Meet the Mainers who turn out to cheer at the Beach to Beacon race

Cape Elizabeth hosts the 28th annual TD Beach to Beacon 10 K

Cape Elizabeth, Maine – On Saturday, August 1, 2026, the town’s streets filled with cheering crowds as more than 6,500 runners crossed the finish line in the 10‑mile “Beach to Beacon” race that has become a yearly tradition in Maine’s coastal community. The event, now in its 28th year, drew athletes from around the globe and relied on 800 volunteers to keep the course moving and the finish line alive with energy.

The race’s name nods to the journey from Cape Elizabeth’s shoreline to a historic beacon on the mainland, and the course itself is a beloved backdrop for the town’s residents, who have watched the same stretch of road become a living history of effort, camaraderie and community support.

Spectators who know the course

Frances Haywood, a longtime resident of the town, has watched the race from the end of her driveway on Shore Road every year since the inaugural event. “I’ve sat there for all of them,” she told the press. “There used to be a lady who was like 90, and she always wanted to be the last racer so nobody else would be left behind. She made sure she lagged in the back to be the slowest one.” Haywood’s steady presence underscores the deep local attachment to the race, even for those who have never laced up a pair of shoes themselves.

For families, the event is an opportunity to see loved ones in motion. DJ Nelson, who has watched the race since his children were young, came to cheer for his 21‑year‑old daughter, whom he had brought to the event as an infant. “It’s about giving people energy to keep going,” he said. “It’s really fun to see everyone giving their full effort.”

Colorful traditions

Some spectators add a splash of personality to the crowds. Meredith Cooney, a resident of Gorham, and her mother Mary Kay wore inflatable shark costumes—blue for Meredith, pink for Mary Kay—waving to runners as they passed. “It’s so memorable when you see (the costumes) from the road,” Cooney said. “It allows our friends who are in the race to find us. They can just look for the sharks.” Mary Kay, who also uses the same shark outfit at “No Kings” protests against Trump‑era policies, explained that the costume was inspired by the colorful fans seen on the roads of the Tour de France.

Jon Passmore, another local, stationed himself along Route 77, a spot where he could see his daughter Victoria Ellis and son Anthony Passmore race. “I’m making sure they make it,” he told reporters, “If they get by me, they’re on the downhill.” Victoria paused for a hug and a quick “I love you” before sprinting on, a moment captured by the steady camera of his father.

Family histories on the sidelines

Suzanne Knight of Gorham, who has missed only one race since the event began in 1998, arrived at the halfway point at 7:30 a.m., a half‑hour before the start. “My daughter‑in‑law wants to beat my son this year, so we’ll see if it’s going to happen,” she said. “It’s been a family affair for years.”

Judy and Danny O’Brien, Cape Elizabeth residents, watched from the back of their pickup truck, with Danny busy slicing apples from a white cooler. “The participants in the wheelchair division are incredible,” he said. “I think it’s better than the elite runners.”

Lisa and Ron Gillolly, a couple from Scarborough, traveled six miles by bike to watch the race. Lisa, who previously ran the 10‑K herself, now enjoys being a spectator and cheering from the roadside.

Signs, cheers and the spirit of the day

Alongside the cheers and dancing, the road was lined with homemade signs that ranged from encouraging to humorous. Sports photographer Colleen Heal of Gorham held up a sign that read, “You’re not almost there, keep going!” The sign, as well as others such as “Go, [Runner’s Name]!” and “I’ve got you!” reflected the community’s supportive spirit.

Despite the high spirits, the day was not without moments of tension. Some runners slowed down toward the end, yet the crowd’s enthusiasm never waned. Spectators continued to hold up signs, clap and shout encouragement, keeping the energy high through the final stretch.

The event’s impact

The Beach to Beacon 10 K, organized by the TD Bank group, has grown from a modest local run into a major event that brings international competitors and a global audience via live streaming. The 2026 edition drew more than 6,500 participants, including elite athletes, wheelchair division racers and amateurs of all ages.

Local volunteers—over 800 in total—worked along the course to hand out water, offer medical aid, and manage traffic. Their dedication keeps the race running smoothly and safely, allowing the community’s collective enthusiasm to thrive.

The 28th annual Beach to Beacon 10 K was a reminder of the town’s enduring love for the sport and the shared joy that comes from watching neighbors, friends and families push toward a common goal. As the final finish line light flickered off, the cheers lingered long after the last runner crossed the line, signaling that the tradition will continue for many years to come.