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The TD Beach to Beacon 10K is one of the most prestigious 10K road races in North America, taking runners on a stunning point-to-point course along the rocky Maine coastline from Crescent Beach State Park to the historic Portland Head Light at Fort Williams Park. Founded in 1998 by Olympic marathon gold medalist Joan Benoit Samuelson — a Maine native — the race draws elite international runners and recreational participants who fight through a competitive lottery for the chance to run it.
Course Highlights
The 6.2-mile course rolls through Cape Elizabeth’s beach roads, pine forests, and coastal neighborhoods before finishing at one of the most famous lighthouses in the world — the Portland Head Light, commissioned in 1791 and standing watch over Casco Bay ever since. The finish-line views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean are unforgettable, and the post-race festival at Fort Williams Park is one of the best in U.S. road racing — food trucks, live music, blueberry pie, and ocean breezes.
Joan Benoit Samuelson’s Race
Joan Benoit Samuelson — the 1984 Olympic marathon champion and Maine running icon — personally founded this race in her home state and remains deeply involved every year. Her commitment to elite competition, community charity, and Maine-grown hospitality is what makes Beach to Beacon so special. Many of the world’s top male and female 10K runners race here every August.
Race Details
- Location: Cape Elizabeth, ME — Crescent Beach to Portland Head Light
- Next Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026
- Start Time: 7:50 AM (10K); preceded by High School Mile and Kids’ Fun Run
- Distances: 10K (6.2 Mile), High School Mile, Kids’ Fun Run, Beacon Walk/Run/Roll
- Field Size: 6,500 runners (lottery entry)
- Founded: 1998 by Joan Benoit Samuelson
- Iconic Feature: Finish at the historic Portland Head Light
- Category: Road Race — iconic, charity-driven, destination
Charity Mission
The race chooses a different Maine-based nonprofit each year as its beneficiary, with all proceeds and fundraising directed to that organization. Past beneficiaries have included groups focused on youth wellness, refugee resettlement, mental health, and coastal conservation. Highly recommended for runners who want a world-class race with a clear charitable purpose.
Register and learn more on the official TD Beach to Beacon 10K website.
The TD Beach to Beacon 10K is one of the most prestigious 10K road races in North America, taking runners on a stunning point-to-point course along the rocky Maine coastline from Crescent Beach State Park to the historic Portland Head Light at Fort Williams Park. Founded in 1998 by Olympic marathon gold medalist Joan Benoit Samuelson — a Maine native — the race draws elite international runners and recreational participants who fight through a competitive lottery for the chance to run it.
Course Highlights
The 6.2-mile course rolls through Cape Elizabeth’s beach roads, pine forests, and coastal neighborhoods before finishing at one of the most famous lighthouses in the world — the Portland Head Light, commissioned in 1791 and standing watch over Casco Bay ever since. The finish-line views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean are unforgettable, and the post-race festival at Fort Williams Park is one of the best in U.S. road racing — food trucks, live music, blueberry pie, and ocean breezes.
Joan Benoit Samuelson’s Race
Joan Benoit Samuelson — the 1984 Olympic marathon champion and Maine running icon — personally founded this race in her home state and remains deeply involved every year. Her commitment to elite competition, community charity, and Maine-grown hospitality is what makes Beach to Beacon so special. Many of the world’s top male and female 10K runners race here every August.
Race Details
- Location: Cape Elizabeth, ME — Crescent Beach to Portland Head Light
- Next Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026
- Start Time: 7:50 AM (10K); preceded by High School Mile and Kids’ Fun Run
- Distances: 10K (6.2 Mile), High School Mile, Kids’ Fun Run, Beacon Walk/Run/Roll
- Field Size: 6,500 runners (lottery entry)
- Founded: 1998 by Joan Benoit Samuelson
- Iconic Feature: Finish at the historic Portland Head Light
- Category: Road Race — iconic, charity-driven, destination
Charity Mission
The race chooses a different Maine-based nonprofit each year as its beneficiary, with all proceeds and fundraising directed to that organization. Past beneficiaries have included groups focused on youth wellness, refugee resettlement, mental health, and coastal conservation. Highly recommended for runners who want a world-class race with a clear charitable purpose.
Register and learn more on the official TD Beach to Beacon 10K website.