The second annual Pleasant Mountain Race, a half marathon, will take place on Oct. 5. Contributed / R. Perry Flowers

The second annual Pleasant Mountain Race, a half marathon, will take place on Saturday, Oct. 5, at 8 a.m. The inaugural race in 2023 was a great success with over 70 runners participating. This year’s race is expected to be even bigger.

Pleasant Mountain is the tallest mountain in southern Maine and draws tens of thousands of visitors every year for hiking, running and snowmobiling.

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

Runners will compete on a tough course that begins at Pleasant Mountain Ski Area’s East Lodge in Bridgton, 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 over 3,600 feet of elevation gain.

There are still a few spaces left to participate in the run. Runners can register at lelt.org/race-series. All participants receive a tech T-shirt, meal ticket and a beer for those of-age.

The public is 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 live music.

Volunteers also receive free T-shirts and beer. Sign up at lelt.org/race-series or email maggie@lelt.org.