This was my Maine choice for the 50 states goal and it did not disappoint. Relentlessly hilly, nothing terribly bad, but constant, with the worst hill saved for the entire stretch of mile 24. Beautiful scenery, lots of enthusiastic volunteers, adequate expo and post-race. Stay and spend a couple of extra days in the area and hike in Acadia National Park to stretch. I would highly recommend this one.

Chosen the most scenic marathon in America, I'd be hard pressed to disagree. And you get a really good look at it all as you go up and down the unending hills. Like one other person said, I was watching the scenery to much to watch my watch.

I agree with most of the comments already made - how challenging the course is, how supportive the relatively few fans are, how the race has a wonderful small town feel and is accessible, etc... I've grown to love marathons of this size and feel.

I'll add a few comments that haven't been addressed as much. First, the race is run almost exclusively on the left side of some heavily cambered roads - this resulted in some uncharacteristic knee pain for me. I was able to work through it, but being confined to the shoulder on the left side of the road was problematic at times.

By and large the mile markers seemed true, but #22 was far off.

There are no clocks on course, so make sure you're ready to provide yourself with any information you want.

They do a really good job of locating the aid stations so they're predictable and at the few level sections of the course.

On the jackets, I think they're a great idea but the devil is in the details. They did not do a good job of ordering and for those of us arriving later from out of town, we were left with sizes completely different from what we ordered (6 months earlier). My jacket was 2 sizes larger than my order and I know someone else who ended up with one 3 sizes different. The race organizers tell you that it's your fault for not getting to the expo earlier - they warn you to get there early if you want the proper size. Am I the only one who feels it's their job to have the proper sizes available not my job to beat other runners to the punch? I won't get any use out of my jacket and that's a disappointment.

I agree with the comments about the last part of the race course, where the route is really very narrow - it would be nice not to be on the very edge of the road dodging cars.

But all in all, it's a beautiful course and a fun, challenging race. Being able to get a post-race lobster (not included!) made me forget all the soreness of the day. Far from a PR for speed, but definitely a PR for beauty.

This was my first marathon and I was told that it is very hilly and I should take it easy. I did take it easy, and enjoyed along the way, the spectacular scenery. We had strong head wind through the entire course, and plenty of hills but I still finished within 10 minutes of my goal time. Spectators were great and water/Gatorade stations every 2 miles, and a Gu station around mile 16. The town was on the verge of 'closing' on October 16, so had some problems finding good food in Bar Harbor.

I was super stoked about this event, given all the positive feedback on the scenic nature of the course. And let me say, it beyond lives up to the reputation. It is absolutely gorgeous with views of the water, fall foliage, babbling brooks, and scenic drives. However, the course is unforgivingly hilly. Train for hills, then run uphill some more. In the mile by mile description, the words 'up, up, up' at mile 20, and the 'death zone' between miles 22-26 were a little daunting. However, the race is hilly and no marathon is easy, so take that for what it is worth.
The expo is small, but allows you to easily get your packet and a few essentials you may need. The windbreaker is nice, but is a little wide and big, so definitely do not size up. I was hoping they would sell more MDI merchandise at the expo, but I guess I'll just have to order my sweatshirt online. The area is a fun little destination for the weekend as well.
Support along the course isn't abundant, but the community does come out, and family/friends can easily see you several times. I think having some crowdless areas is nice to zone out and enjoy the scenery. Water stops were well stocked, some even with complementary lei's. There are porta-potties on the course, but they are a little sparse, so otherwise woods are your best option.
The only bad part about the course is it is shared with oncoming traffic, more so in those later miles, where you aren't as agile to jump onto the shoulder when needed. However, the traffic along side allows family to easily see you, so I guess that is a bonus.
And after that one last hill they squeeze in...there is the finish area! It is a nice medal, and lots of yummy treats: ice cream, granola bars, chips, chocolate milk, bagels (already cream cheesed, might I add), and beer!
I would definitely run this race again...however I think I need to befriend my quads again by running something flatter first.

Stay in town, walk to the finish line with 10 minutes to go before the start and you'll be able to get in the front row, bring your spouse and stay an extra day, eat at any of the delicious places nearby... do all of that; but to really enjoy this beautiful Marathon - prepare for those hills!

More difficult than I imagined, but a wonderful event, none the less.

The course is just as they say it is. Hilly! The views are out of this world. There isn't a huge crowd but the people that are there are the most supportive I've ever seen in a race. The jacket is a nice touch and even though I'm slow there was enough food and drink!

Spectacular scenery!! Totally worth all of the ridiculous, relentless hills. That was a very challenging race. I was surprised to find so many first-timers on the course. Only about 1000 runners made for the perfect size field, not too many that we felt like cattle and not so few that I was alone on the course very much. The whole race including the pre- and post-race festivities had small town charm. I felt very welcome in the town as a marathoner, all the businesses and residents were so happy the race was there.

About the race: There were very few spectators (that's why I give it a 2), but those that were there cheered loudly and some were funny with signs and costumes. There were plenty of water stations and every one had Gatorade, but only one (just before mile 16) had gel and there was no food on the course at all! I didn't see many medics on the course either, usually races have EMTs cycling the course and there weren't any that I noticed. The volunteers were just wonderful!!! So supportive and encouraging at the aid stations. The roads were mostly open to traffic, but the police were great with patrolling the roads and directing traffic.

Other comments: I really like the medal! This one is nice. I like the rain/wind pull-over jacket instead of the standard tee-shirt. The pre-race pasta dinner was great. The food was delicious and I like that it was so home-style and held at the high-school cafeteria. The speaker after was a nice touch, though not a great speaker and the lighting was awful. The post race party was wonderful, although a small turn out, but we got to see a great slide show of pictures from the race.

Overall, this was a great race and I highly recommend it, just be sure to train for lots of hills!

Yesterday's marathon (2011) was just beautiful. I saw a couple of complaints about the size of the jacket, which I agree with (mine was definitely too big and the only way to get a smaller size is to find someone to switch with), and complaints in past years about the lack of porta-potties, which they seem to have fixed this year (two every 5 miles or so). I love the small-town feel of this race, with 1200 being the cut-off for the marathon. Different-colored bibs helped you see who was a first-time marathoner, a seasoned marathoner, a walker, charity runner, or relay participant, which made for all the more fun when you were chatting with people along the route. This race was exceedingly different and far more lovely than my first marathon (NYC, which was still a blast), and I loved being able to walk the half-mile from my hotel to the starting line, arriving less than an hour from when the gun went off. Sure beat sitting in Staten Island for four+ hours, by far!

If it weren't for the hills, I would highly recommend this race for first-time marathoners. If you're not afraid of hills, go for it! You won't be sorry you did!

This was by far my favorite race. Scenery was spectacular. Most races I find I'm staring at my watch keeping track of my time. Here I was taking in the course and the surroundings.

Not many spectators, but the few were very enthusiastic. Participants were spread out, at least at the front, so it was a little lonely.

Lots of hills, and the final hill was very challenging. Marathons aren't always about qualifying for Boston. It was a great feeling to finish this course.