Last Man Standing Ultramarathon

The Last Man Standing Ultramarathon tests your endurance within the expansive, working agricultural and recreational landscape of Pineland Farms in New Gloucester, Maine. Utilizing a standard backyard-style loop measuring roughly 4.2 miles, the course winds through mixed hardwood forests, open farm margins, and rolling meadows. Footing consists primarily of wide, runnable double-track trails with occasional sections of exposed roots, rocks, and uneven turf typical of southern Maine trail networks. Depending on whether the running year is odd or even, the route alternates its directional loop, providing subtle tactical shifts in how you approach the terrain.

While backyard loops are designed to be completed in under an hour, this course features moderate rolling elevation gain totaling approximately 350 to 360 feet per loop. Over a handful of laps, the climbs feel gentle, but as the hours accumulate into dozens of circuits, these recurring ascents take a heavy toll on your quads and calves. Pacing discipline is the primary operational challenge: pushing too aggressively up the rises will drain reserves early, while technical footing on dimly lit night laps demands constant cognitive focus. Surviving here requires balancing consistent turnover on the runnable stretches with efficient recovery intervals in the start corral before the bell rings each hour.

New Gloucester is positioned in Cumberland County along the Interstate 95 corridor, roughly halfway between Portland and the Lewiston-Auburn metropolitan area. The most convenient air hub is Portland International Jetport (PWM), situated about 30 miles south of the race venue, offering simple rental car access via I-95 North and Route 100/Route 231. For lodging, you will find modern hotels and regional inns 20 to 25 minutes away in Auburn to the north or Freeport and Gray to the south, while New Gloucester itself offers primarily rural bed-and-breakfasts and cottage rentals.

Early September weather in southern Maine generally delivers comfortable running conditions, but dramatic swings are common. Daytime highs often hover between the upper 60s and mid-70s Fahrenheit, while overnight lows can rapidly drop into the 40s with heavy dew or patchy morning fog, making layered apparel and reliable cold-weather shelter essential. Plan to arrive early to secure designated on-site parking at the venue and organize your personal pit area near the corral. Take note that Pineland Farms enforces a strict no-pets policy, so leave dogs at home to avoid disqualification, and ensure your crew brings independent self-supported nutrition to manage the indefinite duration of the event.