logo

Overview

Maine Event
Maine
Aug 18 - 24, 2025
HardWin Adventures image
HardWin Adventures
$1,964
Deposit: $1,000

About your trip

Welcome to “The Maine Event”, a trail running experience crafted for the intrepid soul. This seven-day journey through Maine’s most challenging & magnificent landscapes is designed for those who seek adventure in its purest form. From the towering peak of Mt. Katahdin, the demanding terrains of the Bigelows, to the unrelenting grind of the Mahoosuc Notch, prepare to test your limits.


Your expedition will be punctuated with days of intense trail running followed by necessary rest & recovery. Expect to be self-reliant but supported, carrying what you need but guided by our extensive planning, driving, cooking & communication. The days will be tough, the terrain unforgiving, but the reward lies in the experience of the raw beauty in Maine’s wilderness.


Transportation, campsites, logistics & most meals will be provided, along with the tools for navigation & live tracking. This trip is for the experienced people whose bodies can take the terrain ahead & want to experience a great journey, tall stories & memories of a lifetime.

Who Should Come?

Who Should Come? You, if you’re ready. You must be okay with very hard terrain. You don’t need speed – you just need consistency. Everyone will be slow due to the terrain but it’s those that can take the abuse & march on that will succeed. You will also need to be comfortable with camping conditions, lots of rocks, animals & traveling long distances with all the food & gear required. We will help you with what is needed & techniques for success, but the grit must come within. 

Why Maine

Why Maine?

I have traveled and run a lot of trails in my life, and Maine just delivers. It’s hard, it’s gritty, the obstacles are shocking to the senses, and the beauty is on full display. This place is raw and made me feel as though I had never really run trails until now. So come find out what it is all about. It will change you.

Common Questions

How do we travel from place to place?

We travel in a 15-passenger van and also have a crew car following us.


Is This Dangerous?

It can be. But if you are familiar with these types of terrains, it will make your experience and odds of not getting injured much better. Being in the mountains carries many inherent risks, but the trails we’ll be using are well-established. Maine is one of our hardest trips, but it is so rewarding. If you’re prepared to accept these risks and remain humble, I invite you to join us.


Can I run further than what is recommended per day?

Yes, you can. But keep in mind each day gets harder as we go, and the first day at Katahdin is no cakewalk. If you were to do any extra miles, I would recommend doing them on this day. The last day is really challenging, but it’s so awesome.


We also have off days as we have to travel from spot to spot. You will need this rest. These days will have options to run if you want.


How many helpers are there?

There are three of us but we do not guide you on the trail. We do all the driving, food prep, and usually have someone on the trail taking pics. 


Terrain?

Medium rocks, little rocks, rocks as big as your house. Straight up and down. Typically, we start in the treeline, next to a babbling brook, then work our way to the exposed rock cliffs. The Mahoosuc Range is not as steep but has the most elevation.

What's included

Transportation

Transportation to all stated trailheads, camps & airports.

Camping locations

Camping spots are booked ahead of time

Logistics

Trip logistics & route planning

Large Bag

Large duffel bag to carry all gear shipped ahead of time to participant

Packing list

Packing list

GPS files

For your mobile device and planning

Breakfast

(Day 2 -7)

Dinner

Day 2, 4, 5, 6

Packing

Packaging of gear when needed due to time

Adult Beverages

Beer & craft mixers

Cooking materials

For out meals

Water and electrolytes

Fees

All permits & park entrance fees

Tech Long Sleeve Shirt

Long sleeve tech shirt hoodie for the mountains

Professional images

Professional images & videos of the adventure

What's not included

Airfare

Insurance

please get this. You want it

Guides

Although we might be on the trails with you, this is an unguided trip. Runners must be able to take on navigation & all the adventure these trails could throw at you.

Gear

Unless rented from us

Extra Expenses

due to a change in itinerary or in case of you having to shorten the day or trip as a whole (including personal return trips to the airport/next destination/etc.)

Day 1

Day 1 image

Travel + Meet + Prepare

  • Arrival in Portland, Maine
  • Supply stop
  • Ground transport to destination
  • Set up camp + Dinner

Day 2

Day 2 image

Mt. Katahdin (10 Miles with options)

  • Summit Mt. Katahdin – the highest point in Maine & northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail –  by way of the Knife’s Edge or the Saddle Trail
  • Descend via the Appalachian Trail to Katahdin Springs campground
  • Additional time on trail is possible for those looking for more miles
  • Dinner

Day 3

Day 3 image

Travel + Relax

  • Morning stretch & shake-out run
  • Breakfast
  • Travel to Kingfield, Maine
  • Set up camp + Lunch
  • Afternoon Activities (Options may include more running, hiking, massages, relaxing)
  • Dinner at restaurant
  • Return to camp

Day 4

Day 4 image

Bigelow Range (15 Miles)

  • Breakfast
  • Travel to trailhead
  • Hike/Run 15 miles southbound on the Appalachian Trail through the Bigelow Preserve – experiencing dense forests, rocky peaks & spectacular views of Maine.
  • Dinner

Day 5

Day 5 image

Travel + Relax

  • Breakfast
  • Travel to Bethel, Maine
  • Set up camp + Lunch
  • Afternoon Activities (Options may include more running, hiking, massages, relaxing)
  • Dinner
  • Prepare for the hardest upcoming day

Day 6

Day 6 image

Mahoosuc (8+ or 26 Miles)

  • A day of epic proportions, you will enter the Mahoosuc Range. It’s a place of steep terrain, alpine bogs & the Mahoosuc Notch – the notorious “hardest & slowest mile on the Appalachian Trail”.
  • Options include an 8 mile route, exiting just after the Notch (with out & back miles later in the day if desired.) Or experience the entire range in 26+ miles, crossing by foot from Maine into New Hampshire.
  • Please keep in mind that it can take up to 20+ hours to do the full 26 miles. It’s that difficult.
  • Dinner

Day 7

Day 7 image

Departure + Reflection

Pack up & head towards the airport with a stop for one final group meal, sealing the experience of the wilds of Maine in camaraderie & shared memories.

About your organizer

About HardWin Adventures My name is John Hardin, and I’m the founder of HardWin Adventures, an established outdoor event company based in the Nashville, TN area. HardWin has a rich history of orchestrating a variety of outdoor events and local outings, leveraging my 20 years of expertise in the event production field. While running vacations abroad are a newer endeavor for me, organizing adventures is what I excel at.

Reviews

Photo gallery

Image 0
Image 1
Image 2