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Mount Desert Island marathon Runner Comments

Back to Mount Desert Island marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.8 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.8 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 4.1 
 
 
Number of comments: 155 [displaying comments 101 to 111]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 9 10 11 12 13 .. 16 > ]

 

robert Hildebrandt from Fairbanks, Alaska (10/25/2007)
"fantastic" (about: 2007)

50+ previous marathons | 1 Mount Desert Island marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


This was my 50th state to run a marathon in & I was very pleased that MDI was a top notch event. The hills were fun. Spectators very positive. I was happy a marathon runner. Thanks.
 

W. M. from Iowa (10/21/2007)
"Beauty mixed with pain" (about: 2007)

11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


Wow, what a beautiful course. I came expecting the hills to be murder, but they were reasonable. The only downside to this event is the crown of the road and having to run primarily on the left side. As a result I had to abandon running at mile 18 and walk it on in. The pounding on the left leg created some serious knee pain. I spoke with a number of runners with the same concern. If there is a way to allow runners to alternate sides of the road occasionally, this would be appreciated. Spectators were few, but enthusiastic. The post-race food was great. Thanks for a great event!!!
 

Bret Vicary from Old Town, ME (10/21/2007)
"My first marathon - spectacular in many ways!" (about: 2007)

First Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


At age 53, this was my first marathon. When I signed up I expected to run it in 3:40, but later learned I needed 3:35 to qualify for Boston. The website's training link proved very helpful, and I managed to run the course in 3:29, which surprised me. The race was run so well - water/Gatorade at 2-2.5 mi. intervals. The course is challenging but incredibly scenic, and the fall foliage was at its peak. I missed church to run it, but was able to thank God many times during my run for his creation. I was also encouraged by the many fans along the way. My wife and best friends helped bring me in from Mi. 20. Altogether, a great experience for me.
 

K. L. from Michigan (10/19/2007)
"Ahhhhcadia!!" (about: 2007)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Mount Desert Island marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Marvelous scenery of the seaside and Acadia. Mother Nature sure put on a show for the marathoners. Although one of my slowest marathons, I walked/ran it just to enjoy the scenery for as long as a could. The aid stations were about every 2 miles - exactly right. The expo was small - but just the right size for a small marathon. If you forgot something you could find it from the couple of vendors on hand. It was great that the school at the end provided a warm place to change. Thank you for a memorable experience!
 

Don Pattison from Bartlett, IL (NW of Chicago) (10/18/2007)
"What a beautiful course" (about: 2007)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Mount Desert Island marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


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.
 

Betty Gruffydd from Fredericton, N.B., Canada (10/18/2007)
"This was a spectacular, well organized marathon" (about: 2007)

1 previous marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


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
 

C. K. from SC, USA (10/17/2007)
"The Best Marathon!" (about: 2007)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Mount Desert Island marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


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!'
 

B. G. from Fairfield, CT (10/17/2007)
"Beauty yes...but also a beast" (about: 2007)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Mount Desert Island marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


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.
 

A. S. from Massachusetts (10/16/2007)
"Unbelievable Course & Great Organization" (about: 2007)

1 previous marathon | 1 Mount Desert Island marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


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.
 

j. h. from Bar Harbor, ME (10/15/2007)
"A Challenge worth the Challenge!!!" (about: 2007)

6-10 previous marathons | 2 Mount Desert Island marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


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!
 

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