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Mount Desert Island Marathon

Bar Harbor, ME
Sunday, October 18, 2026


  5 Stars from 30 Reviews

Course Description
Experience the rugged and dramatic coastline and the stunning fall foliage of Acadia National Park and the surrounding areas on Mount Desert Island. This race offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, rocky shores, and the vibrant colors of the changing leaves. The course can be challenging, with rolling hills and varied terrain as it winds through charming coastal towns and sections of the national park. The combination of stunning natural beauty and the invigorating sea air makes the Mount Desert Island Marathon a truly unforgettable and iconic New England race.

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Race Information

Race Dates

2026: Sunday, October 18, 2026
2025: Sunday, October 19, 2025

Course Information

Profile: Hilly
Type: Point to Point
Surface: Road/Pavement

Boston Qualifier?: Yes
World Marathon Major Qualifier?: Yes

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 48°F (8°C)
Average High: 55°F (12°C)
Average Low: 41° F (5°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 96.85
Course Score: 96.85

Race Size

2025: 811 Finishers
2024: 840 Finishers
2023: 650 Finishers
2022: 613 Finishers
2021: No Results
2020: No Results

BQ Percentages

2025: 4.4%
2024: 3.8%
2023: 6.2%
2022: 4.6%
2021: N/A
2020: N/A

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No

Weather Averages for Last 14 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 57°F  (14°C)
Low: 42°F  (6°C)

Race Start Conditions

47°F  (8°C)
Humidity: 83%

Clear
N 7 mph

PR Score

96.65

Course Score

96.85






Mount Desert Island Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Mount Desert Island Marathon was the 104th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 97th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2025, 4.4% of Mount Desert Island Marathon finishers achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2024, 3.8% of finishers qualified for Boston.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Mount Desert Island Marathon ranked 308th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and 349th in 2024. In Maine, it ranked 6th in 2025 and 7th in 2024. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for runners comparing Boston Marathon qualifying potential across different races.

The Mount Desert Island Marathon has a Course Score of 96.85, ranking it as the 403rd fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 7th fastest marathon course in Maine.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Mount Desert Island Marathon a PR Score of 96.85. The PR Score ranks the Mount Desert Island Marathon as the 363rd best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 6th best marathon for a PR in Maine.

Together, these rankings provide a quick snapshot of how the Mount Desert Island Marathon compares with other marathons in the U.S. and Maine for speed, PR potential, Boston Marathon qualifying success, and overall participation.

Mount Desert Island Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed403rd fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 7th fastest marathon course in Maine
Top 88% Nationally#7 of 8 in Maine
PR Potential363rd best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 6th best marathon for a PR in Maine
Top 79% Nationally#6 of 8 in Maine
Boston Qualifier Rate308th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 6th highest BQ percentage in Maine
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 65% Nationally#6 of 10 in Maine
Race Size104th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 3rd largest marathon in Maine
Based on 2025 results
Top 18% Nationally#3 of 11 in Maine

Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.



Elevation Chart

Max Elevation: 249 feet (75m)
Min Elevation: 9 feet (2m)


Mount

Course updated 09/23/2025




Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Mount Desert Island Marathon

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Race Reviews


5.0
Based on 30 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Beautiful challenging course!

Full Review:

Great organization- fantastic longsieeved pullover, unique "Crusher Claw" finishers medal- but the scenery is what makes it special.

Race Tips:

Train for hills- none here are too long or steep, but there are plenty to enjoy. makes for a varied run with not too much punishment of any particular part of your legs/feet!

Travel/Logistics Tips:

It's easy. The immediate area is pricey so consider staying further out & driving in that morning- I drove from Rockland, exactly 80 miles, no problem. Always arrive early but you can park within blocks of the start easily.
Reviewed by ARP About 2024

Beautiful, scenic, hilly course

Full Review:

Fantastic point to point scenic course. Hilly course with about 1,600-1,800 feet of elevation gain. Temp was in 40's at the start (8 AM) and 60 around noon. Great fall foliage and water views throughout the course. Be sure to do plenty of hill training for this marathon. MDI Marathon was run very well.

Race Tips:

Big climbs were the first 5K and the first 5 miles of the final 10K. Be sure to do some hill training for this race.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

We stayed at the finish (Southwest Harbor, ME) and had my friend's wife drop us off at Bar Harbor, ME for the start. This worked out very well. Most stay in Bar Harbor, ME where the start is and the race has buses to bus you back after crossing the finish line.
Reviewed by RPL About 2024

MDI is fantastic!

Full 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.
Reviewed by RR About 2023

SPECTACULAR COURSE

Full 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.
Reviewed by NoraW About 2022

Stunningly Beautiful Coastal Marathon

Full 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.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

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.
Reviewed by Aaron Riddle About 2018

Fantastic atmosphere

Full 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.
Reviewed by BL About 2017

Most Incredible Views & Challenge - 3x Finisher

Full 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...
Reviewed by jhc About 2017

A natural wonder

Full 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.
Reviewed by JEL About 2017

Full Review:

Georgeous Coastal Marathon in Maine!
Reviewed by TM About 2016

Full Review:

Great course.

Race Tips:

Be prepared for all kinds of weather.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Everywhere is great!
Reviewed by Anonymous About 2016

Full Review:

The course, fans cheering along the way and the islands enthusiasm makes this one of the best!
Reviewed by Anonymous About 2016

Full 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!
Reviewed by JB About 2016

Full Review:

Scenic - rolling hills - New England in the Fall! And a great group of runners
Reviewed by DJG About 2016

Full Review:

5 Star Race
Reviewed by TRB About 2016

Full Review:

Most scenic marathon out there. Every detail covered by race staff.
Reviewed by Anonymous About 2016

Full Review:

Reviewed by dp About 2016

Full Review:

Excellently managed, beautiful course, friendly people
Reviewed by BH About 2016

Full Review:

Scenic, well supported, great community!

Race Tips:

Rugged, beautiful
Reviewed by Leah Frost About 2016

Full Review:

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

Race Tips:

rolling hills, along the seaside! Amazing course

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Get your hotel fast, books up quickly
Reviewed by Dah About 2015

Full Review:

Great course support, crowds, beautiful course! Parking, expo and logistics all easy to navigate...overall great environment and experience :)
Reviewed by Lm About 2015

Full 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.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Atlantic Oceanside Hotel is where the expo is. There are many different hotels right down town near the start also.
Reviewed by Lisa Skiff About 2015

Full 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

Travel/Logistics Tips:

The town is beautiful we stayed in an inn about a 20min walk into town so didn't have to worry about parking.
Reviewed by SC About 2015

Full Review:

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

Race Tips:

Have fun. Take it easy in the early miles!
Reviewed by B.G. About 2015

Full 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.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

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.
Reviewed by Ed lewis About 2014

Full 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.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Stay downtown as everything is within walking distance.
Reviewed by Steve About 2014

Full Review:

Beautiful course, friendly communities, well organized.
Reviewed by MEM About 2014

Full 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.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

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.
Reviewed by Dave Nevitt About 2013

Full Review:

Great scenery!

Race Tips:

There are hills!

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Plan on staying to visit the Bar Harbor area
Reviewed by Pjj About 2013

Most beautiful scenery! - 4x finisher

Full 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

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Free public transportation around the island on race day!
Reviewed by SP About 2011

Full 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.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Hotels fill up so book early
Reviewed by JS About 2009