FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS



  • Is there a half marathon or marathon relay being held at the same time? click to go
  • What time does the Mount Desert Island Marathon start? click to go
  • Where and when do I get my bib number? click to go
  • Is the race chip-timed? click to go
  • How close is the starting line to my hotel? click to go
  • Is there shuttle bus transportation for runners and spectators? click to go
  • Where can spectators watch the race? click to go
  • Is baggage transportation provided? click to go
  • Is there a pre-race carbo-loading dinner? click to go
  • Can I purchase tickets for the pasta dinner after I've registered? click to go
  • How has the weather been in the past? click to go
  • Is the course certified and a Boston Marathon Qualifier? click to go
  • Are walkers allowed to compete and what time do they start? click to go
  • Are pets, baby joggers, or headsets allowed? click to go
  • Will you provide a course profile map? click to go
  • How many fluid replacement / energy gel stations are there on the marathon course? click to go
  • Are there restrooms on the course? click to go
  • Are showers available at the finish? click to go
  • Will I be able to park my car in Bar Harbor the morning of the race? click to go
  • Will baggage transportation be available to send dry clothing from start to finish? click to go
  • Who gets awards, and when can they be picked up? click to go
  • Other incentives? click to go
  • Is the course scenic? click to go
  • Is the course difficult? click to go
  • Can I get a refund, transfer my entry to someone else or defer until next year? click to go
  • Finisher's certificates? click to go
  • Is there an online forum where I can chat with other MDI Marathoners? click to go


What time does the Mount Desert Island Marathon start? return to top

The 2008 Mount Desert Island Marathon starts at 8:00 am sharp on Sunday, October 19th. Early starters (those anticipating to take more than 6.5 hours) begin at 7:00 am.


Where and when do I get my bib number? return to top

You must attend our pre-race expo to get your bib number. Our expo will be held Friday October 17th from 12:00noon - 8:00pm OR Saturday October 18th from 9:00am - 5:00pm, held at our host hotel, The Atlantic Oakes Resort & Conference Center located at 119 Eden Street.

There is NO day of race bib number pick-up. NO EXCEPTIONS!


Is the race chip-timed?

Yes, our timing and results are provided by Granite State Race Services. return to top


How close is the starting line to my hotel? return to top

Please contact your lodging establishment to find out how close you are staying to the starting line, which is located on Main Street near the to Mt. Desert Street intersection.


Is there shuttle bus transportation for runners and spectators? return to top

Yes. Friends of Acadia provides free shuttle buses, courtesy of Downeast Transportation. Buses will run between the Village Green in Bar Harbor and the finishing area (Bar Harbor Bank parking lot) in Southwest Harbor. The schedule is as follows:
Bar Harbor Schedule
9:00 am
9:30 am
1:00 pm
1:30 pm
2:00 pm
2:30 pm
3:00 pm
3:30 pm
Southwest Harbor Schedule
12:30 pm
1:00 pm
1:30 pm
2:00 pm
2:30 pm
3:00 pm


Where can spectators watch the race? return to top

Spectators are encouraged to watch the start in Bar Harbor and then take Rt. 233 (Eagle Lake Road) to Rt. 198 or take the Park Loop Rd via Jordan Pond to Rt 3. DO NOT DRIVE ON THE RACE ROUTE. From there, cheer on the marathoners a these recommended viewing spots!

  • Mile 8.4 - Seal Harbor Beach (Rt. 3)
  • Mile 11.5 - Asticou Corner (intersection with Rt. 3)
  • Mile 12.3 - Downtown Northeast Harbor
  • Mile 17.3 - Sargeant Drive (intersection with Rt. 198)
  • Mile 18.6 - RA corner (intersection with Rt. 198)
  • Mile 20 - Somesville Traffic lights (intersection of Rt. 198 - Rt 102)
  • Mile 20.8 - Somesville Fire Station (Rt. 102)
  • Finish - Downtown Southwest Harbor


Is baggage transportation provided? return to top

The MDI Marathon provides baggage transportation from the Village Green in Bar Harbor at the start, to Pemetic School at the finish. (For participant's's baggage only, one bag per runner.)


Is there a pre-race carbo-loading dinner? return to top

Yes, our pasta dinner will be held at MDI High School located on Route 233, Eagle Lake Rd. on Sat evening Oct 18th from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. It is approx. 5 miles from Bar Harbor. Reservations are $12 each and available online when you register to run or walk. A very limited number of tickets may will be available at the door. Advance reservations are strongly encouraged.


Can I purchase tickets for the pasta dinner after I've registered? return to top

Yes. Please print and mail this form and you will be added to the reservation list. Reservations are $12 each (in advance) and a very limited number of tickets may be available at the door. Advance reservations are strongly encouraged.


How has the weather been in the past? return to top

Click on each year below to see a detailed weather report for the day in Bar Harbor.

Is the course certified and a Boston Marathon Qualifier? return to top

The MDI Marathon course is fully certified by United States of America Track and Field USATF (certification: ME02003RN) and is a Boston Marathon and an Olympic trials qualifier. The distance is the international marathon standard of 26 miles 385 yards.


Are walkers allowed to compete and what time do they start? return to top

Walkers are welcome at the MDI Marathon. Walkers will begin the route 1 hour before than the runners at 7:00 am sharp. Note: Only particpants expecting to take more than 6.5 hours will be permitted to start at this time. Course support is scheduled to begin work at water stops based on participants starting at 7:00am, at 15 minutes/mile pace. If partipants are walking/jogging faster than that they will liklely miss important course turns and water stations, and face the possibility of being disqualified.)


Is there a Half marathon or marathon relay being held at the same time? return to top

We are not holding a half marathon or relay event at the same time as the MDI Marathon. May we suggest the nationally recognized Bar Harbor half marathon held in mid September call 207-288-3511 for more info


Are pets, baby joggers, or headsets allowed? return to top

Due to insurance limitations we cannot allow pets, baby joggers, or headsets on the course.


Will you provide a course profile map? return to top

We have a course profile map posted on our website, see course info.


How many fluid replacement / energy gel stations are there on the marathon course? return to top

There are fluid replacement tables approx. every 2 miles sports drink and water will be offered at all tables. There will also be water and sports drink at the start and finish areas. GU will be available just before mile 16, we recommend that you carry extra if you might need more.


Are there restrooms on the course? return to top

There are port-a-johns on the course and at the start and finish. In emergency situations there are plenty of woods as well.


Are showers available at the finish? return to top

Yes. Showers are available Pemetic School at the finish line. Bring your own towel.


Will I be able to park my car in Bar Harbor the morning of the race? return to top

Yes, there is generally plenty of parking in Bar Harbor the morning of the race and many Bar Harbor lodging facilities are within walking distance of the start line.


Will baggage transportation be available to send dry clothing from start to finish? return to top

The MDI Marathon will provide transportation so warm dry clothing will be waiting at the finish (please one [1] bag per runner) your name must appear on all checked bags.


Who gets awards, and when can they be picked up? return to top

Every competitor that completes in the Mount Desert Island Marathon will receive a finishers medallion and a certificate of completion by mail. Native granite age group awards will be presented to the top 3 finishers in all recognized standard age categories male and female. Open /18 & Under/ 19-29 / 30-34 / 35-39 / 40-44 / 45-49 / 50- 54 / 55 -59 / 60-64 / 65-69 / 70-74 / 75-79 / 80+/ plus first 3 Mount Desert Island area resident finishers.

You must be present to claim an age group award, please check posted results. Awards may be picked up as age categories are filled. There will be no formal awards ceremony, except for the first three overall male and female finishers. Awards will not be mailed.

Other incentives? return to top

All competitors will receive a complimentary commemorative MDI Marathon wicking T-shirt and professional photo proofs which are optional to purchase.


Is the course scenic? return to top

The Mount Desert Island marathon will be probably the most breathtaking run you will ever participate in. Fall foliage will be at peak levels. The route goes past lakes, quaint village centers, high ocean bluffs, mountains of Acadia National Park and the only fjord in the Eastern United States. See what ESPN is saying!


Is the course difficult? return to top

We would rate our marathon course as challenging. The terrain is hilly throughout the entire route. Though, we don't want to scare any runners off, prepare for a tough run. It is our opinion however that marathon running is supposed to be a challenge and that hilly courses are usually the most satisfying aka: Boston


Can I get a refund, transfer my entry to someone else or defer until next year? return to top

Sorry the Mount Desert Island Marathon and MarathonGuide.com do not issue refunds or deferrals. Your registration is final and good only for the person that originally signed up and valid only for the year in which you have registered to participate.


Finisher's certificates? return to top

A printable version of finisher's certificates will be available shortly after the completion of the race. Note: For those that qualify for the Boston Marathon, our race timing company will provide qualifiers information directly to Boston Marathon Officials. At the time of registering for Boston, you can choose 'Mount Desert Island Marathon' as your qualifier. YOU DO NOT NEED TO SUPPLY A PAPER CERTIFICATE.


Is there an online forum where I can chat with other MDI Marathoners? return to top

Yes. Please click here to visit the Mount Desert Island Marathon forum, hosted by Maine Running Forum.


***If you have additional questions please contact us at information@mdimarathon.org***





information@mdimarathon.org | MDI Marathon, PO BOX 117 Northeast Harbor, Maine 04662 | 207.276.4226

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