Summit Strength Retreat
Build Strength, Confidence, and Community in the Mountains
Summit strength is a combination of the physical, emotional and community power that is required to set and accomplish big goals. The summit strength retreat gives you an opportunity to do just that. With the backdrop of the White Mountains, we will spend three days learning, growing and reaching new heights, physically and mentally.
This retreat is designed for women and non-binary runners who are curious about mountain running and are looking to expand their skills in planning, preparing for and confidently enjoying a day in the mountains. The summit strength retreat also creates a place for you to build community and connection, whether on the trails or over the homecooked meals we will enjoy, and time to rest and recover (an important part of any mountain running adventure!)
In order to get the most out of this retreat participants should be able to comfortably run and/or hike on non-pavement surfaces for multiple hours. Saturday will feature a long run (8-12 miles/4-6 hours) while Friday and Sunday will include shorter distance runs (3-7 miles/1-3 hours). You can expect a mix of hiking and running with elevation on the runs covering between 1,000 and 3,000 vertical feet.
All activities are optional and runs will be no-drop, with the option for multiple pace and/or distance groups. The maximum group size for the Summit Strength Retreat is 12 participants.
September 18-20, 2026
Brownfield, Maine
Sample Schedule
Friday, September 18
You will arrive around 10 am and get settled into your accommodations at the Shepherd's River Lodge. Lunch will be provided, followed by a workshop and a run. We will plan our route for Saturday's long run as a team and then fuel up with a nourishing dinner before bed.
Saturday, September 19
Saturday morning will start early with an optional mobility session before breakfast. We will caravan to the trailhead we picked on Friday and spend most of the day exploring and running in the mountains, followed by a picnic lunch back at the car. Upon returning to our lodging a mobile sauna will be waiting and available throughout Saturday evening and Sunday morning.
Sunday, September 20
Sunday is a chance to rest and recover after a big mountain day. There will be options for a shake out run as well as mobility sessions and a workshop before we pack up and check out by 11 am.
Location and Lodging
Our home base will be the Shepherds River Lodge in Brownfield, Maine. Brownfield is a small town nestled on the edge of the White Mountains that provides both easy access to the Portland area as well as many options for mountain running.
The Shepherds River Lodge is a lodge style home featuring 3 shared bunk rooms (max 4 participants to a room) as well as one private queen room and plenty of space for relaxing, eating and spending time together. Two bathrooms will be shared.
Portland International Jetport is the nearest airport and is about 1 hour away. Logan International Airport in Boston is about 2 1/2 hours away. Transportation to/from airports and to trailheads is not provided but connections will be made with participants looking to carpool. There is an option to arrive at the lodge on Thursday evening to accommodate travel plans.
Pricing
Your registration fee includes all coaching and guiding for the weekend, two nights of lodging, on site sauna, meals from lunch Friday through breakfast on Sunday (6 total meals plus plenty of snacks) and retreat swag. Not included in the fee is travel to/from the location, as well as to trailheads during the weekend. All required and preferred personal gear, accommodations beyond Friday and Saturday night and any optional add-ons.
Early Bird Pricing (through 2/29/26)
Single bed in a shared room: $795
Single Occupancy Private Queen Room: $1095
Double Occupancy Private Queen Room (*participants must register together): $945 per person
Regular Pricing (through 8/1/26 or until full)
Single bed in a shared room: $895
Single Occupancy Private Queen Room: $1195
Double Occupancy Private Qeen Room (*participants must register together): $995 per person
Need lodging Thursday, September 17? Secure an additional night (no meals included) for $85.
Your spot is secured by a non-refundable deposit.
To reserve your place at the Summit Strength Retreat a non-refundable deposit of $250 is required at the time of registration. This deposit confirms your lodging and allows us to plan group sizes, meals and coaching support.
Payment Plan Options:
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Pay in full at registration or
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Choose a payment plan, with remaining balance split into two or four equal payments
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Final balance is due by August 1, 2026
Payment plans are designed to make the retreat more accessible while still allowing us to plan responsibly.
Please note: Your spot is not confirmed until the deposit is received.
Refund & Cancellation Policy
Because this is a small, carefully curated retreat with limited availability, the following cancellation policy applies:
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Deposit: the deposit is non-refundable under all circumstances.
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Cancellations before July 1, 2026: Any payments made beyond the deposit will be refunded minus a $50 processing fee.
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Cancellations after July 1, 2026: No refunds will be issued.
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No-shows or early departures: Are not eligible for refunds.
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Double Occupancy Queen Room: If you choose to book the private queen room with a friend, both deposits are due before the room will be held. In the case of one participant cancelling, the other participant is responsible to pay the single occupancy cost or transfer the spot to another person.
If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your spot to another runner (pending approval) at no additional cost.
In the unlikely event that Summit Strength Retreat must be canceled by the organizers, all payments will be fully refunded.
Ready to Join?
Meet Your Guides
Meet the team who will be leading the Summit Strength Retreat!
