The Mount Desert Island Marathon was the 105th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 93rd largest in 2022.
Last year 6.2% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 4.6% of runners qualified for Boston in 2022.
This gives the Mount Desert Island Marathon the 299th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 345th highest percentage in 2022.
Its Course Score of 96.85 ranks it as the 381st fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 5th fastest course in Maine.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Mount Desert Island Marathon a PR Score of 96.85. This PR Score ranks it as the 340th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 5th fastest in Maine.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Mount Desert Island Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 249 feet (75m) Min Elevation: 9 feet (2m)
Course updated 09/27/2022
Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Mount Desert Island Marathon
View available accomodations around the Mount Desert Island Marathon Finish Line and Course. Book your Reservation now before the best places are sold out.
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How Fast Can You Go?
If you ran the Mount Desert Island Marathon in 3:38:00, what would your time in other marathons be?
See how your race times would compare on other marathon courses with our time conversion tool.
Aaron Riddle's review of 2018 Mount Desert Island Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
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.
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 Mount Desert Island Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
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.
jhc's review of 2017 Mount Desert Island Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
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...
