Maine has always had a rich tradition in the sport of marathon running.

Next season, two of the more recognizable 26.2-mile races in the country will join forces to create Maine’s first race series decided to marathon running.

The “Maine Summit to Sea Marathon Series” will get off and running next spring with the Sugarloaf Marathon and conclude in the fall with the Mount Desert Island marathon.

Runners will be scored on combined times in both races, and overall champions and numerous age-group winners will be crowned.

The Sugarloaf Marathon, annually held in mid-May, is the state’s oldest continually run marathon, with the first edition run in 1983. That race is also the second in the Sub 5 track club’s race series.

The MDI Marathon made its debut in 2002 and has quickly shot up the charts as one of North America’s top marathons. The race was named “Most Scenic in North America” by ESPN and, along with the Sugarloaf race, draws runners from all over the country.

Final meet set at Pendleton

In May, the Pendleton Street track and field facility in Brewer hosted its final high school varsity meet, a four-team meet featuring three of the state’s top programs in Brewer, Bangor and Waterville.

Next week, the curtain will officially fall on the two-decades-old facility, which will host its final meet with the USA Track and Field 14-under regional qualifying meet on July 24.

Starting this fall, a new elementary school will be constructed on the track site while a new, eight-lane track and field facility will be relocated on the grounds.

Local races on tap

Those of you looking to get a race in over the weekend have plenty of options.

On Saturday, one can journey to Hermon for the third annual Danforth’s to Dysart’s 5K.

This race, which starts at 9 a.m., starts at Hermon High School on Route 2 and finishes at Dysart’s Restaurant and Truck Stop on Odlin Road.

The event includes a 5K walk, starting at 8:30 and following the same course. Registration gets under way at 7 a.m. and the fee is $15. All proceeds benefit Hermon’s cross country teams.

Also Saturday, the second annual Maine Celtic Celebration 5K will commence at 8 a.m. in Belfast, starting and finishing at Belfast Area High School.

No, kilts are not required, and there is no fee to enter the race, although donations will be gladly accepted.

On Sunday, Penobscot Valley Hospital and Sprint for Life will come together to host the first annual 5K Run and Walk for Wellness in Lincoln.

This race will start and finish at the PVH Rehab and Wellness Building, adjacent to the Veterans Memorial Square in town.

Registration kicks off at 7 a.m. and the race at 8:15. The fee is only $5.

rmclaughlin@bangordailynews.net

990-8193