PORTLAND — Just after sunrise on Sunday, Oct. 3, 3,500 runners are expected to take to the streets for the annual Maine Marathon, Half-Marathon and Relay Marathon.

The event officially begins at 7:45 a.m. on Baxter Boulevard between Forest Avenue and Preble Street, near the University of Southern Maine Portland campus, although runners with a pace slower than 13 minutes per mile will begin at 6 a.m.

Proceeds from the race will be donated to Camp to Belong Maine, a non-profit organization that connects and reunites siblings who have been separated because of foster care or other out-of-home care.

The race is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.

Roads in Portland, Falmouth and Yarmouth will be closed during some or all of the race.

In Portland, Baxter Boulevard from Forest Avenue to Preble Street will be closed from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m.

In Falmouth, Route 88 between Route 1 and Depot Road will be closed from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Depot Road will be closed from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and the Johnson Road/Route 88 intersection will be closed from 8 a.m. to noon.

In Yarmouth, Gilman Road from Route 88 to Princes Point Road will be closed from 9 a.m. to noon.

Spectators are asked not to park along Route 88 or any other point on the course. Parking is available in the USM parking garage or lots. Parking is not allowed at  the Hannaford supermarket on Forest Avenue.

More information is available at mainemarathon.com.

Emily Parkhurst can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 108 or eparkhurst@theforecaster.net.

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