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WELCOME TO FORWARD MOTION EVENTS – YOU BELONG HERE!
Not Just Races – A Family, A Community, A Movement!
At Forward Motion Events, we’re all about creating moments that matter. We believe in the power of community, the thrill of challenge, and the incredible connections that happen when people come together to achieve something great. With every event we host, our mission is simple: to inspire, support, and celebrate YOU.
Our flagship event, the Pumpkinman Triathlon Festival, is more than a race—it’s a celebration of resilience, camaraderie, and pure joy. Held every year on the weekend after Labor Day in stunning South Berwick, Maine, Pumpkinman is where athletes become family and everyone is cheered on like a champion. And it’s not just about the races—together, we’ve donated over $435,000 to support our local community! That’s the power of coming together!
We don’t stop there! Our other incredible events include:
- Rick’s Run 5K, a fun, high-energy race where everyone—from first-timers to seasoned pros—feels at home.
- Luna Run, an empowering women’s event that’s all about strength, connection, and having a blast!
At Forward Motion Events, you’re never just a participant—you’re part of something bigger. From the moment you join us, you’ll feel the encouragement, the high-fives, the cheers, and the overwhelming sense that YOU BELONG HERE.
So come for the challenge, stay for the community, and leave as part of the family—for life. Let’s move forward together and make magic happen!
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PUMPKINMAN TRIATHLONÂ 9/6/2025
The Pumpkinman Triathlon Festival is a world-class race weekend in South Berwick, Maine, featuring Sprint, Olympic, Aquabike, and Relay events—all designed to challenge athletes of every level. Pumpkinman is proud to be the he USA Triathlon Maine State Championship race again in 2025 offering competitors the chance to qualify for Nationals while experiencing our unmatched camaraderie and community spirit. Whether you’re racing solo, with a team, or tackling a new challenge, you belong here!
LEARN MORE HEREPUMPKINMANÂ HALF MARATHON AND RUNNING FESTIVAL! 9/7/2025
The Pumpkinman Running Festival is an unforgettable celebration of fall running, featuring distances for everyone: a 1-Mile Fun Run, Pumpkin Pi 3.14 Miler, Pumpkin Jenni 8.675309 Miler, Half Marathon, 30K Fall Marathon Prep, and the Battle on Spring Hill 6.6 Miler. Whether you’re chasing personal bests or soaking up the autumn vibes, this event has something for every runner. Tag a friend, lace up, and start your 2025 goals today—you belong here!
LEARN MORE HERESATURDAY 9/6/2025:
Sprint, Olympic, Olympic Aqua Bike & Relays!
Join us for our 19th year! Award-winning triathlon featuring the best volunteers, course, atmosphere, post-race party and swag!!
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SUNDAY 9/7/25:
6-Distance Running Festival!
Fun for the whole family! Run/walk or just join us for Autunm Harvest Brunch! Â
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RICK'S RUN 5K
Join us at Rick's Run, an annual 5K in South Berwick, Maine, that commemorates the life of Richard A. Roy, a Vietnam Veteran who battled PTSD.
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"Trust me, I look at everything as a race director – banners, fencing, buoys, course directional volunteers, water stations, pre race activities, post race activities. You and your team nailed it all. It was quite impressive and I know a lot of planning...lots of planning! Congratulations...you should be very proud of what you have given to the triathlon industry...good for you!!"
Dave McGillivray
Race director of the Boston Marathon, entrepreneur, philanthropist, motivational speaker, author, and athlete.Â
REGISTER HERE!
"To say that Pumpkinman wins best post-race food is the understatement of a lifetime."
Racing is fun, and winning is always my favorite result, but something about racing at Pumpkinman transcends the usual swim-bike-run contest. You’ll never mistake the environment for the intense and over the top Ironman races, but rather notice something very different about the way people carry themselves here. Even the fastest, most competitive athletes, are just having a great, fun time. Everybody is happy. Laughter is in the air. Sure, there’s a clock to beat, but that’s just one small detail. To me, Pumpkinman is everything great about grassroots triathlon, and at the end of the day, just a fantastic reminder that triathlon is supposed to be fun, a fact that is far too easy to forget at other races. I promise that if you put Pumpkinman on your race calendar next season, it will be the highlight of your season.
Tim Russell, Pro Triathlete
It all started with one simple goal: to bring people together, inspire growth, and create a space where everyone can contribute to making the world a better place. Forward Motion Events was born from a love of community and a drive to make a difference.
We’ve grown into a world-class race weekend nestled in a small Southern Maine town, but our heart has always been about connection and collaboration. Working together for the greater good isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are.
And here’s the best part: You belong here!
HEY THERE! I'M RACHEL – Your Race Director and Adventure Architect!
Welcome! I’m Rachel, the passionate creator, high-energy race director, and driving force behind Forward Motion Events. Whether it’s the adrenaline-packed Pumpkinman Triathlon and Running Festival, the feel-good vibes of Rick’s Run 5K, or the empowering all-women’s Luna Run, I’m here to design races that ignite your excitement, inspire your challenge, and leave you feeling unstoppable.
Let me tell you a little about me!
I’m deeply rooted in our amazing South Berwick community, serving on local nonprofit boards, championing causes that matter, and always looking for ways to uplift my neighbors. Life’s a team sport, and I love building connections that matter.
On the home front, I’m the proud mom of three incredible kids and happily married to my high school sweetheart, Brad. Every day is an adventure, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
But the journey doesn’t stop there! I’ve had the honor of collaborating with the amazing team at All Day Running Co, founded by Jesse Itzler, to produce standout events like "Hell on the Hill" Maine Edition (yes, the world's hilliest half marathon!) and their transformative RUNNINGMAN event. These collaborations have fueled my passion for creating unforgettable, life-changing experiences.
Oh, and did I mention the Race Across America? I’ve been in the trenches as crew and co-crew chief for three different teams tackling the world’s toughest bike race. Let’s just say, adventure is in my blood.
Why do I do this?
Because I believe in YOU. I believe in the power of crossing a finish line—not just as the end of a race, but as the start of something extraordinary. I believe in your ability to push past limits, discover new strengths, and transform your life one step at a time.
So, what’s next?
Are you ready to join us? Lace up, show up, and be part of something amazing. Together, we’ll run, laugh, and conquer challenges, big and small. I’ll be there cheering you on every step of the way, ready to celebrate your victories and welcome you to the Forward Motion family.
LET’S GOOOOOO!
Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming...
Wow! What a Ride!
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Forward Motion Events
Our mission is to create events that bring communities together. Our goal with everything we do is to create strong community ties through collaboration and connection.
