An annual race in frigid temperatures helps revitalize a small Maine town

By Grace Benninghoff

Published December 10, 2025 at 4:50 AM EST

Every December, thousands of runners gather in a small northern Maine town to run a marathon through the frigid woods. The race started as an unlikely way to stoke the town's economy.

Grace Benninghoff

Support nonprofit, fact-based public service journalism

WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.

Contribute now

Related Content

Trump downplays concerns about high prices at Pennsylvania rally

Tamara Keith

President Trump weaved through topics at a rally in Pennsylvania Tuesday night, calling affordability a Democratic "hoax" and sharing his grievances about immigrants.
Political consultant talks about Trump's stance on affordability

Leila Fadel

President Trump minimized concerns about the economy during a Pennsylvania rally Tuesday. NPR's Leila Fadel speaks with political consultant Frank Luntz about Trump's latest take.
Why a record number of students applied for federal financial aid this year

Elissa Nadworny

Thousands of high school seniors are filling out their federal financial aid form or FAFSA. Numbers show a record increase in applications despite confidence in higher ed being at a low.
NPR News

The Fed is expected to cut rates. And, Afghan CIA fighters feel abandoned by the U.S.

Brittney Melton

The divided Federal Reserve is considering cutting interest rates today. And, Afghans in the U.S. who fought for the CIA say they feel abandoned by the agency.
Appalachia + Mid-South Newsroom

Campus firings over Charlie Kirk comments chill free speech in Appalachia

Pierce Gentry

An atmosphere of fear and uncertainty has set in on campuses across Appalachia where at least a dozen faculty and staff at colleges and universities have lost their jobs after sharing negative opinions about the conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.