Wapuwoc Dawnland Climb & Running Festival
Celebrating Community, Movement, & the Natural Land
Sunday, October 23, 2022
The challenge of running from the town square to the mountain top and back as fast as you can has existed in mountain communities around the world for decades if not centuries. The treacherous Mount Marathon in Steward, Alaska. The infamous Mont Blanc in Chamonix, France. The incredible Monte Rosa in Alagna, Italy. Each mountain has their own unique stories and history.
The Wapuwoc Dawnland Climb brings that same spirit of competition and celebration of endurance to the coastal town of Bar Harbor, Maine, challenging participants to run from from the Village Green at sea level, to the 1,527 foot (465 meters) summit of Wapuwoc and back. Wapuwoc is the indigenous name for Cadillac Mountain, and means "white mountain of the first light" in Passamaquoddy, the indigenous language of the Wabanaki people. From October 7 to March 6, the summit of Wapuwoc is the first place in the continental United States to see the sunrise. The Wapuwoc Dawnland Climb will start at 7:00 a.m. with the sunrise, giving participants the opportunity to race the sun to the summit.
"You’re giving a piece of yourself to the land by engaging with it, by running on it and giving it your energy, giving it your time, giving it that space and acknowledgement.” Dinée Dorame, citizen of the Navajo Nation
Running on Native lands gives us all the opportunity to connect with and reflect on the history of the land and the communities who have lived here for centuries. The Wabanaki are a confederacy of tribes that include the Abenaki, Maliseet, Mi’kmaq, Passamaquoddy, and Penobscot Nations. The Wabanaki have been here, in their homeland, for thousands of generations. This includes Pesamkuk, this place we now call Mount Desert Island and Frenchman Bay.
We encourage our participants to educate themselves on the history of the land we will be running on as well as the history of the land where you train and call home. We are excited to have you join us this October to celebrate and move together.
The Wapuwoc Dawnland Climb brings that same spirit of competition and celebration of endurance to the coastal town of Bar Harbor, Maine, challenging participants to run from from the Village Green at sea level, to the 1,527 foot (465 meters) summit of Wapuwoc and back. Wapuwoc is the indigenous name for Cadillac Mountain, and means "white mountain of the first light" in Passamaquoddy, the indigenous language of the Wabanaki people. From October 7 to March 6, the summit of Wapuwoc is the first place in the continental United States to see the sunrise. The Wapuwoc Dawnland Climb will start at 7:00 a.m. with the sunrise, giving participants the opportunity to race the sun to the summit.
"You’re giving a piece of yourself to the land by engaging with it, by running on it and giving it your energy, giving it your time, giving it that space and acknowledgement.” Dinée Dorame, citizen of the Navajo Nation
Running on Native lands gives us all the opportunity to connect with and reflect on the history of the land and the communities who have lived here for centuries. The Wabanaki are a confederacy of tribes that include the Abenaki, Maliseet, Mi’kmaq, Passamaquoddy, and Penobscot Nations. The Wabanaki have been here, in their homeland, for thousands of generations. This includes Pesamkuk, this place we now call Mount Desert Island and Frenchman Bay.
We encourage our participants to educate themselves on the history of the land we will be running on as well as the history of the land where you train and call home. We are excited to have you join us this October to celebrate and move together.
Race Course:
Start/Finish Location: Bar Harbor Village Green
8.0 Total Miles
3.5 Road Miles
4.5 Trail Miles
1,490 Feet of Climbing
1,490 Feet of Descending
Epic Views
Course Map: Photos
Elevation Profile: Photos
Strava segment: View here
GPX file: Download here
Course Description: The course of the Wapuwoc Dawnland Climb will take participants from the Village Green in Bar Harbor, down Mount Desert Street to Eagle Lake Road, where they will turn right onto the Cadillac Entrance Road, connecting with Paradise Hill Road, and quickly turning left onto the Kebo Brook Trail, before taking the stone steps to the Park Loop Road, crossing the road, and climbing the Cadillac North Ridge Trail to the summit, where runners will turn around and head back down in the same direction they arrived in.
Course Marking: The trail section of the course will be minimally marked so as to avoid impacting the environments we will be running through. The road section of the course from town to the start of the trail will have cones to separate runners from any car traffic. We will have volunteers placed at all major intersections of the course to help direct runners. Police will help direct runners and traffic at the Mount Desert Street and Eden Street intersection. Volunteers will be positioned at the Park Loop Road crossing and summit turnaround. Participants must listen to and respect the directions of police and volunteers at all times. In order to be confident of the course on race day, please consider consulting the Strava segment of the course beforehand or downloading the GPX file to your GPS watch.
Aid Station: The course will feature one fluid aid station staffed by our awesome volunteers. The one aid station will be located at the summit of Wapuwoc, approximately 4 miles into the race. We will also be providing fluids at the start/finish area. Please note this is a cupless race and you will need to bring your own hydration system (bottle/cup/vest/etc.). Run with fluids if you think you will need more than three hydration stops.
Leave No Trace: The Wapuwoc Dawnland Climb has a strict Leave No Trace policy. Violations of the Leave No Trace principles will result in disqualification. This includes using the bathroom in any non designated area on the course.
8.0 Total Miles
3.5 Road Miles
4.5 Trail Miles
1,490 Feet of Climbing
1,490 Feet of Descending
Epic Views
Course Map: Photos
Elevation Profile: Photos
Strava segment: View here
GPX file: Download here
Course Description: The course of the Wapuwoc Dawnland Climb will take participants from the Village Green in Bar Harbor, down Mount Desert Street to Eagle Lake Road, where they will turn right onto the Cadillac Entrance Road, connecting with Paradise Hill Road, and quickly turning left onto the Kebo Brook Trail, before taking the stone steps to the Park Loop Road, crossing the road, and climbing the Cadillac North Ridge Trail to the summit, where runners will turn around and head back down in the same direction they arrived in.
Course Marking: The trail section of the course will be minimally marked so as to avoid impacting the environments we will be running through. The road section of the course from town to the start of the trail will have cones to separate runners from any car traffic. We will have volunteers placed at all major intersections of the course to help direct runners. Police will help direct runners and traffic at the Mount Desert Street and Eden Street intersection. Volunteers will be positioned at the Park Loop Road crossing and summit turnaround. Participants must listen to and respect the directions of police and volunteers at all times. In order to be confident of the course on race day, please consider consulting the Strava segment of the course beforehand or downloading the GPX file to your GPS watch.
Aid Station: The course will feature one fluid aid station staffed by our awesome volunteers. The one aid station will be located at the summit of Wapuwoc, approximately 4 miles into the race. We will also be providing fluids at the start/finish area. Please note this is a cupless race and you will need to bring your own hydration system (bottle/cup/vest/etc.). Run with fluids if you think you will need more than three hydration stops.
Leave No Trace: The Wapuwoc Dawnland Climb has a strict Leave No Trace policy. Violations of the Leave No Trace principles will result in disqualification. This includes using the bathroom in any non designated area on the course.
Land Acknowledgement:
We recognize and honor the current Tribes who comprise the Wabanaki Confederacy (the Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Maliseet, and Micmac peoples) as distinct, sovereign, legal and political entities with their own powers of self governance and self determination, who have stewarded this land throughout the generations. We respect the traditional values of these Tribes and affirm their inherent sovereignty in this territory. We support their efforts for land and water protection and restoration, and for cultural healing and recovery. We pause in remembrance of the Tribes of the Wabanaki Confederacy whose lives and land were taken through genocidal strategies of colonial settlement of this land. We pay respect to elders both past and present, and we commit to the ongoing work of decolonization in Maine and beyond. This land acknowledgement is just the start of the conversation and our work at the Wapuwoc Dawnland Climb. We are continuing to educate ourselves and learn about the ways we can help decolonize the outdoors.
Before the start of our event, this land acknowledgement will be read to participants by a member of the Wabanaki Confederacy. We ask that everyone be in attendance and reflect on what it means to have the opportunity and privilege to experience these trails.
Before the start of our event, this land acknowledgement will be read to participants by a member of the Wabanaki Confederacy. We ask that everyone be in attendance and reflect on what it means to have the opportunity and privilege to experience these trails.
Summer/Fall Training Runs & Training Plan:
In the summer and fall leading up to race day, we will offer weekly training runs in the Bar Harbor area for participants looking to prepare for the event. Our hope and goal is that even if you are brand new to running, you can still find your way to the starting line in October, confident and ready for the challenge. Weekly training runs will be led by Move Free Athlete Ambassadors and will explore the trails and peaks of the island, and the flatter (but still hilly!) roads of Bar Harbor. We will have multiple ambassadors present to accommodate all paces.
Thanks also to the generosity of Move Free Athlete Ambassador Ryan Woolley, who has provided all participants with his coaching expertise, and designed a beginner friendly sixteen week training plan to prepare for the Wapuwoc Dawnland Climb. You can access the training plan here. If you are looking for more personalized coaching and training, you can explore Ryan’s coaching services here.
Thanks also to the generosity of Move Free Athlete Ambassador Ryan Woolley, who has provided all participants with his coaching expertise, and designed a beginner friendly sixteen week training plan to prepare for the Wapuwoc Dawnland Climb. You can access the training plan here. If you are looking for more personalized coaching and training, you can explore Ryan’s coaching services here.
Schedule of Events:
Friday, October 21: 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Packet Pickup at Cadillac Mountain Sports (discounted shopping with bib)
Friday, October 21: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Running Film Festival at Reel Pizza (purchase tickets in advance)
Saturday, October 22: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Move Free Shakeout Run from the Bar Harbor Village Green (various distances and pace groups offered)
Saturday, October 22: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Packet Pickup at Cadillac Mountain Sports (discounted shopping with bib)
Saturday, October 22: 10:00 a.m. to 11 a.m. Workshop(s) hosted by the Abbe Museum (additional workshops and details will be announced in the coming months)
Saturday, October 22: 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Pre Race Dinner at Open Table
Sunday, October 23: 5:30 a.m. Village Green Start Area Opens & Race Day Packet Pickup Available
Sunday, October 23: 6:45 a.m. Pre Race Briefing & Land Acknowledgement at the Village Green Gazebo
Sunday, October 23: 7:00 a.m. Sunrise & Race Start
Sunday, October 23: 7:30 a.m. Festival Village & Vendor Booths Open on the Village Green
Sunday, October 23: 9:00 a.m. Course Cutoff Enforced at Summit Aid Station
Sunday, October 23: 11:00 a.m. Finish Line Closes
Sunday, October 23: 11:00 a.m. Awards Ceremony Begins
Friday, October 21: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Running Film Festival at Reel Pizza (purchase tickets in advance)
Saturday, October 22: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Move Free Shakeout Run from the Bar Harbor Village Green (various distances and pace groups offered)
Saturday, October 22: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Packet Pickup at Cadillac Mountain Sports (discounted shopping with bib)
Saturday, October 22: 10:00 a.m. to 11 a.m. Workshop(s) hosted by the Abbe Museum (additional workshops and details will be announced in the coming months)
Saturday, October 22: 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Pre Race Dinner at Open Table
Sunday, October 23: 5:30 a.m. Village Green Start Area Opens & Race Day Packet Pickup Available
Sunday, October 23: 6:45 a.m. Pre Race Briefing & Land Acknowledgement at the Village Green Gazebo
Sunday, October 23: 7:00 a.m. Sunrise & Race Start
Sunday, October 23: 7:30 a.m. Festival Village & Vendor Booths Open on the Village Green
Sunday, October 23: 9:00 a.m. Course Cutoff Enforced at Summit Aid Station
Sunday, October 23: 11:00 a.m. Finish Line Closes
Sunday, October 23: 11:00 a.m. Awards Ceremony Begins
Prizes:
Top Three Male, Female, Non Binary, & Adaptive Athletes Division Participants, Age Division Awards, Fastest Ascent Time & Descent Time Bonuses, & More!
We are excited to work with Indigenous artists in the community to design prizes for our event.
The award ceremony will start at 11:00 a.m. on the Bar Harbor Village Green. Participants must be present to get their awards.
Prize Money Breakdowns:
First Place Male $100
First Place Female $100
First Place Non Binary $100
First Place Adaptive Athletes Division $100
Fastest Male, Female, Non Binary, Adaptive Athletes Division Ascent Bonus: $50
Fastest Male, Female, Non Binary, Adaptive Athletes Decent Bonus: $50
We are excited to work with Indigenous artists in the community to design prizes for our event.
The award ceremony will start at 11:00 a.m. on the Bar Harbor Village Green. Participants must be present to get their awards.
Prize Money Breakdowns:
First Place Male $100
First Place Female $100
First Place Non Binary $100
First Place Adaptive Athletes Division $100
Fastest Male, Female, Non Binary, Adaptive Athletes Division Ascent Bonus: $50
Fastest Male, Female, Non Binary, Adaptive Athletes Decent Bonus: $50
Sponsors:
Thanks to all of our generous sponsors who have gotten behind us and supported us in our mission to celebrate community, movement, and the natural land. If you and your organization are interested in sponsorship, please contact us for a list of branding and activation opportunities.
Volunteer Hour Requirements:
All participants must complete at least four hours of volunteer service to the greater running and outdoors community.
Service must be completed within one year of the event. Volunteer service includes volunteering at a trail, ultra, or road running race/event, volunteering for an adaptive sports program, and completing maintenance on a running or community trail, among other possible options. Acadia National Park and Friends of Acadia have numerous volunteer opportunities to consider for people in the MDI region. We will be coordinating at least one volunteer day local to Bar Harbor that we welcome you to attend. Please let us know if you need any ideas for your volunteer hours, and we will do our best to help.
Service hours must be submitted to the Race Director at least ten days prior to race day. Submit your service requirement here. In lieu of the four hours of trail work, entrants may donate $60 ($15 per four hours of volunteer work) to Friends of Acadia. If you choose this option, you must upload your receipt/donation confirmation through the service requirement form here.
Please note service hours are not required for Indigenous participants.
Service must be completed within one year of the event. Volunteer service includes volunteering at a trail, ultra, or road running race/event, volunteering for an adaptive sports program, and completing maintenance on a running or community trail, among other possible options. Acadia National Park and Friends of Acadia have numerous volunteer opportunities to consider for people in the MDI region. We will be coordinating at least one volunteer day local to Bar Harbor that we welcome you to attend. Please let us know if you need any ideas for your volunteer hours, and we will do our best to help.
Service hours must be submitted to the Race Director at least ten days prior to race day. Submit your service requirement here. In lieu of the four hours of trail work, entrants may donate $60 ($15 per four hours of volunteer work) to Friends of Acadia. If you choose this option, you must upload your receipt/donation confirmation through the service requirement form here.
Please note service hours are not required for Indigenous participants.
Volunteer Opportunities:
We are in need of volunteers to help make this incredible weekend of events happen! This includes help with packet pickup, course directing, aid stations, course sweeping, start/finish area support, parking guidance, etc. If you are bringing along family or friends to spectate, we encourage them to also get involved by volunteering on race day or at one of the various volunteer opportunities available on Friday or Saturday before the event.
Please reach out if you or your organization are interested in volunteering. We welcome running clubs, hiking groups, sports teams, local businesses, and more to join us in October.
Please reach out if you or your organization are interested in volunteering. We welcome running clubs, hiking groups, sports teams, local businesses, and more to join us in October.
Running Film Festival:
We are excited to host our own Running Film Festival at Reel Pizza in downtown Bar Harbor. Come be inspired before Monday's Wapuwoc Dawnland Climb.
The Film Festival will be Friday, October 21, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and tickets must be purchased in advance, and receipt shown upon arrival. Several parking spaces are available at Reel Pizza and there is also plenty of street parking throughout town and in the nearby town lot. Plan to give yourself enough time to find nearby parking and walk to the venue.
Stay tuned for more details on the films being shown.
Tickets must be purchased in advance here.
The Film Festival will be Friday, October 21, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and tickets must be purchased in advance, and receipt shown upon arrival. Several parking spaces are available at Reel Pizza and there is also plenty of street parking throughout town and in the nearby town lot. Plan to give yourself enough time to find nearby parking and walk to the venue.
Stay tuned for more details on the films being shown.
Tickets must be purchased in advance here.
Opportunity & Inclusion:
The Wapuwoc Dawnland Climb welcomes everyone to our event and into the running community. We welcome all people regardless of race, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity & expression, age, or ability, and believe that a more diverse and inclusive running community is a better running community.
Move Free is a member of the Running Industry Diversity Coalition, which is a newly formed coalition of running brands, running retailers, and runners representing Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) who are working together to increase diversity within the running industry. We are brought together by our love of running and desire to cease the existing systemic racism in the running industry and running community. The national coalition is a working group that seeks to challenge the current status while unifying and amplifying the inclusion, access and roles of BIPOC in our industry.
We are aware of many of the barriers that exist within the outdoor space, and want to do our part to help break these down. If there is anything we can do to support you, please reach out and we would be excited to start a conversation. Everyone deserves the opportunity to Move Free.
Move Free is a member of the Running Industry Diversity Coalition, which is a newly formed coalition of running brands, running retailers, and runners representing Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) who are working together to increase diversity within the running industry. We are brought together by our love of running and desire to cease the existing systemic racism in the running industry and running community. The national coalition is a working group that seeks to challenge the current status while unifying and amplifying the inclusion, access and roles of BIPOC in our industry.
We are aware of many of the barriers that exist within the outdoor space, and want to do our part to help break these down. If there is anything we can do to support you, please reach out and we would be excited to start a conversation. Everyone deserves the opportunity to Move Free.
Transgender & Non Binary Runners:
At the Wapuwoc Dawnland Climb, we strive to create and foster a culture of inclusivity. While we have designed an experience that may intimidate and challenge our runners, it is also important to us that our participants are accepted and welcomed at our event.
All participants will have the opportunity to pick Male, Female, Non Binary, or Prefer Not To Say, in regards to their gender, when registering for the Wapuwoc Dawnland Climb. We will have equal award categories for Male, Female, Non Binary, and Adaptive Athletes. Participants who select Prefer Not To Say at registration in regards to their gender will be included in the overall results but not eligible for division awards. Please reach out if you have any questions or comments related to this process.
Entrance Policy for Transgender Runners:
We will accept each entrant’s declared gender at face value, and no additional supporting evidence is required. Transgender female (male to female) entrants can register to compete as females, provided they have undergone continuous, medically supervised hormone treatment for gender transition for at least one year prior to the race. Transgender male (female to male) entrants can register to compete as males. Transgender male runners cannot register to compete as females if they have begun hormone treatment for gender transition, that includes testosterone or any other banned substance (as defined by the World Antidoping Agency). Runners may compete in the category of their sex assigned at birth if they have not undergone hormone treatment. Transgender entrants, at their option, may provide medical documentation related to their transition to the Race Director prior to the race. All information about the runner’s gender identity and medical information, including any information provided pursuant to this policy, will be kept strictly confidential.
Challenge of Results Involving Transgender Runners:
The Wapuwoc Dawnland Climb has adopted this policy out of a desire for inclusion and fairness, and we expect all parties to behave in a manner that is honest, compassionate, and respectful towards others. We will not tolerate hateful or discriminatory behavior by any of our participants, or those associated with the race, regardless of the cause. Challenges may be made to results, which are directly related to a participant’s self declared gender, only when a top three position is at stake. Any challenge must be made in writing or email to the Race Director within ten days of race completion and must be submitted privately and with the utmost discretion and respect for all parties involved. Neither party may publicly post or discuss the challenge until a decision has been reached by the race. Challenges not related to a participant’s gender status, such as course cutting or other rule violations, will be handled in the normal process. In the event of a challenge, or as deemed necessary, we may request supporting documentation from a medical professional. All information about the participant’s gender identity and medical information, including any information provided pursuant to this policy, will be kept strictly confidential. The Race Director will review the relevant facts and make a final decision. If the participant is not in compliance with this policy, they will forfeit any place positions but will retain their official finish. Any announcements made by the race will simply state whether a participant was or was not in compliance with our policy and the associated action taken by the race. We will not disclose, unless requested or allowed by the transgender participant, any medical information related to the decision.
All participants will have the opportunity to pick Male, Female, Non Binary, or Prefer Not To Say, in regards to their gender, when registering for the Wapuwoc Dawnland Climb. We will have equal award categories for Male, Female, Non Binary, and Adaptive Athletes. Participants who select Prefer Not To Say at registration in regards to their gender will be included in the overall results but not eligible for division awards. Please reach out if you have any questions or comments related to this process.
Entrance Policy for Transgender Runners:
We will accept each entrant’s declared gender at face value, and no additional supporting evidence is required. Transgender female (male to female) entrants can register to compete as females, provided they have undergone continuous, medically supervised hormone treatment for gender transition for at least one year prior to the race. Transgender male (female to male) entrants can register to compete as males. Transgender male runners cannot register to compete as females if they have begun hormone treatment for gender transition, that includes testosterone or any other banned substance (as defined by the World Antidoping Agency). Runners may compete in the category of their sex assigned at birth if they have not undergone hormone treatment. Transgender entrants, at their option, may provide medical documentation related to their transition to the Race Director prior to the race. All information about the runner’s gender identity and medical information, including any information provided pursuant to this policy, will be kept strictly confidential.
Challenge of Results Involving Transgender Runners:
The Wapuwoc Dawnland Climb has adopted this policy out of a desire for inclusion and fairness, and we expect all parties to behave in a manner that is honest, compassionate, and respectful towards others. We will not tolerate hateful or discriminatory behavior by any of our participants, or those associated with the race, regardless of the cause. Challenges may be made to results, which are directly related to a participant’s self declared gender, only when a top three position is at stake. Any challenge must be made in writing or email to the Race Director within ten days of race completion and must be submitted privately and with the utmost discretion and respect for all parties involved. Neither party may publicly post or discuss the challenge until a decision has been reached by the race. Challenges not related to a participant’s gender status, such as course cutting or other rule violations, will be handled in the normal process. In the event of a challenge, or as deemed necessary, we may request supporting documentation from a medical professional. All information about the participant’s gender identity and medical information, including any information provided pursuant to this policy, will be kept strictly confidential. The Race Director will review the relevant facts and make a final decision. If the participant is not in compliance with this policy, they will forfeit any place positions but will retain their official finish. Any announcements made by the race will simply state whether a participant was or was not in compliance with our policy and the associated action taken by the race. We will not disclose, unless requested or allowed by the transgender participant, any medical information related to the decision.
Adaptive Athletes:
We welcome the participation of adaptive athletes at our event!
Criteria for entry into the Wapuwoc Dawnland Climb Adaptive Athletes category is as follows:
Criteria for entry into the Wapuwoc Dawnland Climb Adaptive Athletes category is as follows:
- Adaptive athletes must be able to run the course.
- Tethers and guides may be used for athletes with a visual impairment.
- Leg prosthetics may be used for amputees.
- Crutches, braces, or poles may be used if indicated/necessary, with approval from the Race Director.
- Adaptive athletes must be able to finish within the 4 hour cutoff (race starts at 7:00 a.m, and closes at 11:00 a.m.).
Trail Sisters Approved:
Trail Sisters has created a Trail Sisters Approved standard to identify and promote races who are committed to the following standards:
These standards were developed and set forth by a team of women trail racers, and are a starting point, as there is much more that can be added, but the goal is to start moving forward and making progress. Our hope is that the Wapuwoc Dawnland Climb is not only welcoming to all, but designed for all. We are proud to partner with an incredible organization like Trail Sisters and are open to additional ideas for how our event can celebrate and invite the participation of women athletes. Members of Trail Sisters Portland will be present the day of the event at the Village Green for participants interested in learning more about their organization and community or runners.
- Equal Podium Spots
- Equal Prize Money & Awards
- Women’s Specific Swag & Apparel
- Menstrual Products at Aid Stations
- Equal Opportunity/Space for Women on the Starting Line
These standards were developed and set forth by a team of women trail racers, and are a starting point, as there is much more that can be added, but the goal is to start moving forward and making progress. Our hope is that the Wapuwoc Dawnland Climb is not only welcoming to all, but designed for all. We are proud to partner with an incredible organization like Trail Sisters and are open to additional ideas for how our event can celebrate and invite the participation of women athletes. Members of Trail Sisters Portland will be present the day of the event at the Village Green for participants interested in learning more about their organization and community or runners.
Cost:
Our goal is to make this event and the sport of trail running as accessible as we can. The cost of entry for the Wapuwoc Dawnland Climb is kept at $50 thanks to the generous support of our sponsors. All participants will get an Acadia National Park Entrance Pass ($15 value) with their registration. This pass admits one individual with no car (bicyclist, hiker, pedestrian) to the park for seven days (youth 15 and under are admitted free of charge). You can purchase additional passes for your family and friends (or for your vehicle) here. Proceeds from the event will be donated to Acadia National Park, Friends of Acadia, & the Abbe Museum, among other potential organizations.
Participants will also have the opportunity to support and cover the cost of another individual’s entry when registering. This will allow us to provide scholarships to athletes who the cost might be a barrier to. Please consider paying one forward and helping make the trails more accessible to all.
If the cost of participation is in any way a barrier to entry for you, we will work with you to make sure it isn't. Our hope is for everyone to have the opportunity to experience the incredible trails and views of our event. Please reach out to the Race Director for scholarship opportunities.
Race entry is free for all Indigenous participants. Please use this form to register.
Participants will also have the opportunity to support and cover the cost of another individual’s entry when registering. This will allow us to provide scholarships to athletes who the cost might be a barrier to. Please consider paying one forward and helping make the trails more accessible to all.
If the cost of participation is in any way a barrier to entry for you, we will work with you to make sure it isn't. Our hope is for everyone to have the opportunity to experience the incredible trails and views of our event. Please reach out to the Race Director for scholarship opportunities.
Race entry is free for all Indigenous participants. Please use this form to register.
Parking:
Parking:Street parking is available throughout Bar Harbor and all within just a few minutes walking distance to the Village Green. Parking meters in town will be turned off from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to make it easier for race participants. We encourage participants who are staying at hotels and rentals in Bar Harbor to walk to the start when possible. If driving is necessary, please plan to arrive early to ensure finding parking and getting to the race start at the Village Green on time.
Accomodations:
Plan your stay in and around the town of Bar Harbor for October's Wapuwoc Dawnland Climb! Be sure to book your accommodations months in advance. You can find some of our recommended options below. We also recommend visiting the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce page for lots of resources on planning your visit.
Hotels:
Bar Harbor Inn & Spa (less than one mile to race start)
The Inn on Mount Desert (less than one mile to race start)
West Street Hotel (less than one mile to race start)
Bar Harbor Grand Hotel (less than one mile to race start)
Bar Harbor Villager Motel (less than one mile to race start)
Terramor Outdoor Resort (eight miles from race start)
Campsites:
Schoodic Woods Campground
Hadley's Point Campground
Blackwoods Campground
Smuggler's Den Campground
Schoodic Woods Campground
Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort
Vacation Rentals:
VRBO
Airbnb
Hotels:
Bar Harbor Inn & Spa (less than one mile to race start)
The Inn on Mount Desert (less than one mile to race start)
West Street Hotel (less than one mile to race start)
Bar Harbor Grand Hotel (less than one mile to race start)
Bar Harbor Villager Motel (less than one mile to race start)
Terramor Outdoor Resort (eight miles from race start)
Campsites:
Schoodic Woods Campground
Hadley's Point Campground
Blackwoods Campground
Smuggler's Den Campground
Schoodic Woods Campground
Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort
Vacation Rentals:
VRBO
Airbnb
Travel Info:
Our friends at the Mount Desert Island Marathon have put together an awesome travel guide for getting to Bar Harbor from all directions, driving and flying, which you can access here.
Hiking/Trekking Poles:
Hiking/trekking poles are prohibited at this USATF sanctioned event (this excludes participants in our Adaptive Athletes Division).
Headphone Policy:
The use of personal music devices is strongly discouraged at this race, including the use of headphones. To enjoy all that our race has to offer and for the safety of all participants, Move Free encourages a headphone free environment during the running of the Wapuwoc Dawnland Climb. We believe your race experience and those around you will be greatly enhanced by leaving the headphones at home or in the car. Running headphone free allows opportunities to develop camaraderie with your fellow runners and to enjoy everything the race has to offer. Plus, volunteers and spectators will be on course cheering you on and providing directions to help get you to the finish line. Runner safety has always been, and will continue to be, a top priority for our event. Please be mindful of the other participants and respect the race personnel to ensure a safe and enjoyable race for everyone.
Pregnancy Deferrals:
We understand there are many barriers for new parents and pregnant runners within the sport of trail running. Participants who become pregnant prior to race day or are the parents to a recent newborn can defer their entry to our event for up to two years. The race reserves the right to require additional proof of pregnancy. Please reach out to the Race Director at least ten days prior to race day (meaning by Thursday, October 13, 2022) to process your deferral.
Sustainability Initiatives:
We take sustainability seriously and hope our participants will too. We have a strict Leave No Trace Policy on the course. Our race is cupless to avoid the use of thousands of disposable cups. We will have recycling and composting bins at our start/finish area and appreciate in advance participants and spectators being conscientious of how they sort their waste. Our race apparel prioritizes the use of recycled fabrics and ecofriendly dyes and is available for purchase outside of the registration fee so as not to give every runner the shirt they might not need or want. We are always continuing to evolve our sustainability standards.
We will also be working with Terracycle and their Performance Nutrition Free Recycling Program which you can learn about here. We will have volunteers dedicated to helping our participants understand what can be recycled and how.
We will also be working with Terracycle and their Performance Nutrition Free Recycling Program which you can learn about here. We will have volunteers dedicated to helping our participants understand what can be recycled and how.
Participant Camaraderie:
Whether you are competing for the win or bringing up the rear of the pack, we are all out on the trails to have fun and move our bodies in nature. All of our participants are incredible for just getting to the starting line, and you all have impressive journeys for getting there. On race day, we hope you will be everyone else's top cheerleader, cheering on and providing support for one another throughout the morning. The out and back nature of the course allows for the opportunity to pass every single runner, so get ready to spread the love and joy.
Spectator Information:
Spectators are welcome to hang out in the start/finish area at the Village Green, or along the sidewalk of the first mile of the course. If spectators want to watch participants at the Wapuwoc summit, they will have to purchase an Acadia National Park entrance if they want to run, hike, or drive to the summit. Please do not spectate from anywhere on the Cadillac North Ridge Trail in order to minimize the traffic of the trail.
Race Swag:
We will have some pretty fantastic race swag available to purchase! Hoodies, shirts, caps, buffs, and more! Stay tuned for the announcement of our online shop. Swag will also be available to purchase the day of the event. Our race apparel prioritizes the use of recycled fabrics and ecofriendly dyes and is available for purchase outside of the registration fee so as not to give every runner the t shirt they might not need or want. Profits of our Wapuwoc Dawnland Climb apparel will be donated back to several organizations.
Photography & Video:
Commercial photography and/or videography at our events is strictly prohibited unless advanced permission has been granted. Please contact the Race Director for further information. The use of drones at our events is prohibited. Spectators wishing to take photos or videos must remain off the course at all times. We will have photographers and videographers out on the course capturing your epic accomplishments and will provide their images and videos to you in the days and weeks following the event.
Community Resources:
In need of last minute gear? These local businesses have your back!
Cadillac Mountain Sports (Bar Harbor)
Bar Harbor Bicycle Shop (Bar Harbor)
Alpenglow Adventure Sports (Bar Harbor)
Acadia Outdoor Center (Seal Harbor)
Cadillac Mountain Sports (Bar Harbor)
Bar Harbor Bicycle Shop (Bar Harbor)
Alpenglow Adventure Sports (Bar Harbor)
Acadia Outdoor Center (Seal Harbor)
