The Camden Snow Bowl hosted Baxter Outdoors’ sixth trail running and second and final duathlon event in the New England Trail Series season on Saturday, October 5, as part of the fourth annual Camden Snow Bowl Trail Fest, presented by Baxter Outdoors, Trail Runners of Midcoast Maine, and Midcoast Maine New England Mountain Bike Association, along with many other supporters.

Race organizers promised 2019’s event would be “Bigger and Badder” and they delivered. One hundred and forty racers turned out on a near perfect fall day.

The 5K run climbed one side of Ragged Mountain, rewarding the runner with spectacular views, before winding down the Keel Haul Trail to return to the lodge.

The 10K bike climbed the same Kuller Trail, but diverged off onto the single-track of Ragged Mountain before dropping down the G5 Connector and looping around the fabulous Goose River Trails. There was also a 3K run option for those wanting to experience trail running without the 1,000-foot climb.

Every mile biked raised money for Midcoast Maine NEMBA thanks to Sidecountry Sports, and every mile run raised money for Teens to Trails thanks to Bangor Savings Bank.

Plenty of non-racers turned out to cheer on the competitors and to enjoy the food vendors, live music by The Brad Hutchinson Project, gear tents, information tables, bike demos and more.

"Underscored by near perfect weather this year, the 4th Camden Snow Bowl Trail Fest was one to remember! With racers from 7 years of age to 83, this year was truly an event for all. The warmth of the Camden community continues to amaze me and I cannot wait to be back in 2020!" said Race Director Adam Platz of Baxter Outdoors, in a news release.

“Organizers would like to extend a huge thank you to all those who made the event such a success,” said Emily Emily McDevitt, in the release. “Special thanks go to race director Baxter Outdoors, race local sponsors Sidecountry Sports and Bangor Savings Bank, Trail Fest co-producers Trail Runners of Midcoast Maine and Midcoast Maine New England Mountain Bike Association, and hosts Camden Snow Bowl and Town of Camden Parks and Recreation Department, Coastal Mountains Land Trust and private land owners.”

The Fest also appreciates its fine 2019 supporting sponsors: The Waterfront Restaurant, Megunticook Campground, Birchwood Lodge and Farmette, and Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors.

Race results can be viewed at: www.baxteroutdoors.com/results.html.

To see more images of the race and festival, visit the Camden Snow Bowl Trail Fest page on Facebook.