Each fall, hundreds of runners lace up their shoes and head to the Scarborough Marsh for one of Southern Maine’s most scenic road races. Making it possible is one woman with vision, a big heart, and a serious to-do list.
A Newcomer with a Big Idea
Tracey St. John, with help from her husband Victor, started Autumn & Ales in 2018. They had just moved to Scarborough from Los Angeles and didn’t know anyone. As they opened their chiropractic practice, MEND Health & Wellness, they wanted to connect and meet people in the community.
Tracey was race veteran, having run in many, including a marathon, but she had never organized one. She always thought doing so would be fun. When she noticed there were no 10K events in Scarborough and that funds were needed to complete a portion of the Eastern Trail that runs through town, it seemed like the perfect opportunity.
Tracey mapped out a course that included a long stretch across the Eastern Trail and Scarborough Marsh. “It’s one of the more beautiful runs in Southern Maine,” she says, “especially if the leaves are changing.” The first race was a 10K fundraiser for the “Close the Gap” campaign to finish the Eastern Trail section running through Saco, Scarborough, and South Portland.
A Race that Gives Back
In the early years, all proceeds went to the trail project. Later, the race began supporting other nonprofits, including the Scarborough Land Trust, Project Grace (which helps Scarborough families in need), and the Travis Mills Foundation, which supports veterans – a nod to the American Legion, where the race starts and finishes. Tracey and Victor also always donate a portion of proceeds to Holy Cross School in Scarborough, where their sons are students.
To date, Tracey estimates they’ve raised $60,000 for nonprofits. The support goes both ways because good causes bring out race-day volunteers. One surprise, she says, is how many people donate above and beyond the registration fee. Each year, these donations generate thousands of extra dollars. Even the DJ donated his services for years. Local small businesses are also generous, often giving even more than larger ones.
This year’s proceeds will benefit the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network in honor of one of Tracey’s close friends recently diagnosed with the disease. Maine, she notes, has one of the nation’s highest rates of bladder cancer. She wants to raise awareness.
Autumn & Ales has grown steadily since 2018. When they added 5K and half-marathon routes, participation jumped from 100 runners to 450. This year, they’re aiming for 550. The race has attracted people of all ages – from 7 to 88 – and many return year after year. Some use it to train for the Maine Marathon in October.
Behind the Scenes
On race day, Tracey oversees a team of 30–35 volunteers handling setup, course directions (so no one gets lost), water stations, medals, and cleanup. There’s even a volunteer nurse on site. Business support helps too. Poland Spring donates water for runners and Nonesuch River Brewery provides post-race beer.
Tracey works on the race all year, but the final week is the most intense. With help from volunteers she assembles swag bags, coordinates with police, contacts vendors and sponsors, answers last-minute runner questions, and watches the weather forecast. The race happens rain or shine unless there is something severe, like the hurricane that hit one year. Runners pick up their bibs at MEND the day before the race.
On race day, Tracey and her team are up at 4 a.m. to mark the trail. She admits she doesn’t sleep much 24 hours before the start. The rest of the day is hectic but it also brings the small moments that Tracey loves, like seeing a first-time runner cross the finish line, a pregnant wife revealing the news with a sign reading “You’re gonna be a daddy,” a man running after a year of rehab from a car accident, or a family honoring a loved one by running in his memory. She cherishes these memories.
Afterward, there’s a celebratory lunch and then a long nap. Tracey says she feels content as long as there are no major mishaps. She just wants the experience to be worthwhile for people.
After a few days off, planning for the next year’s race begins. They get to work contacting vendors and lining up sponsors. They hire someone to handle marketing but the rest is mostly her. Someday she hopes to hire a race director so she can finally enjoy race day – maybe as a runner.
Despite the race’s success, Tracey is always looking for ways to improve. This year there will be food trucks and more beer and water at the finish line (runners get thirsty). Someday, she dreams of expanding the event into a full-on brewfest where people can stay, sip, and celebrate all afternoon.
AUTUMN & ALES
Saturday, September 20, 8am | American Legion Hall, 55-73 Mason Libby Road, Scarborough
5K, 10K, Half-Marathon | Register at AutumnAndAles.com | $10 off discount code: 100half
Volunteers Are Welcome | Email Tracey: AutumnAndAlesRace@gmail.com
Donations Are Welcome | Help reach this year’s goal of $16,000. Donate at AutumnAndAles.com.
