History: The Dempsey Challenge was begun in 2009 by actor Patrick Dempsey, who grew up in Maine. His mother, Amanda, was diagnosed with cancer in 1997, and it made him realize that families with members who had cancer need wraparound help. In 2020, the Dempsey Challenge went virtual, and now it is a hybrid, allowing people to participate in person or virtually. People of all ages and abilities are welcome.
Month Held: The Dempsey Challenge is held on a Saturday late in September.
Attractions: You can choose to participate in a 5K run/walk, a 10-, 25-, 50- or 65-mile metric century cycling event or a brand new 25-mile event --a duathlon-- that will challenge you to run 4.5 miles and ride 21.5 miles to the finish line at the Festival in the Park!
In the afternoon, everyone comes together to honor cancer survivors with the 15th Annual Survivor Walk, recognize the 2023 Amanda Dempsey Award winner and close out the day celebrating the top fundraisers at the Fundraising Award ceremony.
The Friends and Family Festival in Simard-Payne Memorial Park offers live music, food, a Maine craft beer and wine tent, and a Dempsey Challenge swag tent. All participants get a free meal ticket in the food tent and can choose breakfast or lunch, pancakes or lobster rolls.
Admission: Registration is $50 with a suggested minimum fundraising of $250.
Parking: Parking is free on Challenge Day at the Chestnut Street Garage and Lincoln Street Garage.
