Registration Is Open for the 2026 Cross for LifeFlight and Family-Fun 5K
The Cross for LifeFlight makes lifesaving missions possible
Augusta, Maine – Registration is now open for the 2026 Cross for LifeFlight, featuring an exciting new event: the inaugural Cross for LifeFlight Family-Fun 5K, taking place Saturday, August 15 at Portland’s Back Cove Trail.
LifeFlight of Maine is bringing supporters together in person for the 5k, which welcomes all ages and abilities. Participants are invited to walk, run, or jog alongside LifeFlight crew members, former patients, and other fellow supporters – all while raising critical funds to support LifeFlight’s lifesaving mission.
The Cross for LifeFlight, held throughout the month of August, is LifeFlight’s largest annual peer-to-peer fundraiser. While the month-long challenge remains a core part of the event, this year’s addition of the 5k creates a new opportunity for the community to come together, celebrate, and elevate fundraising efforts in a memorable way.
“We are thrilled to introduce the Cross for LifeFlight Family-Fun 5K as a new part of our month-long challenge,” said Ashley MacMillan, the Director of Annual Giving. “This event is all about connection – giving people the chance to meet LifeFlight crew, honor the mission, and take part in something active and meaningful. We’ve already received great community support, and we can’t wait to see everyone at the starting line.”
Participants can choose to take part in the 5K, the month-long Cross challenge, or both. As in years past, throughout August, individuals and teams will continue to raise funds by logging miles doing the outdoor activities they love, including walking, biking, paddling, hiking, and swimming.
As a nonprofit, LifeFlight depends on support from people across Maine. Funds raised in August help keep LifeFlight going all year long, creating access to critical care and medical transport for everyone, in every community in Maine. The Cross for LifeFlight makes this lifesaving mission possible.
Summer is LifeFlight’s busiest time of year. Last year in June, July, and August, LifeFlight cared for 877 patients — on average, a patient was transported every 2.5 hours. This summer, demand for LifeFlight’s services has been similarly high, highlighting the importance of community support.
In 2026, the Cross for LifeFlight aims to raise $200,000 to ensure that LifeFlight crews can continue to deliver advanced critical care whenever and wherever it is needed.
Registration for the Cross is $100. Registration for kids 12 and under is $25. LifeFlight patients and their families can also register for $25 with a discount code. All participants receive a kit filled with Cross for LifeFlight branded gear and a handful of other items to support them in their adventures. Participants are asked to raise a minimum of $350 in support of LifeFlight’s mission.
“The Cross for LifeFlight is our most important fundraising event of the year,” said Kate O’Halloran, Executive Director of The LifeFlight Foundation. “With the addition of the 5K, we’re creating an even more powerful way for people to show their support. Whether you’re joining us at Back Cove or taking part throughout the month, every step helps ensure that the next person facing a life-threatening emergency in Maine has access to the care they need.”
Since 2013, peer-to-peer fundraising events, including the Cross for LifeFlight, have raised more than $3 million to:
- upgrade and standardize LifeFlight’s helicopter fleet,
- purchase advanced medical equipment carried onboard,
- fund important clinical education and training programs across the state,
- enhance the state’s aviation infrastructure.
To learn more about Cross for LifeFlight, please visit https://www.crossforlifeflight.org/.
