"A Harbor Fest Tradition"
Scenic, fairly flat course that includes a few gentle hills, shaded neighborhoods, a stretch along the water front, and the Armistice Foot Bridge across the Passagassawaukeag River; one water stop. Everyone is welcome to join from those looking to run a personal best to families wanting to share a healthy run/walk. Top female and male runners receive 10 lbs of live lobsters (“bugs”).
Sponsorship of the Bug Run is provided by the First National Bank, Belfast, Maine.
This event is one of five events in the RunBelfast 2026 race series held in Belfast, Maine (https://www.runbelfast.org/). Events include: Paces for PAWS 5K - Jun 13; Lions Kilted Canter 5K - Jul 18; Rotary Bug Run 5K - August 8; WCHV Hospice Volunteers 5K - Sep 12; and Lions Ghostly Gallop - October 24.
RunBelfast is grateful for the support provided by City of Belfast Parks and Recreation, City of Belfast Police, and City of Belfast Fire and Ambulance
Event details and schedule
When: Saturday, August 8, 2026, 8:00 a.m. start
Where: Parking lot at Union Street and Miller Street, Belfast, Maine
Race-day registration and Packet pick-up: Race day between 07:00-07:45 a.m.
Fee: $20 through August 5; $25 race day; $20 for active duty military; souvenir t-shirts are guaranteed for all runners who register by July 25; after that date, t-shirts are available while supplies last
Awards: Overall female and male receive 10 lbs of live lobsters (“bugs”); then top M & F in each of 9 age groups (pre-teen thru 80+) receive medals
PARKING
The following parking restrictions will be in place, starting at 7 AM on Saturday, August 16th:
- Commercial Street will be closed at Union Street, and there will not be parking on Commercial Street throughout the weekend.
- The lower Belfast Common parking lot at Front St. and Commercial Street is for event volunteers ONLY.
- Belfast Boathouse parking lot will be for vendors and H/C parking only (requires a placard or plate).
- Front Street between Federal & Spring Streets and Federal Street at Main Street.
Racers are directed FIRST to city parking lots (Washington Street, Beaver Street) and then single, parallel parking (right side, aka downhill) on Front Street, and other additional city/downtown streets. Runners should not be parking in the neighborhoods if at all possible. They should use the downtown street parking and parking lots.