and cheer for your runners.

Or, if you would like to be a volunteer, sign up at the top right and help us make race day a positive memory for all.

why should I do both the mile race and 5k?

It is super rare for racehorses to compete twice in one day. Maybe you are looking for a unique challenge! We have designed this option for serious runners. The runner with the top combined time gets a special award worthy of a race horse!

What makes this 5K unique?

This cross-country race takes you all around Cumberland’s historic fairgrounds. You’ll run/walk through a farmer’s market, down dirt roads, through the woods and past livestock barns. The three loop course ends on the horse racetrack for an exciting finish! You’ll see racehorse hoof marks in the dirt your whole way!What could be more inspiring than that!

who is the race benefiting ?

This is an entirely volunteer run race benefitting Maine farms. The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) is our primary beneficiary. The race proceeds will also support Cumberland Farmer’s Club, Maine 4H, Valor Youth Program and Local Farms participating in the Farmer’s Market and benefitting from MOFGA’S work.

can you share the parking details ?

There is plenty of parking across from the fairgrounds. Please look for a parking attendant for direction and be careful crossing Blanchard road. So we can attend to runners during the 5K, we ask that everyone stay parked during the 5K from 11:45-1:15.

who is promoting the race.

This is an inaugural Valor Track Club race. The idea was first dreamed up by Pamela Cates who wanted to do something to help Maine farms impacted by a changing Federal funding landscape. Pam hosts weekly summer yoga classes with her pigs to benefit local nonprofits at Talulah’s Garden in Gray. Stop by her nature based community gathering space for a class as part of your training. Hope Hall of Sunflower Farm and Paige Mills of Valor Track Club were excited to team up with Pam to make this vision a reality. Many additional volunteers helped get the race to the finish line.

I want to help Maine farms, but I’m away that day. How can I support this fundraiser?

Thanks for your willingness to help us support Maine farms so they can remain a vibrant part of our state culture and economy. Sign up to run our virtual 5K for Maine Farms over Labor Day weekend and please report out on our social media how it goes! Or find a farm near you and buy local treats from them this year! We so appreciate you.

Are there any opportunities to train together?

Yes! We are all about community!

Stop by Pam’s…Yoga classes outside with the pigs. Tuesdays starting June 3 from 5:30-6:30 @ Talulah’s Garden 36 Andrews Avenue Gray, Maine

Stop By Hope’s…Yoga classes outside with the goats. Thursday’s 5:30-6:30 pm and Saturdays 9:30-10:30 am beginning May 24 at Sunflower Farm Creamery 12 Harmon Way Cumberland Maine.

Stop by Paige’s…Valor’s Track Club weekly speed workouts at Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland. Are you 16+ and looking to push your running to the next level? Find your inspiration at these free workouts. Are you under 16 and looking for competitive training? Contact Paige at Valor to learn more about opportunities related to the Valor Youth Team.