After flying into Manchester, NH and driving several hours up the coastal highway we arrived in Bar Harbor. By staying near the host hotel we were able to get our race packets and chips with no problem at all. The folks at the expo were all very helpful. The morning of the race it looked like it might be downright cold but the weather conditions were just about perfect. Overcast about the mid 50's with a breeze (maybe could be considered a wind when it was hitting you in the face). This course is not flat, in fact about the only flat section is the finish line. The hills start out almost as soon as you cross the starting line. You have to keep that in mind or you will burn youself out on the 1st half. We had a car load of fans (3 ladies and one guy) that would drive up the road and yell and scream and cheer for everyone that passed by, at one point they all climbed into a tree and cheered as runners went by. They drove ahead and stopped and cheered many many times and it was great. The age group awards were also outstanding as I was lucky enough to get one. The after race food and tent was very nice. The massage area got backed up fairly quickly so I passed on a massage and went back for more food. I would recommend this race for anyone that is doing all 50 states.

This was my second marathon and although, I didn't beat my walking record, I thoroughly enjoyed the event. Gary did an amazing job of organizing this marathon and everybody was so nice, from participants to supporters ... it was awesome! The atmosphere in the town of Bar Harbor, following the marathon was so uplifting! I met some amazing athletes and was introduced to people from all over the USA and Canada - fantastic! I look forward to participating in this beautiful marathon again!

-Betty

The pasta dinner, the guest speaker - Joan Benoit Samuelson, the organization, the volunteers, the medals, shirts, awards, the BEAUTIFUL course - everything about this marathon was perfect. This is the only marathon I've ever run where my thoughts at the finish line were 'I want to run it again!'

Come on folks, let's not make it sound like this is some sweet little seaside romp. This is one tough course. The first two-thirds of the route are almost laughably beautiful - like the backdrop at a photo studio. But the last third is downright mean and, frankly, kind of dull. The route turns onto the main cross island roadway that climbs and climbs and climbs and...just as you think it will start downhill it climbs some more. Nothing to see except long stretches of uphill highway until the last mile lets you coast to the finish.
The race folks are quite clear about the difficult course. They tell you in writing and in person.
I second everyone who complemented the Director and organization. Basicly flawless execution by proud and upbeat folks.
So, this is a great experience. Just be clear-eyed about the good and bad parts of MDI experience.

The race was organized superbly by Gary and his team, water/Gatorade every 2 miles were always well stocked and manned by great volunteers, the course was extremely well marked and the finish line reception was great. The pre-race instructions were very detailed and the mile by mile course description available on the Crow website was invaluable. The course is tough and has lots of hills but if run a smart race (i.e. start out conservatively - I ran a 20 second per mile negative splits in the second half of the race) and train on hills you will perform very well and most importantly enjoy the race. But the best part of the race without question is the beauty of MDI. The foliage was peaking, the ocean and mountain vistas are second none and all of the beautiful scenery makes the race go by in a flash. Don't miss this marathon and I'll be back for it next year.

Being an island native, this course has a special place in my heart. It's tough which keeps you honest - you won't be able to run this race if you haven't done your training! I BQ'd on this course this year - a big part of that has to do with the awesome local support. People I didn't know knew my name, and as they traveled along the course, they would continue to cheer.

I have to mention the awesome cheering in Otter Creek - the "Carpe Diem Acadia Runners" archway with all the cheering kids was heartwarming and reinforces the fact that we're all winners!!! The local high school XC team even lined up in the middle of the road to give us high-fives!!!! Just a great community race.... One NO ONE should miss!

MDI Marathon is a first class event that should not be missed if you like to run or walk marathons.
There were so many things that went well in this marathon.
Finish Time: I decided before the race to just have some fun. Had fun and still ran my 3rd fastest run of my last 12 marathons.
Volunteers: It seemed like there was as many volunteers as there were marathoners.
Aid Stations: Plenty of Gatorade, water and my favorite GU. Very few races hand out GU at multiple aid stations but MDI had them ready.
Scenery: 'Simply the Best'
Shirt and Medal: Very Nice
Weather: The Crow Team could not have planned this any better.
Fan Support: Very enthusiastic
Special Guest: Joan Benoit!
Race Director: The race director (Gary Allen)is amazing. His attention to the smallest of details has to be the result of competing in many many marathons. He knows the wants and needs of the participants and does everything he can to 'Make it Fun'.
Thanks for everything!
Roger Marquis

This is one of the most beautiful courses I have ever run. The weather was great. The crowd support was enthusiastic and very motivating. I came in from VA alone, but the crowd cheered for me like family. I volunteered at the expo on Friday and the race director and his family were very kind and helpful. The spectators and volunteers on the race course called me "LOBSTER LADY." I am in the 50 states club and when I have completed them all I will return to the great city of Bar Harbor for another WONDERFUL weekend. Thank you very much.

I had been aware of this race since it began in 2002 and finally got around to running it in 2007. The course is challenging with numerous inclines and declines, but the scenery is so beautiful that you hardly notice the tough parts. There were 800+ entrants in the 2007 race making it just the right size. You were always racing against others but never caught up in crowds like in the big-city races. Bar Harbor and the other communities along the course were great places to visit and very welcoming to race participants. You should certainly take a couple of extra days before or after the marathon to tour Acadia National Park. The organization of this event by the "Crow Athletics Club" is second to none. They are a small group of people who just love to run and make runner satisfaction the top priority at the events they organize. These folks put on as good an event as any professionally organized, big-city marathon, but also add a personal touch that you would never get anywhere else. You should run this marathon. You'll be glad you did.

This is a magnificent point to point race on beautiful Mt. Desert Island. The marathon lives up to these superlatives...especially in the final 10K (6.2mi), which can be the mental/physical make-or-break for MDI's runners. The final 10K is a long uphill into the final mile: which drops down into a flat finish. It's almost laughably tough. But sO worth it. The race's website asks runners to treat the race like a 'mini-ultra' and I think that's just about right. The locals are super friendly and the race staff is experienced. Highly recommended race.