Mount Desert Island marathon - Race Reviews

This is my 28th marathon. This is by far the most beautiful and most difficult course I've ever run. The 1st 18 or so miles are magnificent and VERY hilly. The last 8 miles, at times, felt almost dangerous because I was running on a busy road with traffic and no running lane. Other than that I give it a big thumbs up!

This race should be on the list of anyone who enjoys destination races. Very well organized, good community support, and great scenery. Probably not the race to do if you are chasing a BQ, but it is possible to run well there. Give it a shot!

I was looking forward to this marathon all year long after reading incredible reviews of how it is one of the most beautiful races on all of the east coast. It did not disappoint! The course itself runs from Bar Harbor, ME along the coast through Acadia National Park, finishing at Southwest Harbor..another coastal town on Mount Desert Island. I was blessed with incredible marathon running weather on race day (temps in the upper 30s / low 40s with clear skies) and the trees were at peak fall foliage. The view of the water, mountains, and trees was incredible. Regarding elevation, the course is not an easy one. With a total elevation gain of around 1700 ft., there are several large, drawn out inclines that you will need to run. However each incline is followed by a nice decline...and the last two miles of the course are mostly downhill too. Be sure to include some hills in your training plan. The race organization was top-notch. Constant updates were sent out via email and posted on the Run MDI website full of pre-race information along with a very detailed race packet PDF that was helpful not only to runners, but spectators as well. Packet pick up is a breeze in the town of Bar Harbor, which also features many things to do including shopping, boat / trolley tours, or visiting Acadia National Park. Course support was very nice as well. There were few points on the course were there were not any spectators. The highlight of the course support to me was a large fishing boat of some type blowing its horn to cheer on and encourage the runners. Due to proper training, amazing views, and great weather I was able to run my first-ever sub-4 hour marathon...so my experience was a fantastic one! One final tip...I would register for this race early and book lodging ASAP. Bar Harbor has many bed and breakfasts with a few other hotels, and they fill up quick due to the tourists visiting to see the autumn colors of Maine. We were fortunate to stay in a hotel that was only a 10 minute walk from the starting line, and made our booking 9-10 months in advance.

Since there are so many other comments, I'm going to focus on things that I didn't read in my scan of other posts (I read about 6 or 8 of them). Organization - the drop off is really easy. I was told I needed to arrive early, but it wasn't necessary. So if you're getting dropped off and don't want to shiver for 45 minutes, you can get dropped off at 7:45 and you should be fine (I ran the full and it started at 8 am. the 'Halfers' started at 8:30, but I don't think this will matter in terms of a later drop off time). Course - Yes, yes, yes, it's amazing! Scenery did not disappoint. Oh, and if you do a drive in the park - as I did with the family the day before - don't assume your driving on the same route. I made the mistake of thinking that the route we drove was the same as the course. Luckily it wasn't (the driving route was much hillier). I didn't notice the slope issues others mentioned. Yes, it was sloped, but it's a road. All roads are like this. However, I agree with the comment about the narrow lane towards the end. I had a nice kick in the last miles and wanted to pass a guy and a car was approaching us. It's not safe to pass when a car is passing by too (I think I did it anyway.....bad idea!). Spectators - they were great! It's not an R n' R, Boston, Chicago or NYC, so one shouldn't expect much in terms of numbers. I base it more on enthusiasm, and they were great! I've run some smaller races where the water support was going through the motions only. No sympathy there... My family was able to easily meet me at the designated spectator spots, including having time to get to the finish line....which is pretty much impossible for the larger races. This was the best part of the spectator experience for me. I would highly recommend it as 'an experience' marathon, not a PR. So if you want to run an amazing course and have a true experience, this should be on everyone's short list. It's also a great excuse for the family to do a weekend trip and also spend some quality time in the Nat'l Park and the city (Bar Harbor, which is awesome!) Happy running!

The only negative about this marathon is that the race is only held once a year, so I have to wait 12 months before I can run it again. Just these basic observations: of the 51 full marathons I've run, MDI is hands-down the most scenic. It's just unreal. I loved every single mile. The race people were superb. Race director Gary Allen was at the starting line, walking around, greeting runners and introducing himself. The volunteers- to a person- were happy and helpful. The race expo was small, but that was expected: this isn't a Boston or an NYC mega-event. Registration/check-in was simple and smooth. The course is exceptionally hilly, as advertised. No surprises there. If you train on hills, you'll be fine. As bad as I wanted to, I only stopped during the race for one photo: 'The Tree' at mile 15 on Sargeant Drive. It's essentially the race's logo, and its profile adorns everything. No way was I passing that thing without a pic. Spectators are few and far between. This is a remote, rural race, largely through a national park. Humans are not plentiful. What spectators there were were enthusiastic and supportive. I gave them 5 stars for quality, not quantity. The bottom line is simple: Bar Harbor is not exactly easy to get to. I mean, it's close to Greenland. But if you're a marathoner, you have GOT to get there and run this race sometime during your running career. It's just too good an event to pass-up. I absolutely loved it, and I will certainly be back!

This was the most beautiful marathon by far of the almost 50 I've done. I would do it every year, if I didn't live in Texas. It was also the hilliest, but the gorgeous views almost made me forget about the hills. Don't expect lots of spectators, just enjoy the scenery. Race director cares about his community and it shows. Don't miss the pasta dinner at the school. Lots of food at the end of the race including fudge. If I had one criticism it would be the wait time for the BBQ and beer at the end. Maybe have two trucks serving. They ran out of both just as my turn came. Oh well, I was still smiling from the beauty around me.

I have been wanting to run this race for five years and we finally made the plans and just did it. I am slowly working on running a marathon in all 50 states but the requirement is that each marathon is an event not just something that is a checkmark to say I ran that state. This race did not disappoint, point to point during peak colors with views of the water. We came early and stayed a couple days after the race, we stayed right in Bar harbor, lots plenty of restaurants to choose from as well as arcadia national park right outside the back door there is plenty of hiking. The race - The good: Aid stations spaced every two miles well stocked, beautiful views, awesome shirts and cool claw medal, awesome finish line with BBQ and beer. I cant say much bad, the course is hilly but who wants to run a flat race every time (winner was 2:22 so it must not have been that bad) not a ton of spectators but do you need people to line the course? The course is not closed to traffic in all areas so it is a little tight in spots.

Just as advertised. The scenery is absolutely beautiful. If you are all about your finish time, then you are not going to appreciate the best part of the race...fall changing of leaves. For the first race ever, the shuttle buses were timely and there was not a long wait. Since the race is held at the end of the season, the town was not overly crowded both before and after the race. My only recommendation to the director is there was only enough room for one runner inside the cones the last 6 miles or so. The only way that you could pass on pavement was to run on the outside of the cone and into oncoming traffic. If this race gets any bigger, I would highly recommend shutting one lane and ask drivers to take an alternate route.

The course serves up plenty of long rolling, though not steep, hills. The gorgeous fall colors and countryside helped the hills and miles pass by quickly. Great organization and volunteer support. This is a 5 star marathon.

Ignore my stars for spectators because I prefer no spectators. Organization was very good but long line for post-race bbq and beer caused me and my friend to skip it. The course is what it's all about in any marathon. Some very scenic parts and the hills were very runnable - made for interesting terrain with no real steepness if you're used to training on rolling terrain. My biggest knock - and this is big - is the camber, cant, angle - whatever you want to call it - of much of the course once you pass the halfway point. It's like running with one leg shorter than the other, and you're running on the inside of highway cones while a steady stream of cars approach inches away on the other side. I thought Bar Harbor in the fall was more quiet. The tilt of the shoulder reeked havoc on my right calf and there was no way to avoid it. Short of shutting down roads I don't know how this could be fixed and I don't see shutting down roads for a small marathon as a possibility. During the first half of the race, I thought I would definitely run this one again but now I'm not so sure. Maybe an out-and-back and not a point-to-point?

Delightful, scenic course. Hilly, but we knew that in advance. The trouble is the last 3rd of the course, you're forced onto a heavily cambered shoulder (or broken pavement) to avoid oncoming heavy traffic. This certainly took away from the experience - you'd think they could improve this fairly easily. Water stops were OK, porta-potties sparse and crowds friendly. The lineup for 'free' bbq and beer at the end was just too much to bear, so I gave it a pass. This is the classic small race, far from perfect but still worthwhile. Medal in the shape of a lobster claw, which was kinda cool. Accommodations in town are plentiful and staff in hotels and restaurants are exceptional. It's the end of the season, so lots of discounts on kitsch if that's your thing.

Definitely lives up to 'the most scenic marathon.' Figuratively breathtaking in an unsurpassed beauty and literally breathtaking in its challenge.

MID is a great race is so many ways. Top notch organization - check. Scenic course - check!. Locale with activities, restaurants, places to stay - check! The RD is a runner of countless marathons so the organization knows how to put on a race. One that covers all of the little things. Even the expo - for a small race - has got things handled. Come for the race, come early or stay late for Acadia National Park and you will not be disappointed.

Talk about your destination race  this one has it all. The course is beautiful. There are hills but the scenery is extraordinary. And the hills are manageable. Just take the time to relax and enjoy the scenery. Great water views. Great fall foliage. Even some small mountains. Also, the race support is outstanding. We were able to book a room at the Ivy Manor Inn. What a find. It is the closest lodging to the start line being directly in front of the start and the return shuttle bus brings you within steps of the Inn. I could listen to the instructions for the race start and stay nice and warm. I literally walked out of the Inn and started the race minutes later. The Inn keepers, John and Christine, are a friendly and accommodating couple. Breakfast is gourmet quality. Plus they serve mostly organic food and will provide vegetarian meals upon request. If you are able to book a room there you will thank your lucky stars. Our room even had a toasty fireplace. The race comes toward the end of the season at Bar Harbor. The good news is that there are many great close out sales. It is hard to resist a bargain. Also, being near the end of the season, there many great restaurants to choose from. This is such a nice place to visit that you should allow a couple of days to visit Acadia National Forest and to take the sea walk path in town. It's just a great visit, a great Inn, and a great race. It is one of my favorites.

This was a small marathon with 716 finishers for 2013. New for 2013, was a half marathon and since I didn't run it I can't comment on it but I can only think it is a good thing for those who aren't up for the full distance (316 ran this event). Packet pickup was well organized and there was a small expo associated with it. Not much at the expo but it should be noted that you will get a jacket in your race packet and if you want a T-shirt you will have to pay extra to get one. I felt the jacket was nice but I don't think I will use it and I wanted a T-shirt. The available ones were a good quality tech shirt but the design was not as inspiring at the course. The finisher's medal is of moderate size in the outline of Mt. Desert Island with the letters MDI and 26.2 over the island. I wish they had painted the letters to make them stand out as they tend to get lost in the overall design of the medal. There are plenty of hotels and bed and breakfasts close to the start which makes things very convenient. I am sure anyone of them would have been fine but I stayed at the Bar Harbor Grand and thought it had a very spacious room and was very quiet. Breakfast starts at 6:30 AM which allowed time to grab a bagel before the 8:00AM race start. It didnt really have any hot food (no scrambled eggs, bacon, etc) so if you want that you will have to look elsewhere (just cold cereals, yogurt, fruit, breads, waffles, hard-boiled egg, hot oatmeal). The town has lots of shops to poke around in. Cruise ships will drop some tourists off here so you will have to weave your way around them. The whole town shuts down (I guess they all go to Florida) after the race so there are lots of sales on T-shirts and souvenirs. The course lives up to its reputation. It is gorgeous. Fall leaves, rolling hills, ocean views. I can't really complain about the course. It is a 1 way course so you run 26.2 out of Bar Harbor and will either have to have a friend pick you up or take a bus back. I had transportation so I can't comment on the bus. With your own car, it is only 15 minutes back to Bar Harbor. The water stops are every 2 miles and the fans who are out there are energetic. The first 3 miles rolls up hill, and then falls into a rolling up and down motion until mile 20 where it starts going up until about mile 25 where you come back down toward the finish. If I have to quibble, the last 5 miles are run where the road is falling apart with alligatoring and cracking of the pavement and even some road construction during the final miles. All I can say is suck it up buttercup. I didn't see a lot of post- race food but then all I wanted to do was lay down. I had some money in my shoe and went into the local grocery store and got a Dr. Pepper and rested. Other things to do include beer and wine tasting (north of Bar Harbor) and eating a lobster roll (at a Lobster Pound). Not sure what I was thinking a lobster roll should be but think buttery hot lobster on a piece of Texas toast. You should try one. Mine was about $17. I don't think I would get another one but hey, you are in Maine, live a little. Really it needs some cayenne pepper or something to kick up the flavor. Of course you are right next to Acadia National Park so visit Cadillac Mountain or bike some of the carriage roads. If you want to eat at Jordon Pond make sure you make a reservation because there is no way you are walking in there without one. Even if you don't go there to eat, you should stop and take pictures of the lake as it is lovely. The pluses are small race, minimal traffic, good medal, and beautiful scenery, other things to do, shopping in the town, and moose and lobster souvenirs. Enjoy and happy running!

Pasta dinner / speaker was excellent. The course was truly challenging in all aspects. I appreciate the adversities of uneven road surface, hills and traffic. All of this helps occupy the mind to stay attentive to foot placement etc. The spectators and volunteers were great encouragers. I loved the banjo player, the accordian player, the rythym drum section with church bell ringing. After I finished I was sore and said I would not run it again. I am already to plan to do it again. The satisfaction of meeting the challenge is worth it.

I, too, came for the scenery, which was gorgeous for about the first 16 miles or so. The weather was perfectsunny and cold, and we stayed at the Acadia Hotel, so all we had to do was roll out of bed and take a couple steps to the start. Unfortunately, having to run on broken asphalt and gravel while dodging whizzing cars, trucks, tour buses and eighteen wheelers on the side of the road for the last third of the race was just too much. What's the good of gorgeous scenery if you're too busy trying not to get killed to notice? Also, I counted maybe only 5 porta-potties tops, and two of them were at mile 25. The race material tells you that there are 'lovely woods' to do your business in, but with so many homes and private property/no trespassing signs, not to mention steep drop offs, I found myself having to run with an uncomfortably full bladder for miles before I felt safe to duck off somewhere. And you have to bring your own GU, too. We got one at around mile 16, I think. Just Gatorade and water otherwise, though the volunteers were nice. Finally, if you hate people calling out your name while you run because it's on your bib, then you'll either have to remember to put tape over it or run another Maine marathon. Oh, and all I got for post marathon food was an apple with peanut butter and half a bagel. I really wanted to like this marathon, but I didn't. Very disappointing.

This marathon is my favorite so far. the scenery is as great as advertised. One breathtaking view after another. It is also so well organized and stress free. just what you need before a hilly run but not too difficult if you train and prepare mentally. It is truly a stunning course and I travel a lot so I am fortunate to see many great countries and views, but Mount Desert Island is among the very best in the world.

This course really is a beautiful as people say it is. And yes, while Big Sur is still the grand daddy of scenic courses, this is right behind it. Having also done Big Sur, this course was much harder for me. The hills are non-stop with the biggest/longest between 19-25 with very very very few flat spots. Weather was perfect (55* pretty much all morning). Fans on the course, while not many, were definitely loud when they were out. Organization was top notch expect for one issue. We had to wait 45 minutes for a shuttle to take us back to Bar Harbor. No fun sitting on pavement after running a marathon. Other than that, perfect. Great merchandise (for a small race), the town was VERY welcoming, and Bar Harbor is just a great place to visit in general. Kudo's to Gary Allen for putting on a great small town marathon!

Overall, this was a well organized race in a scenic area. The positives include: a very hilly/ challenging course, approximately 10k of unparalleled scenic beauty, decent race organization and volunteers. Unfortunately, I think the negatives outweigh the positives (I have run 30 marathons for comparison). Although there were some scenic sections, this race is run largely (over half the race) on main roadways which are open to traffic. You are being buzzed by cars the whole way and feeling the steep cant of the road side in your legs. The finishing mile is a joke... construction zone with cars everywhere and runners dodging in and out. Getting back to Bar Harbour from the race finish (via the bus) takes hours due to traffic and poor organization at the finish. Overall, I strongly disagree with the 'most scenic race in america' moniker. This was a long way to travel for a very average race, in my book.

This has to be the most scenic marathon on the East Coast! The views were breathtaking and beautiful. Kept my mind off the distance. There were plenty of fluid replacement stations. The race also had very friendly volunteers. Not only were they helpful, they were spirited and motivating to many runners! In terms of crowd support, there were a few select areas that had some folks cheering for the runners. The medal also was very nice! I had a great time!!!!!

As many have said before, this is a beautiful but very challenging course. We were able to walk to the start from the Bar Harbor Inn, which is a beautiful property. This is a great destination marathon in a terrific family vacation spot, if you can afford it. The race is very hilly, although the steepest hills come first; the later hills are more gradual grades, although there is a very long grade from mile 21 to 25. Support was top notch for the most part. However, you run most of the course pinned to the left side of the roadway, and there is traffic on the course in all but sections from approximately mile 6 to 8 and 12 to 17. In addition, the camber of the road is pretty severe in many places, and where there is little to no shoulder, traffic cones limit runners to a pretty tight corridor. There was also construction in the last half-mile or so of the course, and runners were pinched onto the sidewalk, which was in disrepair. Traffic took over the road in this section, although there were police on hand to stop traffic and let you through. I would imagine that construction will be completed for future races, but you may still be limited to a pretty tight corridor near the finish. Weather was drizzly at the start, although it did not dampen the national anthem and bagpipes playing Amazing Grace in honor of the Boston Marathon bombings. Temperatures were perfect, 48-58 degrees F. Wind was relatively inconsequential most of the time. Free massages and shower facilities were available, along with instant race results, including place, age place and half marathon splits. You got a free beer or soda at the post-race barbecue, but you had to pay for the food, which was not made clear beforehand. There were free bagels, apples, bananas, Gatorade and chocolate milk however. The shuttle bus was late, and there was only one running early on. I do not know if this was remedied later.

Thank you for taking the time to read my comments. This is my tenth marathon overall and I have to say it was my most enjoyable. I wanted to list both the positives and negatives below for anyone thinking of attending this marathon. Positives - The location is geographically beautiful. There was plenty of water, gatorade. Gels were passed out twice at 16 and 21. The crowd is small but extremely supportive and everyone I met in the community was very nice. The weather is perfect running weather 50's the whole way and cloudy. The hotels downtown were very close to the starting line making the morning very easy. I got there 15 minutes before the race and had no problem getting to the starting line. The hotels are nice downtown(I stayed at the West Street Hotel) with good restaurants within walking distance. Negatives - the expo had a great view but limited amount of merchandise compared to others. The course is beautiful but not easy. It is rolling hills the entire way but tough hills between 21-25. A very tough course for a PR in my opinion. There was also a long stretch toward the end where you had to run very close to cars. People were really nice and nobody was all that close. I could still see how people could be concerned about it. It is also out of the way for people coming out of state. I had to take a separate flight from Boston though the view on the plane was outstanding. Overall five stars and would recommend it without reservation.

Beautiful course through woods and along water, wonderful volunteers and spectators in the little towns we run through. Great post-race party (bottle  not cup!  of beer, pulled pork sandwiches, etc. not gluten-free so go to Side Street Cafe near the start for gluten-free pasta, beer, lobster roll, etc. Host hotels are too long a walk into town on race day morning, so plenty of places in town(and with vacancies yet the night of the race). Bar Harbor Manor was great (even a balcony) and they gave me a 1:30 checkout the day after the race so I could bike Loop Road in Acadia (get your bike at closing time race day so you can get an early start). Very well-organized, friendly, small-town scenic race and walker friendly with an Early Start

Yes, it's hilly, but it would not be so beautiful if it wasn't. Train for hills and lower your time goal by a few minutes, and then just enjoy the run. One of my slowest finishing times, but perhaps my most enjoyable marathon yet. Plan on staying a few days to take in the island's peak Fall colors, without the hassle of Summertime crowds.

This course is as lovely as any you will ever run. The RD and volunteers are great. It is very hilly, but as scenic as Big Sur. Highly recommended. The Arcadia Inn is a lovely place to stay.

This was one of the hilliest courses I've run, but I prefer these to the pancake flat races that give you 26.2 miles of the same terrain. If you train for hills, you'll be fine. I thought the first half of the race was the hardest (except for mile 17 - HILLY!). The last 1.5-2 miles are all downhill so if you're struggling at the end, it's a wonderful reprieve. There were few spectators on the course, but they made up for their numbers by the volume of their cheers. A special THANK YOU to the folks handing out the hot cider at mile 21. On such a cold, rainy day it tasted like heaven. There were also a few hardy musicians playing in the rain (and SMILING!). Also, they said GU would only be handed out at mile 16, but another group was handing them out around mile 21 - that one really carried me to the finish. The only negatives were the medal (very plain - was hoping these would be reflective of the beautiful course), the windbreaker (a little flimsy, but kudos for trying something instead of the usual t-shirt), and the lack of enough toilets at the start. If you're looking for a beautiful Maine marathon representative of this state's beauty, you'll find it here.

This race exceeded all my expectations in so many ways. After woefully undertraining this summer due to injury, and being nervous about the hills, this course was spectacular. There were only a few hills to worry about, and definitely save energy for the hill from mile 21 to 24.5. Can't count the times I came around a corner to yet another stunning vista (even in the fog and rain) and laughed out loud at the beauty (and I'm from Maine!) The foliage was spectacular, even in the rainy weather. Other highlights: - Being paced by a boat(!) about 100 feet offshore for about 1.5 miles. Where else but Maine! - Volunteers, especially at mile 24.5. You kids rocked and pushed me to the finish! - Small race size, but enough runners spread throughout the course to not be alone. - Changing space inside the school at the finish to get out of cold wet clothes. - Easy parking/dropoff at start. Was able to park within 100 yards of start line 15 minutes before start. Nice. - Great groups of spectators that braved the cold and rain. Highly recommended! I will consider doing this race again and again. Thank you for a memorable race!!

My wife and I came to run Mt Desert Island Marathon b/c of the high reviews from runners world and to have a chance to see Acadia in all its fall colors. Even though it was cool and raining, the scenery was still beautiful. The course is very hilly- nothing too steep, but there are many loooong ones. Aid stations were well stocked and manned and the mile markers were visible. Good finish line food, volunteers, free massage, showers, and energetic spectators were all appreciated. You have your name on your bib, so it was great hearing spectators call your name out in encouragement. The only negative I can think of is that the last 5 miles are along a highway with traffic. Not a deal breaker, but just a drastic change from the feel of the prior 20 miles. I've done Big Sur and while Mt. Desert is different in it's own way, it's equally as beautiful. Bar Harbor is a neat little town too. Do yourself a favor and do this race once in your life!

This is an excellent marathon, albeit quite hilly especially from mile 19 to just shy of mile 25. If you can get there, the last 1.2 miles will be a cakewalk, as marathons go. The scenery is absolutely amazing. It rained for the entire race this year which was a bit of a downer but between beating the hills and enjoying the scenery, it wasn't too much of an issue. The temperatures were in the 40s which seemed like it would be bad but turned out to be just perfect. The course was NOT closed. You run against traffic and near the end of the race, that meant a rough 'sidewalk' or the edge of the road next to the fog line. Scary at times. Race organization was very well done although the food tent in the finish area was submerged in mud/water due to the rain. I had to ask about the beer tent and the shuttles back to Bar Harbor since they were across the street on the opposite side of the main finish area and school where the dropped bags were picked up. This was all documented but after 4 hours I kind of forgot it. The spectators were great and I frequently got them to cheer on my group of runners. Jeers to the people with the dog that was biting runners! I love dogs... not giving my hand as a snack to them! The locals seemed to take the hills in stride. Many of us visitors, not so much. Parking in Bar Harbor can be tough but if you arrive early on race morning there are no issues. The jacket was just... meh... a very lightweight windbreaker. The medal was also ... meh. Just a big square 2012 (as a 2 line block) and 'Mount Desert Island' and 'Marathon' text on it. It missed the mark for highlighting the scenic beauty of the race. Still, the whole experience was very rewarding.

Although this was one of the harder marathon courses I have run and the weather was not cooperative, I still had a great experience! I highly recommend this race! The fall foliage and beautiful course were amazing. I am looking forward to returning. Do not let the thought of hills deter you from this marathon. The race director and volunteers did a great job. I loved the windbreaker we received instead of a shirt. Everything was well organized from packet pick up to transporting runners back into Bar Harbor after the race. There were not a lot of spectators, but considering the weather, the people that did come to cheer were wonderful. Bar Harbor was a nice town to visit, with lots of good places to eat and lots of shops. If you like to run marathons, this race is a real treat. Do not miss it!! I rarely repeat marathons, but this one is well worth the trip back to Maine!

This was my second marathon, and I loved it! The course is beautiful. It is hilly, and the rain/wind/hills that picked up for the final 10K made it a challenge, but it was so worth it. The fall colors, sweeping vistas, and ocean views were breathtaking. There are many areas with no spectators (expected for a race with 1200 people) but when you get to the spectator areas, they are full of energy. The volunteers at water stop mile 24 were great. Only 2 things I would change - First, we stayed at the host hotel, but they did not offer late check out for marathoners! So 'bring a towel in your post-race gear. They provide showers post-race, which were hot and clean. Second, much of the course is not fully closed to traffic. This was completely fine due to wide roads, up until the last mile or so where traffic goes both ways on a narrow road. Several times I had to jump up on the sidewalk to avoid cars (NOT too fun with half a mile to go!). With about .2 to go, police were actually directing cars turning across the course! Besides those small issues, it is an amazing marathon and I would absolutely do it again.

If there are other marathons that try to do everything to please like this one does, I haven't found it yet. Great effort by the people putting on the race, nice hilly tough course, beautifull scenery, nice resort area in peak color with many fine places to eat and visit good value, friendliest people!

Yes, there are hills! But if you train properly, the hills are not nearly as daunting as some people proclaim them to be. Pace yourself wisely and the hills are a non-issue. Plus, the beauty of the surrounding area is a marvelous distraction for when those hills get tough. In my opinion, 1200 runners is the perfect race size ... not crowded, but enough positive energy around to keep one happily moving forward. Race director Gary is a great guy, and his team of volunteers are awesome. Smallish but nice expo, and a great race jacket - nice change from the usual t-shirt. 2012 was rainy, but it didn't deter from a great experience. Bonus, Bar Harbor is an amazing little town, full of fun shops and delicious restaurants.

This course is tough. There are hills throughout the course and there's a long hill until mile 25. That said, I didn't just beat my PR, I blew it out of the water! The views along the course are amazing. You'll come around a bend and see sweeping vistas. The fall colors were also out in force. You will always have something to look at while you're running. The spectators were great for a small marathon. There are lots of areas where there are none, but you should expect that of a marathon this size. Plus you are too busy looking out at the fall colors, ocean, and lakes. My husband was able to see me along the course by following the directions in the spectator guide. He said the directions from one area to another were extremely helpful and made it easy to get from one place to another. The streets aren't all closed to vehicular traffic, so at points there is traffic along the route. I was concerned about this since this would be the first time running a race with cars driving by. However, I didn't have any problems. I was given enough room . Plus passing people (and being passed) was no problem. 2012 was a cold and rainy year, but it was still a great time. I would highly recommend this course to everyone!

The weather was cool (40s) and it rained the whole time. However, the course was beautiful and the spectator support was great, especially given the weather. The course was definitely HILLY with areas of flat terrain. The finishers medal was rather lame, though (how about using the shape of the island itself rather than just 2012 in big letters). Could use more shuttles after the run.

Awesome race. One of my favorites. Small town feel. 2012 was rainy and cloudy, but scenery was still excellent. Fall colors are vibrant regardless of weather. Parts of course are run on highway with some traffic, which is less than ideal but really no way to find alternative I'd assume. Much of the road is crowned, so I had to be intentional about finding patches where the road was even. Hills are killer, you'd better train for them. My 3:28 here would be more like a 3:20 on a flatter course. But it's well worth it! Organization was very strong, good communication before the race. No problem parking at start or finish. Water stops were slightly confusing, would be good to have water in front and Gatorade in back, or vice versa (they were mixed in some stops). Solid food selection at end, plus massage, indoor warming, free single beer. Musician in the BBQ tent was awesome. Jacket was a good change of pace instead of a shirt. Runners: heed their warnings about it running large. Very nice medal. Overall, an excellent race, definitely a bucket lister. Bar Harbor is a great host. Lots of hotels, and Acadia is a great place to check out. I loved this race on a cold and rainy year... imagine what it's like when the weather is incredible!