FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                       Contact:  Gary Allen
                                                      Race Director
                                                      (207) 244-0444
                                                       mdimarathon@aol.com   

            BAR HARBOR GRAND HOTEL SELECTED AS HOST HOTEL FOR
                    THE MOUNT DESERT ISLAND MARATHON  
      
The executive committee of the MDI Marathon announces that the new Bar 
Harbor Grand Hotel has been chosen as the official host hotel of the 2003 
Mount Desert Island Marathon. Located only 200 yards from the starting 
line, the Grand Hotel will host pre-race activities and runner registration 
as well as offering special lodging packages for athletes, their families 
and spectators. "We are excited and honored to be the host hotel for this 
year's MDI Marathon. This is a great opportunity for runners and 
non-runners alike to experience the beauty of Acadia National Park and 
Mount Desert Island in Autumn" says David Witham, owner of the Grand Hotel.

Gary Allen, Race Director says, "We are very pleased to be working with the 
management of this fine new establishment. It will be a great advantage for 
our athletes to be right at the starting line on race morning." As a result 
of the success of last year's marathon, Mr. Allen is making plans for the 
expected 1000 athletes, family members and spectators who will arrive on 
Mount Desert Island this fall. The island wide race will be held on October 
19th. For more information on the second annual MDI Marathon, please visit 
their web site www.mdimarathon.org.


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