The Marr Foundation raised $212,000 alone, exceeding its goal of $200,000

Despite being run virtually over 2-weeks this year, the 2020 Gorham Savings Bank Maine Marathon, Half Marathon, and Relay, exceeded fundraising expectations, finishing strong with just over $254,000.

Nearly 50 percent of race participants made a donation or donated their registration fee to charity – a 40 percent increase from years past. Virtual entry fees accounted for $20,000, which allowed the Marathon to fulfill roughly 33% of each beneficiary’s planned contribution. Each beneficiary from 2020 will remain a beneficiary in 2021 so that the remainder of the marathon’s financial commitment can be met.

Through the race’s charity bib program, The Marr Foundation raised $212,000 for Alzheimer’s research and Portland Community Squash, a 2019 beneficiary, raised $13,000 for its organization. The race also received a $500 donation from Old Port Advisors.

“The generosity of our runners is remarkable,” said Bob Dunfey, volunteer race director, especially given the current landscape.” “We’re proud to say that The Gorham Savings Bank Maine Marathon and its participants have raised more than $5.5 million for local charities since 1997.”

This year race beneficiaries include:

Teens to Trails, an organization dedicated to connecting high school students to life-changing outdoor experiences; Wayside Food Programs, who provide food to the hungry in greater Portland; Team Long Run, who believes every child should have someone to run with; Port Resources, based in South Portland supporting people with developmental and behavioral health challenges to live meaningful lives; Pihcintu Multinational Girls Chorus, who welcomes immigrant children from around the globe and invites them to restart their lives through companionship and harmony; Shawnee Peak Adaptive, a multi-week snowsports program serving the needs of school and adult programs for individuals with special needs; and Spurwink, who provides behavioral health and education services for children, adults, and families.

“Our community is so fortunate to have such dedicated race volunteers,” said Gorham Savings Bank president and CEO, Steve deCastro. “Because of their leadership and steadfast commitment to making this year’s race possible, nonprofits that provide so many important services will receive a much needed financial boost.”

Race organizers expect to add an additional beneficiary in 2021, pending the race happens as planned. Maine-based nonprofits interested in being considered as a beneficiary for 2021 can apply online now through January 1 at mainemarathon.com.

The Gorham Savings Bank Maine Marathon will take place on October 3, 2021. Visit mainemarathon.com for updates.