Runners, take your marks! Midcoast Conservancy is taking registrations now for two exciting races. The first is the Maine Summer Adventure Race (MSAR), which will take place July 23, 2016, offering a full day (or half day) of exploration of the woods and lakes around Jefferson, Maine, in the midcoast region. The second is the annual fall Race Through the Woods at Hidden Valley Nature Center on October 2; fall may sound like a long way off, but training for a half-marathon takes some planning!

The MSAR will involve teams of two, three or four competing in a nonstop race involving trail running or trekking, road and mountain biking, flat-water paddling and orienteering. Teams will have to combine athleticism with strategy and navigation to guide themselves to as many checkpoints as possible within the race’s time limit.

Both the eight-hour and three-hour versions of the Maine Summer Adventure Race will start at the Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson, ME, on Saturday, July 23, 2016. The race is designed by Cliff and Kate White of the Strong MachineAdventure Racing team and will be hosted by the Midcoast Conservancy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to conservation, education and recreation.

 First-time adventure racers and families can discover how fun the sport of adventure racing is with the beginner-friendly three-hour race, said Kate White

“If you can walk or jog a 5K, bike five miles and paddle one mile, you will be more than prepared for the three-hour race,” she said. “The eight-hour course is designed to be more of a challenge, with longer distances and more navigational components. However, this race is still appropriate for the outdoorsy, beginner racer since the more difficult routes will be optional.”

Those interested in the Maine Summer Adventure Race can find more information at MaineSummerAR.weebly.com or by contacting Cliff White, Maine Summer Adventure Race Co-Director, (646) 522-5630, StrongMachineAR@gmail.com.

At the 6th annual Race Through the Woods trail races, runners can choose between a half-marathon (13.1 mi) or a 5.5 mile race, which begin at 9am. Racers of all levels are encouraged to participate; some people will be racing the clock and others will be racing themselves. The day will feature local, delicious food , and beer from Sheepscot Valley Brewing.

Kids ages 4-9are invited to participate in a Kids Race Through the Woods beginning about 10am. The race will be a short obstacle course and will be timed. After the official race, the kids course will be open all day.

Registration information is online at www.hvnc.org/trail-race. All proceeds will support the maintenance of HVNC trails and educational programs. This event is sponsored by Sheepscot Valley Brewing, Lamey-Wellehan shoes, and Trail Monster running.