Whether on skis or in running shoes, Midcoast Conservancy has a schedule of racing opportunities this year for athletes at all levels. What they all have in common is the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Maine woods, and an emphasis on fun.

On Sunday, March 26, the sixth annual Liberal Cup biathlon will be held at Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson. Racers can compete individually or in teams of four, and everyone is encouraged to compete in costume. Biathlon combines cross-country skiing with target shooting; air rifles will be provided by the Southern Maine Biathlon club, and each racer will receive safety training on how to use the rifle. Race categories are based on self-selected skill levels, and there are special categories for youth racers. Awards will be given out for best costume, best team name, and for youth and high school aged participants.

Races will begin about 9 a.m. and continue into the early afternoon. All day long there will be bonfires, great food, and something on tap from the Liberal Cup. Spectators are encouraged. To register, go to http://www.midcoastconservancy.org/events/6th-annual-liberal-cup-biathlon/

This summer, Midcoast Conservancy will hold the second annual Maine Summer Adventure Race. The MSAR will involve teams of two, three or four competing in a nonstop race involving trail running or trekking, road and mountain biking, flat-water paddling and orienteering. Teams will have to combine athleticism with strategy and navigation to guide themselves to as many checkpoints as possible within the race’s time limit.

Both the ten-hour and three-hour versions of the Maine Summer Adventure Race will start at the Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson on Saturday, June 24. The race is designed by Cliff and Kate White of the Strong Machine Adventure Racing team and will challenge expert adventure racers and beginners alike with a fun and beautiful course that travels through thick pine forests, across deep cold lakes and rivers and up to promontories that offer the occasional revealing glimpse of the nearby Atlantic Ocean. For more information, or to register, go to http://www.midcoastconservancy.org/events/maine-summer-adventure-race-71517/.

Finally, the annual Race Through the Woods at HVNC will be held on Oct. 1, beginning at 9 a.m. Racers can choose between a half-marathon and a 5.5 mile course. Both courses will take runners through some of the 1,000 acres that comprise HVNC, along challenging trails and past lovely Little Dyer Pond. In addition, there will be a kids’ race, for ages 5-12, free of charge, which will include a loop with fun obstacles and challenges, and prizes and t-shirts for all. Beer and food will be available to round out will is certain to be a fun-filled day in the woods. For more information, or to register, go to http://www.midcoastconservancy.org/explore/events/.

For more information on Midcoast Conservancy, Hidden Valley Nature Center and upcoming events, go to www.midcoastconservancy.org or call (207) 389-5150.