The Mount Desert Island Marathon was the 105th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 93rd largest in 2022.
This year 3.8% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 6.2% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Mount Desert Island Marathon the 301st highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 313th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 96.85 ranks it as the 383rd 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 342nd 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 09/05/2024
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 5:31:00, what would your time in other marathons be?
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ARP's review of 2024 Mount Desert Island Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
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!
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.
RPL's review of 2024 Mount Desert Island Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
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.
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.
RR's review of 2023 Mount Desert Island Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
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.
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.
