12th Annual Ocean Commotion 5K Run/Walk and 5K Virtual Challenge 2026

Description

If you'd like to support marine mammal conservation, but prefer a virtual experience, the 5K Virtual Challenge is a great option! Scroll down for details.

5K Race Day Information

Marine Mammals of Maine (MMoME) invites you and your friendly four-legged running companions to the 12th Annual Ocean Commotion 5K Race! This scenic 5K benefits Marine Mammals of Maine and its work educating about and providing response, assistance, and care to stranded marine mammals and sea turtles in southern and midcoast Maine.

The Ocean Commotion course is appropriate for participants of all fitness levels and takes runners, joggers, walkers, and their canine companions along trails by the ocean, offering stunning coastal scenery and freedom from traffic noise. The timed heats are professionally chip-timed, and prizes will be awarded to the top human and canine finishers.

You can further support MMoME's work by purchasing official tech gear to commemorate the event, purchasing raffle tickets, making a donation, or starting a fundraiser to recruit your friends' and family's support of marine mammal and sea turtle conservation efforts.

Other Race Day Activities

A kids 1-mile fun run with prizes for every participant (no registration or registration fee required!) Youth and family activities to engage children in marine conservation: Simulation of the process of rescue and rehab process of a stranded seal, ocean-themed coloring books, whale bone puzzles, and more Race-day raffle before, during, and just after the race benefitting marine mammal and sea turtle response, rehab, and outreach—including great experiences, fun and functional items, gift certificates, etc. Info booths about Marine Mammals of Maine, the work we do, some of our favorite responses and rescues, and ways to get involved

Race Day Schedule

Registration: 8:00 am – 8:55 am All Participants Start: 9:00 am sharp (Runners will form at the front followed by walkers) Kids 1-Mile Fun Run Start: 9:10 am Raffle Tickets Available: 8:15 am – 10:00 am 5K Prizes Announced: Runners prizes announced beginning at about 9:45; Walker prizes announced immediately after the raffle drawing. Raffle Drawing: Immediately follows runner prize announcement (~10:00 am)

Youth Activities: 8:15 am – end of event (~11:00 am) MMoME Informational Booth: 8:15 am – end of event (~11:00 am)

5K Virtual Challenge

Wherever you may be you can participate in this event that is so important to MMoME's ability to stay afloat!

Join us in this challenge to run or walk 5K (3.1 miles) anytime that works for you during the week leading up to the in-person event. Share your photos of your activities on social media with #OceanCommotion #MMoME or on this website to show your support of marine mammal and sea turtle conservation efforts. You can even recruit your friends and family to join you in the challenge!

For any additional information or questions, please contact Dominique Walk at dwalk@mmome.org