Monsters Run The River

Monsters Run the River 5K, which brings runners through downtown Westbrook along our scenic Presumpscot River, is back again this year! Grab friends, family, co-workers, and your dog, and join us in downtown Westbrook for this fun and festive event!

Monsters Run the River is a 5K race with a route that winds along the scenic Presumpscot River and through beautiful downtown Westbrook. This race features a 5K and a Canine 5K race, as well as a Kids Fun Run 1K, starting and finishing in the beautiful Riverbank Park.

Monsters Run the River benefits Discover Downtown Westbrook, a nationally recognized Main Street Program. Our mission is to make Westbrook a walkable, livable, thriving destination. All ticket sales go directly towards hosting more events in the amazing downtown district.

Monsters Run the River is made up of three races: A traditional 5K, a Canine 5K, and a kids' fun run 1K. Each race starts and finishes in the same place, so no matter what, the river will run along with you.

Like to run with your pup? Bring them for the race! The Canine 5K begins just before the main start at Riverbank Park.

Children ages 12 and under are encouraged to join the 1K Fun Run for free! No need to register - just show up to the start line, and don't forget your costume!

As last year, this course is set to begin and end in Riverbank Park, right along Main Street, and will wind through downtown. Racers will run along our beautiful River Walk, onto the pedestrian bridge that crosses the Presumpscot River, and up the hill into Westbrook’s charming neighborhoods north of the river.

Racers will be directed along the route, turning south back toward the Presumpscot and eventually crossing the river again to return to the River Walk. In the final stretch, racers will be directed onto Main St, take a wide loop around the outside of Riverbank Park, and re-enter in the back just in time for the finish line!

The Fun Run 1K starts and finishes in the same area, backtracking along the River Walk toward Cumberland St before doubling back toward the finish line.

Monsters Run the River has official timing, and results will be available online after the race! We will be awarding our fastest racers and the best costumes, so make sure to stick around after you cross the finish line.

Awards are scheduled to take place at 10:00 AM, close to the finish line. While we wait for all our racers to reach the finish, enjoy the local vendor market, music, and catch your breath!

For any winners who cannot stay until that time, we will connect with each one individually to get their award to them.

The best races are those that have plenty of help from local volunteers! Be part of the energy and fun, enjoy the breathtaking fall views, and cheer on the racers!

Curious about what there is to do? All the details ready in just a few days. To stay updated on volunteer opportunities with Discover Downtown Westbrook, sign up for our newsletters.

A few days before the race, you'll need to pick up your bib and race prep items. We'll be hosting bib pickup on the evening of Friday, October 23, in downtown Westbrook - more details to come!

Discover Downtown Westbrook is a nationally accredited Main Street community, founded in 2014. Our focus is on revitalizing downtown Westbrook - we do this through hosting community events like the Vallée Square Concert Series and Winterfest, partnering with local businesses, and engaging in placemaking initiatives like Westbrook Common.

Our Mission

Discover Downtown Westbrook engages residents, the business community, and the municipality to create a positive downtown environment by recruiting and retaining businesses, drawing people downtown by hosting and promoting events, and making downtown a walkable, livable, thriving destination.

Our Vision

A vibrant, diverse, and all-inclusive community along the shores of the Presumpscot River, Downtown Westbrook is a place where residents and visitors alike are proud to Live, Work, and Play. Our Downtown is celebrated for its unique history, active arts scene, and unmatched River Walk – and our Main Street restaurants and businesses offer welcoming, accessible, and attractive places to gather.

Cancellation Policy

In the event of extreme weather (e.g., thunderstorms, washed-out course, etc.) that warrants a cancellation, racers will be notified as soon as possible. If the weather is mild but safe, the race will continue as scheduled. If the race is canceled, it will not be postponed.

Refund Policy

No refunds will be issued in the event of race cancellation or if participants choose not to race due to weather. Registration may be transferred if a racer can no longer participate.

For event-related questions, please click on the Contact link at the top right of this page.