Maine Marathon, Half Marathon, and Relay Beneficiary Application
Background
The Gorham Savings Bank Maine Marathon, Half Marathon, and Marathon Relay is a destination race attracting runners from all over the United States and several countries.
Three events are conducted simultaneously: a marathon (26.2 miles), a half marathon (13.1 miles), and a marathon relay for teams of two, three or four runners. Runners, walkers, and wheelchair athletes are all welcome and everyone who finishes is a winner for achieving his or her personal goals. The overriding mission of the Maine Marathon is to hold a quality event that runners and spectators will appreciate and support while raising funds for local Maine charities.
The Maine Marathon is managed and organized through the generous efforts of the Maine Track Club. The club, which is the largest running club in Maine with more than 500 members, was formed in 1979 as a non-profit volunteer organization.
For the Maine Track Club, this is our signature event. We are very proud to watch this event grow and flourish. In 2023, over $645,000 was raised for charities. $233,000 was through sponsorships, race registrations and other revenues. Since 1997, the Maine Marathon, Half Marathon, and Marathon Relay and its participants have raised more than $7,000,000 for charity. Each year, about 59% of gross revenue is donated to charities. By pulling together funds from race registrations, individual donations and sponsors, we are able to have a real impact in the community.
All revenue after race expenses is donated. The annual amount varies based on revenues and expenses. Primary beneficiaries receive $20,000 or 15% of average revenues over the last three years, whichever amount is smaller. The donations will be delivered in four payments; $17,000 shortly after the 2024 Maine Marathon and $1,000 annually following the Maine Marathon in 2025, 2026 and 2027. Beneficiaries have the option to continue receiving $500 donations by providing volunteers after 2027.
The application period for 2024 beneficiaries closed on Jan 1, 2024 . In 2024, we chose six beneficiaries – The Percival Baxter Foundation, Maine Paws for Veterans, Maine Senior Games, Riding to the Top, Saltwater Classroom and Strong Girls United.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for a donation, you must meet the following requirements:
- 501c3 tax exempt organization
- The primary mission or cause of the organization must support children, fitness, wellness or the environment
- Provide services in the State of Maine
- Primary beneficiaries must be able to send a representative to three race committee meetings scheduled in August and September
- Primary beneficiaries must be able to provide 50-80 volunteer hours on race weekend, typically the first weekend of October, for four years, with the option to continue beyond four years. The 2024 Maine Marathon is on Sunday, Oct. 6.
- Primary beneficiaries must have staff, board members or volunteers willing and able to solicit sponsorships for the race
- Primary beneficiaries must have not been a primary beneficiary in the last five years
The following organizations are ineligible:
- Political organizations or programs
- Organizations which discriminate
- Public or private schools (this does not apply to school affiliated nonprofit organizations like clubs and teams)
2025 Deadline and Process
The application period for 2025 beneficiaries closes on Jan 1, 2025 and the beneficiaries will be chosen in January 2025. If you do submit an application for 2025, please send us a reminder email in November 2024 so that we can confirm your application was not misplaced.
Complete application (below). After submission, send an email Bob Dunfey, Race Director, for confirmation of receipt, as well as any attachments required by the application that were not already submitted.
The use of the donation is unrestricted. The beneficiary can use the donation for operations, new programs or capital projects. A committee of volunteers from the Maine Marathon, the Maine Track Club and from the community will evaluate the application and select the nonprofits which will receive race proceeds.
The beneficiaries for the Maine Marathon 2025 will be announced in January 2025. If your organization is not selected you have the opportunity to participate in the Charity Bib Program and there may be opportunities to provide volunteers and receive a donation for this support.
