Event announcer Michael Bernier pumps up the crowd at last year’s inaugural Foulmouthed New Year’s Mile. Bernier will be back for the second edition, scheduled for a noon start in South Portland. For more information or to sign up, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/ME/SouthPortland/FoulmouthedNewYearsMile. Courtesy photo
As of Wednesday, Dec. 11, registration for the Foulmouthed New Year’s Mile had surged well over the 200 mark and appears destined to rival the 300-plus who participated in last year’s inaugural event.
Created by Giddy Up Events of South Portland and hosted by Foulmouthed Brewing, the event celebrates the arrival of the New Year with a quick spin around SoPo’s Knightville neighborhood.
The race begins at noon, giving participants plenty of time to recuperate after a late night. The start and finish lines are just steps away from Foulmouthed Brewing on Ocean Street.
Last year, unseasonably calm conditions prevailed on race day — bright and sunny with temps in the 30-degree range.
“With 372 finishers (last year), we were surprised and pleased that so many people ran in our inaugural event,” said race director Erik Boucher of the strong turnout in 2019.
What will 2020 bring?
“Jan. 1 in Maine can be quite cold,” said Boucher. “Be sure to dress warm. The race will be held regardless of snow and temperature conditions. Participants should be prepared for foul weather.”
Boucher is a South Portland resident and also directs South Portland races the Thirsty Leprechaun 5K in March and Brews and Views 5K in July.
In addition to a festive atmosphere, Foulmouthed New Year’s Mile features cash prizes (pending approval from sponsor GWI, according to the race website) for the top male and female finishers.
There are also age-group awards — in 10-year increments — to the top male and female finishers.
Last year’s women’s champion, Marah Borgman, of Portland, is expected back to defend her title. She won with a time of 5 minutes, 30 seconds last year. Last year’s men’s champion, Cameron Cook, of Dover, New Hampshire, had not registered as of Dec. 10. His winning time in 2019 was 4:44.
Following the race, all participants age 21 and older will receive a 16-ounce stainless steel tumbler pre-filled with Brat Amber Ale. Underage participants will receive just the tumbler.
The course is simple, beginning at 15 Ocean St., with two turns: Right on Market Street and right on Waterman Drive.
The finish line is just around the bend near Thomas Knight Park, back on Ocean Street. Beware of the cobblestones at the traffic circle between the start and Market Street. The course is USATF certified.
“I like that it starts and finishes at a local brewery – Foulmouthed Brewing – and that it’s in my backyard where I live, work and run,” Boucher said.
After the race, runners are invited into Foulmouthed Brewery to receive a commemorative tumbler filled with a complimentary beer. A beer garden will be set up outside in the brewery parking lot.
Participants will be asked provide an ID if they did not receive a wristband during bib pick-up.
For more information, or to sign up, visit www.runsignup.com/Race/ME/SouthPortland/FoulmouthedNewYearsMile.
Dan King is editor/page designer for the Kennebunk Post and South Portland-Cape Elizabeth Sentry. His first mile of 2020 will be in Knightville on New Year’s Day. Las Vegas has posted the over-under at 7 minutes, 15 seconds.
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