The Will to Run Challenge starts at 6:00 PM on September 18, 2026, in Kennebunk, Maine, giving you a full day to arrive and settle in before the 5K. The race takes place at 177 Alewive Road. Entry fees run $35 to $50. If travel plans fall through or you need flexibility, a virtual participation option is available, allowing you to complete the 5K on your own schedule and still be part of the event. This setup works well for runners managing last-minute logistics or preferring to control their own race-day conditions.
From the Race Organizer
Please join A Running Passion for our seventh annual Will to Run Challenge! This year will feature an in-person 5k event in addition to the virtual race! Join us in person, or participate in your own virtual 5k, 10k, or both within the event week! Prices and swag packs are as follows: -5K in-person event: $35: **t-shirt guaranteed to registrations received by August 14th -5K virtual: $30: t-shirt/ event bib -10K virtual: $40: t-shirt/bag/sticker/ event bib -15k Combined Challenge (must submit separate 5k and 10k times): $50-t-shirt/bag/sticker/event bib/ A Running Passion item) *The Challenge 5K can be completed in-person or virtually -Kid's virtual Challenge: FREE- stickers, event bib, coloring pages, event check list Friday, September 18th - Will to Run 5k - Eastern Trail (Town of Kennebunk) *Final details TBD The course will be an out and back route that will take runners through unique forests along the former Eastern Railroad bed. The trail is extremely flat, the surface is hard packed stone dust and will be a fast course! The trail crosses the Maine Turnpike in Kennebunk on a uniquely designed bridge that was opened in 2011. This is the only pedestrian bridge that crosses the Maine Turnpike. ***If you live in Biddeford, Dayton, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Arundel, Saco, Old Orchard Beach, or Wells, your packet will be available for packet pick-up at one of the Biddeford locations. We do not mail local packets out. We will have pick-up available in Portland for those interested at Marathon Sports. ***Packets for our friends joining us from further away should receive their packets the week of the event. Please sign-up early to guarantee your packet and swag arrive on time! Times can be submitted to cfrentzen@gmail.com anytime from 9/18/2026-9/25/2026 All proceeds from this event will go to A Running Passion's scholarship and community outreach initiatives. https://arunningpassion.org/
Hotels Near This Race
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for September 18.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Kennebunk, ME.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is Will to Run Challenge 2026 — Kennebunk, ME?
Will to Run Challenge 2026 — Kennebunk, ME takes place on September 18, 2026. The race is held in Kennebunk, Maine.
Where is Will to Run Challenge 2026 — Kennebunk, ME held?
Will to Run Challenge 2026 — Kennebunk, ME is held at 177 Alewive Road in Kennebunk, Maine.
Where can I find hotels near Will to Run Challenge 2026 — Kennebunk, ME?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Kennebunk. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
