Race Reviews

RR's review of 2023 race.   

Review

Being in Maine, it was really well organized, of course. Hilly, and beautiful. A point to point is the best.

Race Tips

Stretch to keep those IT bands flexible, do your hill work.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

NoraW's review of 2022 race.   

Review

Great organization, challenging but spectacular course from start to finish!

Race Tips

Train for both, uphill and downhill running. Don't ignore your long runs and if you can, do some core and resistance training.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Aaron Riddle's review of 2018 race.   

Review

I was looking forward to this marathon all year long after reading incredible reviews of how it is one of the most beautiful races on all of the east coast. It did not disappoint!

The course itself runs from Bar Harbor, ME along the coast through Acadia National Park, finishing at Southwest Harbor..another coastal town on Mount Desert Island. I was blessed with incredible marathon running weather on race day (temps in the upper 30s / low 40s with clear skies) and the trees were at peak fall foliage. The view of the water, mountains, and trees was incredible.

The race organization was top-notch. Constant updates were sent out via email and posted on the Run MDI website full of pre-race information along with a very detailed race packet PDF that was helpful not only to runners, but spectators as well. Packet pick up is a breeze in the town of Bar Harbor, which also features many things to do including shopping, boat / trolley tours, or visiting Acadia National Park.

Course support was very nice as well. There were few points on the course were there were not any spectators. The highlight of the course support to me was a large fishing boat of some type blowing its horn to cheer on and encourage the runners.

Due to proper training, amazing views, and great weather I was able to run my first-ever sub-4 hour marathon...so my experience was a fantastic one!

Race Tips

Regarding elevation, the course is not an easy one. With a total elevation gain of around 1700 ft., there are several large, drawn out inclines that you will need to run. However each incline is followed by a nice decline...and the last two miles of the course are mostly downhill too. Be sure to include some hills in your training plan.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

One final tip...I would register for this race early and book lodging ASAP. Bar Harbor has many bed and breakfasts with a few other hotels, and they fill up quick due to the tourists visiting to see the autumn colors of Maine. We were fortunate to stay in a hotel that was only a 10 minute walk from the starting line, and made our booking 9-10 months in advance.

BL's review of 2017 race.   

Review

I've run MDI for the last decade and have never been disappointed.

Race Tips

Last 1/2 is more difficult then first. Pace for it.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

jhc's review of 2017 race.   

Review

MDI Marathon is one of the most soul searching marathons you will ever do. The course is challenging but you forget that with all the breathtaking views. The islanders are so supportive & are there to give you encouragement, a hug, whatever you need! The only downside is that it is not a closed course & the roads can be difficult with little to no bike route.

Race Tips

Be prepared for ANY weather! One year it started in the snow, then became a sunny 60 degree day. It's a Maine island...if you don't like the weather, wait a minute! Start slow...there are a lot of hills...the course starts on a mild uphill that you won't notice until you're actually running it! Enjoy the day...take it all in...breathe...

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

BF's review of 2019 race.   

Review

The race was well put on, stunningly beautiful with great support. Definitely not a BQ race, but a bucket list one for sure.

Race Tips

OK, lets get this out of the way, the elevation chart on the race's web page is a lie. The course is much hiller than it shows. There is no less than 9 large hills to climb in the second half of the race, with a number of smaller ones. The official elevation chart makes the course seem A LOT easier than it is. And once you get into the Highlands, the road is very banked and hard to run on. It would be best to drive the course the day before so you can see the course.

Also note that the buses that bring you to the start are the yellow cheese wagons, don't expect charter buses. I only stay this because i heard someone complaining about it. But some people are never happy i guess.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

I would arrive on Thursday or Friday at the latest. The town is wonderful. Make sure to do a shakeout run around the Cannery and Lovers Point. Plenty of wildlife, from Sea otters to harbor seals.

Scott Benbow's review of 2018 race.   

Review

BSIM 2018 was an excellent race. I credit the race organizers who communicated effectively with applicants and runners throughout the registration process. The expo was very well organized. Race day was flawless.

Race Tips

Bring an extra layer to the start, even after you check your bag. It was cold in 2018. BSIM donates any clothing left along the side of the road to local organizations. In 2018, I ditched a pair of trousers that my wife had been asking me to get rid of for years. I showed my appreciation for her meeting me at the finish by announcing that she'd never have to see those trousers again!

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Arrive on Friday or, if you can manage it, on Thursday. There are a lot of fun things to see and do in Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur. I suggest driving the course early on Friday or Saturday morning to get a glimpse of the hills you'll be cursing on Sunday.

SW's review of 2016 race.   

Review

Race Tips

The course is VERY hilly; expect some serious climbs towards the end of the race; expect strong (head-)winds; very scenic course.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

You have to wake up very early, buses to start go around 3:30 a.m.

AMB's review of 2016 race.   

Review

This is a must bucket-list marathon. If the views don't blow you away, the headwinds (literally) will. Point-to-point marathon that is very challenging. In addition to fighting head-winds, there is the 2-mile climb up Deja-Vu to Hurricane Point that will test you. Then you run down to the bridge with the famous grand piano playing. Views of the ocean are spectacular.

Race Tips

Make sure you can deal with hills. This is not a first-time marathon - experienced marathoners only. Regardless, definitely worth it, if you can make it through the lottery.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

You'll need to get up around 2 AM to catch the bus ride to start line. Once you get there, you will wait for a couple of hours in very cold conditions - make sure you bring a jacket to keep warm, prior to the start.

Anonymous's review of 2016 race.   

Review

Race Tips

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)