Click to REGISTER NOW for Monsters Run the River 2026!
Experience the exciting Monsters Run the River 5K, hosted by Discover Downtown Westbrook! This ninth-annual charming road race takes runners through downtown Westbrook and alongside the picturesque Presumpscot River, all set against stunning fall foliage and historic architecture.
See below for the race route, race formats, and how to register to Run the River! This year’s race features official timing, a local vendor market, music, and awards for costumes and racers! Join in the fun this October in downtown Westbrook.
About Monsters Run the River
Monsters Run the River is Discover Downtown Westbrook’s annual 5K fundraiser, celebrating the fall foliage and serving as the capstone to our Westbrook Wellness program.
Runners and observers alike are encouraged to dress up in their best costumes for the event and show their Halloween spirit! The event offers a 5K, a K-9 5K, and a Kids Fun Run 1K, so bring along your friends, family, co-workers, and furry friends for this festive event!
Feel the joy of the scenic route that winds along the famous Presumpscot River and Westbrook’s vibrant downtown. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of Saccarappa Falls and admire historic architecture in old Frenchtown and the Cumberland Mills Historic District. After crossing the finish line, explore local vendors and the bustling shops downtown. Plus, stick around for the costume contest during the award ceremony!
Monsters Run the River 5K is a benefit event for Discover Downtown Westbrook, a nationally accredited Main Street organization. Every registration helps support the organization’s work to make downtown a walkable, welcoming, and thriving destination for everyone. So, get your costumes and running shoes ready, and come Run the River!
2026 Race Details
Race Course
The Monsters Run the River course is set to begin and end in Riverbank Park, right along Main Street. Racers will run along our beautiful River Walk, onto the pedestrian bridge that crosses the Presumpscot River, and into Westbrook’s charming and historic Frenchtown neighborhood north of the river.
Racers will be directed along the route, turning south back toward the Presumpscot and toward the Cumberland Mills Historic District, eventually crossing the river again to return to the River Walk. In the final stretch, racers will be directed onto Main St, take a loop around Riverbank Park, and re-enter just in time to cross the finish line!
The Fun Run 1K route also begins in Riverbank Park, backtracking along the River Walk toward Cumberland St before doubling back toward the finish line.
Event Details
Monsters Run the River features three races: a traditional 5K run, a Canine 5K, and a Fun Run 1K! It doesn’t matter what kind of runner you are – as long as you dress up, you’ll fit right in.
This year’s event will feature a market with local vendors and food offerings, an aid station at the finish, music, and plenty of energy! Stay tuned for more information to come soon.
Race Day Timeline:
8:00 AM: Day-of registration and bib pickup opens
8:30 AM: Fun Run 1K start
8:45 AM: Canine 5K start
9:00 AM: Main 5K start
10:00 AM: Race and costume award ceremony!
Race Registration
Registration for Monsters Run the River 2026 is LIVE! Register as an individual or a group for the race, and we’ll take care of the rest!
Register Now!
The first 75 runners to register will get a free t-shirt, and all runners will receive a goody bag for participating in the race!
Stay tuned for more information on attractions, awards, and other elements to this event. Thanks for joining in the fun for Monsters Run the River 2026!
Volunteer at Run the River 2026!
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? To stay updated with volunteer opportunities with Discover Downtown Westbrook, click the button below.
Thanks to our 2026 sponsors!
Interested in sponsoring Run the River 2026? Click below to contact us.
Photo Gallery!
