This was a beautiful course to run. The start and finish had some long hills, but the scenery provided a great backdrop. The race is well organized and the spectators, while sparse, were enthusiastic. The only negatives are the road traffic, which is not much but once in a while a little unnerving, and the heavy camber or slope on the road and broken pavement and rough shoulders in some sections. But all in all a great weekend, a great race, and a good time.

Very challenging course, just as advertised. But a marathon should be that way. The course also lived up to its billing as probably one of the most scenic courses I've run. I was actually headed for a PR until the final hills at 22-23 miles caught up with me. The race was well run and the spectator support was enthusiastic, but a little light. If you're looking for a scenic marathon and not a PR, then I would highly recommend this one.

I ran the inaugural MDI Marathon in '02 and enjoyed it so much I returned to do it again in '03. Gary Allen, the race director, has done a spectacular job once more. The organization and support are terrific. By getting all of the details right, Gary has made the MDI an outstanding marathon experience. The course winds scenically across the island, through Acadia National Park, at peak foliage. While it is a very hilly, demanding course, the beautiful scenery will keep you moving.

For my third marathon I decided to go back home to Maine. Flew into the city of Portland and arrived in Bar Harbor the following day. The tourist season had just passed but still some leaf peepers out and about. Coming from avery large marathon the previous year, I welcomed the fact there would only be about 600 runners. The day started out overcast and in the mid 40's. What a perfect day for running. The national anthem was sung and the gun soon went off. Everyone seemed to have great spirits and positive inspiration. The course itself was very well organized with port-o-potties where you seemed to need them the most with no lines and the aid stations at about every two miles. The traffic was well maintained and spectators did their best to cheer you along. The course being very hilly seemed to pass quickly as you gazed out into the ocean. This would definitely beat any city race for the spectacular views, I guess the hills were worth it. AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!

I ran a PR after running 4 marathons that were fairly flat. I think this marathon is excellent because it
intimidated me to hold back, and I had little left. Great job by all volunteers. It definitly has a lot of hills.

This was a beautiful, challenging course that we had the privilege to run during the peak of leaf-peeping season. It's a small town race that is extremely well organized and has great volunteer support despite the remote location. The weather for the race was perfect - dry and 40's F. Mid-October in coastal Maine means you could get anything for weather up to and including snow so I guess we were lucky. The course is challenging but not as tough as some would lead you to think. Definitely throw some hill workouts into your training regimen. We turned this into a week's vacation in Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park and loved every minute of it.

The 2002 MDI Marathon was an outstanding event, which is especially impressive since this was the inaugural running. I like relatively small marathons in scenic places and this run fits that bill. MDI is a beautiful place and the marathon kept the runners, for the most part, in the midst of a breathtaking environment. Well, part of the breathlessness was due to the hills. I think there were some level places on the course, but not many. It is NOT 'fast and flat', so runners should be prepared for a challenging and rewarding experience. I think that MDI has a tougher course than Gods Country. I like hills, so it is OK with me. The organization was excellent, from registration through water stops to the finish line. Spectator support was enthusiastic and supportive without any big crowds. One area for improvement is the last 6 or so miles of the course which are on moderately travelled roads with not much shoulder. Overall, I think that this is a 'must do' especially for marathoners who like scenery and enjoy hills. I'll be back.

Where do I start? The day was perfect, the course was, as advertised, tough but fair. The support from the volunteers, as good as it gets. From the start at the town green in Bar Harbor to the finish in Southwest Harbor runners experience all that the Maine coast has to offer. There are pine forests, rocky cliffs, sea birds and, of course, the Ocean. Not to mention the small towns along the way and the view from the beginning of Somes Sound up to the 19 mile mark. All of this made the race my instant favorite (right after Boston). Stay a hotel at the start or a B&B at the finish. It dosen't matter, you won't be disappointed. I'll be back!

my bias is towards small, home-grown marathons with unique finishes, scenery, or themes. MDI went right to the top of my favorites.
the mountains, foliage and ocean were spectacular. many hills to keep you on your toes. great grass-roots feel. volunteers were obliging and enthusiastic. did i say many hills? organization was solid. finish and start lines were appropriately staffed and supplied. spectators were more frequent than most small-medium marathons. only minor complaint was that massages were not complimentary.
i highly recommend this race, but not for first-timers.

I have run the roads and trails of Mt Desert Island during the summer and fall season for 30 years and know the route well. The terrain is challenging but fair and every up has a down. I think the course may be comparable to Boston as far as speed. If the prevailing northerly fall winds are blowing it should be a nice tail wind from the start to 14 miles and again from 20 miles to the finish. Even the section along Somes Sound is protected by beautiful mountains and forests as you wind along the sea on a beautiful 'inland' fjord road so headwinds would be minimized somewhat. The scenic vistas are unparalleled on the east coast and will be a welcome distraction. The hospitality of the local people (particularly in the off season) is bound to be good. I recommend staying either at a Bed & Breakfast in Bar Harbor with many good year round restaurants, (or maybe one mid course in Northeast Harbor if traveling with non-runners) or even at the finish in Southwest Harbor if you don't want to travel 20 min back to the start after the race. Any way you go, this is bound to be a classic event and a great time. I wouldn't miss this one for the world! It takes about 8 hrs to drive from NY, 5 hrs from Boston ( or Amtrak now goes to Portland, rent a car for the last 2hrs). Marathon running isn't all about PR times and Boston qualifying. This one is as they say at the Maine border, 'The way life should be'. Go experience Acadia National Park and Mt Desert Island in the Fall. You won't regret it. (well maybe a little at 22 miles)