The second annual Pleasant Mountain Race, a half marathon, is set for 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5. Runners will compete on a tough course that begins at Pleasant Mountain Ski Area’s East Lodge at 119 Mountain Road in Bridgton. R. Perry Flowers 2023 photo

BRIDGTON — The second annual Pleasant Mountain Race, a half marathon, is set for 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5.

Runners will compete on a tough course that begins at Pleasant Mountain Ski Area’s East Lodge at 119 Mountain Road. Runners will then head up the Bald Peak Trail and descend the mountain on the Firewarden’s Trail. They then run on the road from the Firewarden’s Trailhead to the Southwest Ridge Trailhead to head back up the mountain to the summit, across the ridge to Sue’s Way Trail, and down the Bald Peak Trail back to the East Lodge.

The course is 21 kilometers long and has more than 3,600 feet of elevation gain.

Participants will receive a tech T-shirt, meal ticket and, for those at least 21 years old, a beer.

All are welcome to attend the post-race party at Pleasant Mountain’s east area ski lodge. Mow’s Munchies food truck will be at the event providing food, with beer provided by Norway Brewing Company. TJ Swan will perform music.

Funds raised from the race support Bridgton-based nonprofit Loon Echo Land Trust, which maintains the 10-plus-mile trail network on the mountain.

The 2024 Pleasant Mountain Race sponsors are Revision Energy, Pleasant Mountain, Norway Brewing Company, Fleet Feet and Maine Morning Micro Roasters.

Runners can register at LELT.org/race-series or UltraSignUp.com.

Volunteers to help direct and cheer on runners along the course are still needed. Anyone interested in volunteering should fill out the volunteer interest form at LELT.org/race-series or email maggie@lelt.org.

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