Paine to Pain 2026 Race Reviews

And the reviews, like the rain, are starting to pour in from varied sources. (Photos here, recap here) Often by social media, sometimes via email (only used with permission), let’s see what folks had to say about this year’s edition are that started with musket fire in a drizzle and ended with a steady rain:

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I love running the Paine to Pain trail half marathon every year. As it gets harder with every trip around the sun it is a reminder that I’m growing older but not up. — Wellfleet’s Finest, via Instagram

18 years strong, and what a way to celebrate! A race defined by grit and perseverance with mud, hills, rain, and a few streams along the way.
It was raining hard, but we were running harder. A reminder that sometimes the toughest miles make the best memories and it’s not how you start, but how you finish. Huge thank you to @painetopain for hosting the 18th annual race and delivering another unforgettable experience. A challenging yet beautiful course and a tradition worth keeping. Until next year! — Inwood Run Club via Instagram

Such an awesome event!! First timer and I absolutely loved it. Well organized, the NICEST and most supportive volunteers, great trails, and a host you can tell is truly passionate about the event! I’ll definitely be back. — Neal Mortimer, via Facebook

thank you 🙏🏻 and thanks for putting on a great race as always! — flow_to_fit-yoga, via Instagram

@painetopain She is a rockstar and thank you for an amazing race and experience. We love running this race and always highly recommend it. Looking forward to next year.— kyakuma99, via Instagram

the most fun trail half ever …rain or shine — katuhland via Instagram

this race was such a blast. 💥 @painetopain 🫶🫶🌻 ~950ft of vert 📈 I really pulled back and soaked in the energy of the forest… i had so much fun that the last 200m of 13.1 miles felt fun to sprint hehe! cheered on by & celebrated with @oldmanrunclub squad ~ — jennybeansfoods via Instagram

Kudos painetopain on an awesome 18th event! — Bobby Asher, 2014 Champion and 2026 age group podium, via Threads

[This page will be updated if I find anyone saying anything nice about the race.]