The 2023 Pumpkinman Half Marathon in South Berwick, ME was overall a really great race! The hilly course was challenging, but the buffet at the end was superb!

The 2023 Pumpkinman Half Marathon Course

I knew it might be a little hilly, but I didn’t think it would be continuous rolling hills! After training in nearly flat elevation, those rollers got me! In general I don’t mind hills so I didn’t let it deter me that much. I ran some, ran/walked some and walked some.

Along the course we saw some pretty horses and about 500 dead frogs on what we named Dead Frog Mountain. I swear the hill climbs were more rolling than the images show. Hills and dead frogs aside, the course was open to traffic and well marked. The volunteers at the water stops were friendly and encouraging – even for us “party pacers”. Plenty of water, gatorade, nutrition and porta potties at each.

Our race was on Sunday morning. But, the races on Saturday got majorly disrupted because of some freak storms bringing down trees on the bike course. The organizers provided ample instructions and accommodations. My only “complaint” was the finish line – coming down an uneven plot of grass was rough on tired legs. I was worried I’d sprain an ankle or trip and roll over the finish line. I loved how when the last runner was coming down the hill we all went out to cheer her on.

The Afterparty and Swag

The post-race buffet was the best I’ve ever seen! A hot breakfast, yogurt parfaits, sweets, chocolates, granola bars, fruit, hot coffee, water, gatorade, mimosas, apple cider, bloody marys, and beer were a plenty! The volunteers serving us were all very nice and generous.

The swag included a t-shirt, stickers, a backpack and a few other trinkets. They were also selling some nice clothes, I grabbed the last small sweatshirt (happily surprised to find thumbholes!) and they gave us socks! Leigh Ann got 2nd place in her age category and she got a nice coffee mug. They gave away lots of overall and age category prizes. Plus, the race organizer recognized two of the runners doing the 15-mile run got lost and ended up running 18.

Full or Half Marathon in Every State

Maine was state number 22, almost half way there! Maine was a little bit more fun to cross off than tiny tiny Rhode Island. Can’t wait to do Texas or Alaska! I don’t have any more state races in 2023 and I’m itching to plan some for 2024.