CARRABASSETT VALLEY, Maine — With its scenic location and history of producing some of the fastest marathon times in the nation, the Sugarloaf Marathon has long been a favorite for long distance runners throughout the country. This year runners will have even more incentive to head to the mountains of Maine, when Sugarloaf teams up with the Mount Desert Island Marathon as the first leg in the new Summit to Sea Marathon Series on May 17, 2009.

The Marathon Series will conclude on October 18 at the Mount Desert Island Marathon, at which time a male and female champion will be crowned. The runner with the fastest combined times for both marathons will be named the series champion.

“The Sugarloaf Marathon and the Mount Desert Island Marathon have both been attracting runners from around the world for a long time now,” said Jami Badershall, Sugarloaf Marathon Coordinator. “We thought that this would be a good way to combine two of Maine’s most unique road races, and offer runners a new challenge that they can’t find anywhere else.”

Now entering its 27th year, the Sugarloaf Marathon is Maine’s oldest continuously run marathon and one of the 15 fastest marathons in the nation, taking competitors through the Western Maine Mountains on a course that ends with a 16-mile descent, which makes it appealing to runners aiming to qualify for the Boston Marathon.

Runners are provided with spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges and the serenity of the Carrabassett River. Wildlife sightings are common, as runners share the roads and environment with the area’s abundant population of moose and deer.

Runners can register for the marathon for $55 through April 30, or $60 through May 16. There is no race day registration for the marathon. Registration for the Sugarloaf 15K is $23 through May 16 or $25 on the day of the race. In addition to cash prizes for the top three men and women in each race, all entrants receive a t-shirt, post-race breakfast, massage, and a finisher’s medal. An all-you-can-eat pasta dinner will be served in the King Pine Room in the Base Lodge the Saturday evening before the race, from 5 to 8 p.m.

Lodging is available at the Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel for the marathon for $42 per person, per night. Call 1.800 THE LOAF or visit www.sugarloaf.com for reservations and more information.

Net proceeds from the races will benefit the Sugarloaf Regional Charitable Trust, which supports community food pantries, educational programs, and cultural activities in the greater Sugarloaf area.

The Mount Desert Island Marathon has been named the most scenic marathon in North America by ESPN and has been hailed as one of the 50 greatest marathons in the United States.

For more information on the Mount Desert Island Marathon please visit www.mdimarathon.org. For more information on the Summit to Sea Marathon please visit www.summittoseamarathon.org.