27th Edition Information

*Pre-registration closes Wednesday, July 10, at 11:59 p.m. Race day registration will begin on Friday, July 12, at 4:00 p.m. at the Library.

THE COURSE

Check out our USATF Certified Course at this link. 

Another version of the course can be found here.

A detailed map of the trail system is at this link.

Through Local Roads…
The course will now start in the parking lot of Kennebunk Free Library, turning right down Fletcher Street, turning right onto Oakwood Lane, left onto Colonial Drive, right bend onto Woodhaven Drive, left onto Rosewood Circle, left onto Laurel Circule, then right back out to Rosewood Circle to complete loop. Turn left back onto Woodhaven Drive and look for volunteers and signage shortly on the right for the trail for Hope Cemetery & Woods.

Then into the woods…
From here proceed onto the Black Trail, follow the left path of the Universally Accessible Trail (Green with Yellow border) before emerging at the kiosk. The next stretch follows the access road until reaching the perimeter of the cemetery, follow counterclockwise on the outer edge until reaching the Yellow Trail on the right. Note: When you come out of the woods the surface is loose gravel; we encourage participants to mind their footing.

And back to Kennebunk Free Library…
Follow the Yellow Trail for a short distance back to Fletcher Street, turn left and retrace steps back to the Library.

Parking Lot
The race will start and end in the Kennebunk Free Library parking lot. At the start of the race, participants will line up in the parking lot and proceed with a right on Fletcher. At the conclusion of the race, participants will turn left to enter the parking lot the same way they exited.

*Please note. NO PARKING will be permitted in the Kennebunk Free Library parking lot from 4-8 p.m. on race day with the exception of library patrons that will be leaving the parking lot when we close at 5:00.*

Race Lineup
Because the race will be starting in the parking lot of the Library, participants won’t be able to stretch across the starting line as widely as they have in the past. We ask that participants line up based on their mile pace. For example, if someone typically runs their mile in six minutes, they would line up ahead of the people whose pace is a seven-minute mile. If people are participating just for fun or are walking and not concerned about their time, please line up toward the back. 

We have a starting mat which means that your personal time for the race will start only once you cross the starting line. This means that if you want to compete for the best time for your age group but for some reason get stuck behind a group of people, you can spread yourself out to cross the start line as soon as you feel you have an opening to allow yourself to move freely and still be able to compete.
 
SAFETY
Stay right and watch for traffic…
Participants are asked to stay to the right, use sidewalks (when the sidewalks are on the right side of the road), and proceed single file as much as possible. We recognize this won’t always be possible but please remember these are still active streets with busy intersections. Officers and volunteers will be available at key locations. Please follow their directions and instructions. It will be helpful to study the course prior to your participation.

*Please note, during the final stretch of the race on Route 35, you'll be asked to stay left.

Hydration
There are two water stops along the course. Please plan your hydration appropriately and bring a bottle along if needed. Bottled water will be available at the Library prior to and after the course including at the finish line.

Street and Ground Conditions
The conditions of the ground along the course will vary. While on the street please watch for potholes and drainage locations. There are very minor variations in elevation that could prove challenging for those expecting flat ground. Along the trail, participants will experience primarily packed ground (dirt, rocks, vegetation) with occasional roots, small puddles, and loose rocks or stones.

Residents/Drivers
The westbound lane of Fletcher from Main Street to the roundabout will close down five minutes prior (5:55) to the start of the race and remain closed until approximately 6:10. The westbound lane of Fletcher from Mechanic Street to Main Street will then close from approximately 6:15 to 7:00. Left turns from Mechanic Street onto Fletcher will not be allowed. Times are subject to change. Drivers, please drive slowly and cautiously. You may come across a grouping of participants and we ask that you wait the few minutes or moments to allow them to pass. Residents, similarly, you may have to wait a few moments while a grouping of participants passes if you wish to leave or return to your homes. However, we hope all of you choose to join us either as a participant yourself, as a volunteer, or for the after party at the Library. You are also encouraged to set up on your lawn or driveway to cheer the participants on.
 
THE PARTY
Food
Crotux at Garden Street Bowl is providing an amazing menu this year.

  • Applewood smoked Ham & Swiss on Ciabatta with Bread & Butter Pickles and Rosemary Honey Mustard
  • Mediterranean Hummus Wrap with pickled carrots, cucumber, spinach and kalamata olives (V)
  • Roasted Turkey and Aged Cheddar on Ciabatta with Sriracha Mayo, fresh tomato and alfalfa sprouts
  • Cap Cod Sea Salted Potato Chips
  • Mom's Chocolate Chip Cookie

Cummings' Market is providing fruit and Hannaford is providing bottled water.

Food is free for participants (with bib) and $10.00 for everyone else. Cash only.
*****
Plot Twist Pretzel will join us this year as well with soft pretzels available for purchase. All forms of payment accepted.

Beer Garden
Federal Jack's will provide a selection of beers on-tap. 21+. Cash only. $7 each.

Music
Music provided by the Kennebunk River Band.

Online Auction and Raffles
The auction runs July 2-16, and every item was donated by local businesses and donors - so be sure to show them your support too!

This year, we will be offering a 50/50 raffle, giving you the chance to split the proceeds with KFL! Stop by the adult circulation desk at the library between June 1 and race day to purchase your tickets: one ticket for $5, four tickets for $10, or ten tickets for $20. Tickets will also be for sale on the library lawn during the 5K festivities. The winner will be drawn on July 12 after the 5K (no need to be present to win). 

GET INVOLVED
Participants
We’ve seen participants finish the race between 15 minutes and an hour and 15 minutes. Some run, some walk, and some enjoy being pushed in a stroller. All abilities and ages are welcome.

Volunteers
The KFL 5K is an event that requires several dozen volunteers. Contact us if you're interested.
 
THANK YOU
Partnership
We are immensely grateful for our partnership with our neighbors, Hope Cemetery & Woods and the Friends of Hope Cemetery & Woods. This land is truly a treasure of the community. In 2017 Hope Woods was protected by a conservation easement held by Kennebunk Land Trust. A few years later a trail system including a Universally Accessible Trail and accessible parking was added. KFL is now proud to have a portion of our new course go through this beautiful landscape.

Sponsors
The 27h Edition KFL 5K is first and foremost a fundraiser and we want to draw attention to all of the amazing organizations that contribute to making it such a success. 
 
MORE DETAILS
Packet Pickup
Participants will have the opportunity to pick up their bib and goodie bag (if among the first 200 to register) before the race at the library beginning July 2. 

Rain or Shine Event
We are a rain or shine event. In the event of lightning or severe conditions, we will first attempt to post a delayed start time. In the event that severe conditions continue the race may be canceled. In this event, as this is a fundraiser, unfortunately no refunds will be issued. Luckily this has never happened!

Parking
We recognize that parking is always difficult and will be even more so with using the KFL parking to host the start and finish line. Please plan ahead and leave time to find parking and arrive at the Library to pick up your bib and get to the start line. You may park in municipal lots as well as in the Kennebunk Savings Bank lot once they are closed for the day. 

*Please note. NO PARKING will be permitted in the Kennebunk Free Library parking lot from 4-8 p.m. on race day with the exception of library patrons that will be leaving the parking lot when we close at 5:00.*