2021 Mid-Winter Classic: Race Information
It’s no secret. The MWC is one of our favorite races. 10 miles on a cold Sunday morning brings out some hearty runners, volunteers, sponsors, and organizers. Over the past 38 years, this race has only been cancelled twice due to weather. But, here we are. Facing a second wave. We must protect the schools, we must help protect our fellow runners, Mainers, and communities. It is impossible to get together on Superbowl Sunday at Cape Elizabeth High School this coming February. But (we say again!) That won’t stop us!
For years, we’ve used the phrase #MWCinTheWild and this year, we’re making it true!
How will 2021 #MWCinTheWild happen? With you joining hundreds of people and committing to run 10 miles outside sometime between February 1-13 and submitting your time!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register?
Yes. For insurance purposes, and time keeping, making it official, and helping keep one of our favorite non-profit organizations alive, we are asking for a small registration fee of $5 for MTC members, and $10 for non-MTC members. Click here to register.
When is registration open?
Starting now, and ending at would have been race time, Sunday, February 7, at 9:45 a.m.
When do I have to run the #MWCinTheWild in order for it to count?
Your run should be between the 6 days before and 6 days after what would have been race day, so between February 1st and February 13th. You must also report your run during that period of time (so if you wait until the last second on the last day, then make sure you report your run before midnight!)
How do I submit my results after I have run?
Submitting your results is quite easy, and can be done in the same place that you registered.
- Click here to “Find a Participant” and search for your name.
- Click on the “More Details” button next to your name. (Please note: you must be logged in to your account for the button to appear.)
- Click on the “Submit Virtual Results” button near the top of the screen (it’s really big and difficult to miss!)
- You can either upload your results file from your GPS tracker, or just type in your final time, and then click on the “Submit Your Time” button.
- That’s it, you are all set!
Will the #MWCinTheWild be part of the 2021 Maine Track Club Grand Prix?
Yes, #MWCinTheWild is part of the 2021 Maine Track Club Grand Prix! You will earn 15 points overall and 10 points towards your age category for completing this virtual event. (More details on the MTC site.)
Should I take ridiculous pictures of myself running 10 miles wearing an old MWC shirt and share them on social media?
YES PLEASE! You can share on the race facebook page, tag the MaineTrackClub instagram, email pics to [email protected] or do all of them. We will also have an opportunity to upload photos along with your results.
Will I get into the race?
Yes! Unlike other years, we do not have a race cap for the #MWCinTheWild
Can I run these 10 miles inside? or 1 mile a day for 10 days?
NO! The 10 miles must be run as one run, outside.
I’m also planning to run the MTC Longfellow Frostbite 2.5K on Sunday, February 14.
The MTC Longfellow Frostbite 2.5k is the day after you must have completed your #MWCinTheWild run. You have almost 2 weeks to complete your run and can plan accordingly if you require more recovery time. You can also run your virtual Longfellow in advance as long as you remember to report your results on the 14th.
Can I run on the course on Superbowl Sunday during race time?
Please, do not do this. There will be no course support, road closures, additional snow management, permits. We do not have permission to be on the high school property. Please consider avoiding the course this year, and if you must run please stay off of the school property.
Can I run the 10 miles with Friends?
That is up to you, but we recommend only running with people you are already normally exposed to (such as members of your household) and to at least maintain social distancing and a mask. We are holding a virtual race this year so that you can stay safe and stay healthy.
Will there be awards?
Other than bragging rights, there will not be any awards this year.
Why would I choose to pay up to $10 to run 10 miles in February?
The Mid-Winter 10 Mile Classic is a tradition in Southern Maine, and while it isn’t safe for us to hold the race this year we want to make it possible for people to motivate themselves to continue training and to celebrate running. Paying $10 (or better yet, being a Maine Track Club member and paying $5) helps us keep the Maine Track Club able to continue to support the sport of running in Maine so that after this pandemic we can continue to put on races and other events. If you aren’t a member, there’s an option to sign up when you register. Click here to register for the race.
What will happen for the 2022 Race?
Funny you should ask that:
2022 Mid-Winter Classic: Race Information
Covid-19 and the Mid-Winter Classic
As this point in time, we plan on holding the race in person again in 2022. We are providing the following information based on our expectations but will not make any final decisions until late in 2021 based on the progress of the pandemic throughout the country and in Maine.
The 2022 Mid-Winter 10 Mile Classic will be race #1 for the 2022 Maine Track Club Grand Prix series. Points will be awarded based on performance at each MTC race, and prizes and bragging rights will be given out at the end of the year at the Annual Banquet.
The gun will fire on Sunday, February 6th, 2022 at 9:45 a.m. The start and finish lines are at Cape Elizabeth High School at 345 Ocean House Rd.
Registration will in 2 waves this year. On Saturday, November 20th at 1:00pm, we will be opening 100 spots for Maine Track Club members only. You must be a member in good standing through race day by Thursday evening, November 18th, at 6:00pm in order to be able to register early. (Click here to check your registration status.)
Public registration for the remaining 900 bibs will open at 6:00 a.m. on November 22nd, the Monday before Thanksgiving. We expect the race to sell out quickly.
Runner Amenities
- Long sleeve technical shirts are available for sale when you register.
- Pizza, coffee & other post-race nourishment
- Showers & locker rooms
- Chip timing
- Fleet Feet “Recovery Zone”
Awards
1st, 2nd, 3rd Male & Female:
- Overall
- Under-20, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+
- Clydesdales (male, 190 to 210 lbs)
- Clydesdales (male, 211+lbs)
- Fillies (female, 145 to 159 lbs)
- Fillies (female, 160+ lbs)
- Youngest, Oldest, and 39th finisher
$100 Cash Prize
For new male or female open or masters course records
Course Records
- Open male: Judson Cake , 50:57 (2010)
- Open female: Sheri Piers, 57:25 (2013)
- Masters male: Michael Gordon, 53:44 (2020)
- Masters female: Sheri Piers, 57:25 (2013)
For More Information
Search this website, visit our Facebook page, or else contact Blaine Moore at 207-615-4819 or email Blaine and Chandra at: [email protected]
Bandit Policy
Bandits are not allowed to run on the course during the race. If you choose to bandit then you risk being banned from future participation. Click here for our current bandit policy. And yes, we do enforce our bandit policy.