Mount Desert Island Marathon Reviews

  MDI is fantastic!

By RR about 2023

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.

  SPECTACULAR COURSE

By NoraW about 2022

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.

  Stunningly Beautiful Coastal Marathon

By Aaron Riddle about 2018

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.

  A natural wonder

By JEL about 2017

Review

I loved this marathon, which was my first. The race is very well run. The expo is easy and convenient. I liked the shirt, though my only minor disappointment was I'd like a shirt that was specific for the marathon not shared with the half, and had the distance on it. Wouldn't have to be flashy, just a small 26.2 under the graphic, but at least a nod to the distance. Perhaps this mattered more to me because it was my first 26.2. The course was beautiful even on the foggy day I ran it. It starts in a coastal village, runs through more before finishing in another. Along the way it runs through and along Acadia National Park, and the coast. It is fairly hilly, but not overwhelming. The field to me was the perfect size. Small enough I never felt crowded or overwhelmed, but large enough I never was running alone. The support stations were well staffed and supplied. Course support was plentiful at time, non existent at others, but I like that atmosphere. Sometimes it's nice to just be in your own groove, not have people cheering the whole way. This race had a great balance. Overall, it was a fantastic experience.

Race Tips

My only advice is to be sure not to go out to fast, and take it easy on the hills in the first half, because the worst hills are in the last 1/4 of the race and you'll likely need the reserves.

  Most Incredible Views & Challenge - 3x Finisher

By jhc about 2017

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...

  Fantastic atmosphere

By BL about 2017

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.

  

By Leah Frost about 2016

Review

Scenic, well supported, great community!

Race Tips

Rugged, beautiful

  

By BH about 2016

Review

Excellently managed, beautiful course, friendly people

  

By dp about 2016

  

By Anonymous about 2016

Review

Most scenic marathon out there. Every detail covered by race staff.

  

By TRB about 2016

Review

5 Star Race

  

By DJG about 2016

Review

Scenic - rolling hills - New England in the Fall! And a great group of runners

  

By JB about 2016

Review

Gorgeous scenery!!! Small entry limit compared to many. Delicious post-race food & beer!!

Race Tips

Stay in Bar Harbor the night before the race! You an walk to the start!

  

By Anonymous about 2016

Review

The course, fans cheering along the way and the islands enthusiasm makes this one of the best!

  

By Anonymous about 2016

Review

Great course.

Race Tips

Be prepared for all kinds of weather.

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

Everywhere is great!

  

By TM about 2016

Review

Georgeous Coastal Marathon in Maine!

  

By B.G. about 2015

Review

Beautiful course, very well organized, fantastic support, unique experience!

Race Tips

Have fun. Take it easy in the early miles!

  

By SC about 2015

Review

It was my 5th marathon; not my fastest but it was the most fun and the most challenging. The sites along the course were beautiful, the people were friendly!

Race Tips

VERY hilly..pace accordingly

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

The town is beautiful we stayed in an inn about a 20min walk into town so didn't have to worry about parking.

  

By Lisa Skiff about 2015

Review

Fabulous time of year in Maine. Splendid colors and an extremely scenic racecourse. Definitely a challenge but the hometown community flair eases the pain in many levels.

Race Tips

Weather is usually cooler and perfect racing temperatures. Very hilly course that travels through several quaint village towns on MDI near Acadia National Park.

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

Atlantic Oceanside Hotel is where the expo is. There are many different hotels right down town near the start also.

  

By Lm about 2015

Review

Great course support, crowds, beautiful course! Parking, expo and logistics all easy to navigate...overall great environment and experience :)

  

By Dah about 2015

Review

Good clean fun, well marked and amazing view along the course.

Race Tips

rolling hills, along the seaside! Amazing course

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

Get your hotel fast, books up quickly

  

By MEM about 2014

Review

Beautiful course, friendly communities, well organized.

  

By Steve about 2014

Review

Most beautiful course I have ever run. It is challenging but fair. It runs faster than you think because your mind is actually occupied on the scenery. This is a race I will try to run every year.

Race Tips

Do not start fast. Hold reserve early and resist the temptation to go out hard with everyone. This race begins at mile 20 and if you have run a cerebral race, you will be able to handle the uphill from mile 20 to 24. This is a runners race. If you run a smart race, you can BQ. I would rather BQ here than any other course because if you do, you have truly earned it.

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

Stay downtown as everything is within walking distance.

  

By Ed lewis about 2014

Review

Beautiful run. The weather was great (for marathon running). The fall colors were stunning. Cool to run around the only fjord on the Atlantic coast. Combining fall leaves with ocean views made for a great experience. The race is surprisingly small and intimate. Not much for crowds, but as for vistas, hard to beat. I ran Big Sur last year and this was equal.

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

A number of good hotels and B & Bs available. We arrived a couple of days early to take pictures of Bass Harbour lighthouse and see the sights. My only regret was that I didn't want to fill up on the fantastic lobster and seafood the day before running, but otherwise, it was all good.

  

By Pjj about 2013

Review

Great scenery!

Race Tips

There are hills!

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

Plan on staying to visit the Bar Harbor area

  

By Dave Nevitt about 2013

Review

The organization is fantastic. The town of Bar Harbor is very welcoming and a great place to visit in October. The course is challenging and very scenic. I prefer marathons of this size as your never running alone, but never feel overwhelmed by crowds.

Race Tips

Ease up a bit on the hills and enjoy the scenery. Save energy for the last mile which is mostly downhill. Run strong and smile as you cross the finish line.

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

Stay near the downtown area of Bar Harbor and you can walk everywhere, including to the start line. You will need to drive to the pasta dinner, but it is worth the trip. Loved the seafood pasta.

  Most beautiful scenery! - 4x finisher

By SP about 2011

Review

Scenery worth training for! Roaring ocean on your left, gorgeous pine forest on your right. Challenging course but I return year after year. Friendly people to cheer and encourage. Great race preparation by the organization, well planned race day, free bus transportation to and from finish line.

Race Tips

Hilly course

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

Free public transportation around the island on race day!

  

By JS about 2009

Review

There's nothing to not like about this marathon. It's a beautiful course along the Maine Atlantic coast. Come early and stay after, to visit beautiful Bar Harbor Maine and Acadia National Park. The run has wonderful support and there's only good things to say about it.

Race Tips

It's really hilly so train accordingly.

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

Hotels fill up so book early