While it may seem like no big deal to give or sell your race bib to another person, it does present serious consequences to both the race organizers and the participant field alike. Race results and finisher's awards can be inpacted and medical staff might not be able to identify a participant in need of treatment on the course. It is imperative that the person wearing the bib and taking part in the race is the same person that is in our registrant database.
If you missed out on General Registration, consider running in support of one of our great charitable partners through the Beyond the Finish Line: Charitable Fundraising Program. Click HERE for more information.
If the MDI Marathon is your first race, or if you're still new to the sport, you may not be familiar with some of the "rules" -- both stated and unwritten.
- Pay for your spot: Running in a race you haven't entered, also called "banditing" (see above), is not fair to race organizers, volunteers, and especially the people who have paid to participate. It's also unsafe, since race organizers plan their course amenities, such as water and sports drinks, and medical assistance based on the number of people who have signed up for the race. And overcrowded race conditions can lead to falls and other problems. Don't do it.
- Line up properly: The MDI Marathon is a small event and since there are no starting corrals, runners must 'self-seed' themselves at the starting line. Nothing is more annoying to a runner at the start of a race than having to weave around slower runners after the gun goes off. Faster runners should line up at the front of the starting line, slower runners and walkers at the back. If you are unsure if you are lined up in the right place, ask some of your fellow nearby competitors their anticipated pace, and if it's faster than yours, move further back. The MDI Marathon is chip-timed, so the time it takes you to reach the starting line won't count in your final net time.
- Don't jingle: Don't carry loose change or a set of keys in your pocket. Although it may not bother you, the constant jingling can be really annoying to those who are running near you.
- Don't block the running path: If you're running with a group, don't run more than two abreast (i.e., 2 runners side-by-side), so others can pass you. ATTENTION EARLY STARTERS: You must run or walk single file when runners are present so that they may pass you.
- Show volunteers appreciation: Please say "Thank You!" to race volunteers who hand you water, put your medal around your neck, or otherwise help you. They're volunteering their time and the race would not be successful without them.
- Thank supporters, too: Acknowledge race spectators who cheer for you as you pass them. If you're too tired to say "thanks," show them a smile, wave, or give them a thumbs up. It will make them feel good and encourage them to keep rooting for others.
- Use caution at fluid stations: Water stations can get a bit chaotic and crowded. Use caution when running into a water stop and make sure you're not cutting off other runners or spilling water on them. If you're going to stop or slow down to walk through the water stop, make sure there's not a runner behind you.
- Keep moving at the finish: Don't immediately stop at the finish line or in the chute. There will be runners coming in right behind you, so keep going until it's safe to come to a stop.
- Don't be a glutton: Don't take more than your fair share of food and drinks at the finish line. The back of the pack runners will appreciate it when there are still enough goodies for them at the end.
There are a number of items that are not allowed on the course including, runners going backward, runners not wearing a bib number, animals, baby joggers, strollers, roller skates or roller-blades.
Headsets are allowed, but discouraged. In accordance with revised regulations of U.S. Track and Field, this event no longer bans the use of headphones and other listening devises (such as iPods) while participating in our events (except for elite athletes; see below).
However, the MDI Marathon recognizes the potential danger of wearing such devices as many parts of our course are shared with auto traffic and strongly urges participants not to use headphones.
According to Road Runners Club of America's tips for running safety:
"Don't wear headsets. Use your ears to be aware of the surroundings. Using headphones, you lose the use of an important sense-your hearing. Always stay alert and aware of what's going on around you. The more aware you are, the less vulnerable you are."
Note: The MDI Marathon will continue to enforce a "no headphones" policy for those competing for cash prizes.
Only experienced bicyclists are permitted. They may NOT start or finish with the race. They must wait 20 minutes after the start before following. If course marshals see cyclists shadowing a runner before the 20 minute wait time they will be removed from the course and not allowed back on it. As for etiquette, all cyclists need to remember that this is a FOOT race. They must yield to every runner and walker, and cycle on the opposite side of the road. Again, if cyclists are found riding on the same side of the road as marathon participants, or if they are found cutting participants off, they will be removed from the course and not allowed back on. Cyclists will need to walk their bike from the 26-Mile mark to the finish -- they are not permitted to cross the finish line or ide into the finish chute.
NOTE: Only some portions of our course are closed to all vehicular traffic. Other portions of the course are open to local traffic. Cyclists are riding at their own risk and are responsible for their own safety and well-being. Cyclists will be held responsible should they cause ANY collision with runners or walkers. Cyclists DO NOT have the right of way at any time.
Please contact your lodging establishment to find out how close you are staying to the starting line, which is located at 200 Main Street near the to Mt. Desert Street intersection.
Will I be able to park my car in Bar Harbor on race day? RETURN TO TOP
Yes, there is plenty of parking in Bar Harbor the morning of the race. Many Bar Harbor lodging establishments are within walking distance of the start line. Posted hourly parking bans are lifted over race weekend.
Please refer to the map included in your final instructions in your race packet for a map of downtown Bar Harbor with parking suggestions.
Is baggage transportation available to send dry clothing from the start to the finish? RETURN TO TOP
A baggage transportation vehicle will be parked near the start at the north-west corner of the Village Green in Bar Harbor beginning at 6:00AM on Sunday morning.
All bags must be dropped by 7:30AM.
Bags will be delivered to Pemetic School in Southwest Harbor near the finish.
One [1] small bag per runner. (No luggage.)
Please use the bottom tag on your bib number to label your bag.
The MDI Marathon is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Spectators are encouraged to watch the start in Bar Harbor and then take Route 233 (Eagle Lake Road) to Route 198 or take the Park Loop Road via Jordan Pond to Route 3.
DO NOT FOLLOW THE RACE! You will be asked to turn around.
- Mile 11.5 - Asticou Corner (intersection with Route 3)
- Mile 12.3 - Downtown Northeast Harbor
- Mile 17.3 - Sargeant Drive (intersection with Route 198)
- Mile 18.6 - RA corner (intersection with Route 198)
- Mile 20.8 - Somesville Fire Station (Route 102)
- Finish - Downtown Southwest Harbor
Click
here for more expanded spectator information.
Is there shuttle bus transportation for runners and spectators? RETURN TO TOP
Yes. Our partners at Friends of Acadia provide free shuttle buses, courtesy of Downeast Transportation.
Buses will run between the Village Green in Bar Harbor (very near the starting line) and the finishing area in Southwest Harbor, loading and unloading in the Bar Harbor Bank parking lot.
Note: Buses are open to the general public and do not follow the marathon course.
The schedule is as follows:
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LEAVING BAR HARBOR
9:00 am
9:30 am
1:00 pm
1:30 pm
2:00 pm
2:30 pm
3:00 pm
3:30 pm
4:30 pm
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LEAVING SOUTHWEST HARBOR
12:30 pm
1:00 pm
1:30 pm
2:00 pm
2:30 pm
3:00 pm
3:30 pm
4:00 pm
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***All times are approximate! Drivers do their very best to maintain the schedule, however, shuttle buses may face traffic delays!***
There are also several taxi services on Mount Desert Island, including:
Acadia Limousine & Cab Service (207) 288-8294
Amazin' Moe'z Taxi (207) 266-1478
At Your Service Taxi Cab Co. (207) 288-9222
Bar Harbor Coastal Cab (207) 288-1222
MDI Taxi & Tours (207) 288-3333
Note for early starters: Shuttle buses make their last trip out of Southwest Harbor at approximately 4:00PM. You will need to arrange other transportation if you are planning to leave Southwest Harbor after that time. See taxi information above.
Are pets, baby joggers, bicycles, or headsets allowed on the course? RETURN TO TOP
No. Due to insurance limitations we cannot allow pets, baby joggers, bicycles, or headsets on the course.
How many fluid replacement stations are on the course? RETURN TO TOP
There are fluid replacement stations approximately every 2 miles. Lemon-Lime Gatorade and water will be offered at all stations. Assorted energy gel flavors will be available just before mile 16. We recommend that you carry extra if you might need more, or prefer a particular flavor.
Note for early starters: Water stops will gradually become self-serve, as our volunteers are assigned accordingly. The course will remain open to competitors.
There are some port-a-johns on the course (spaced approximately every 5 miles) and at the start and finish. In emergency situations there are plenty of woods.
Yes. Showers are available Pemetic School at the finish line. Bring your own toiletries and towel.
Please clean up after yourself. Do not leave used soap, or any other items you wouldn't want to find in the shower after the person before you used it.
Who is eligible for awards and where may they be picked up? RETURN TO TOP
Every competitor that finishes the Mount Desert Island Marathon will be awarded a finishers medallion.
Native granite age group awards will be presented to the top 3 finishers in all recognized standard age categories, male and female: 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+
Awards will also be presented to the top 3 Mount Desert Island area resident finishers, and top relay teams. Early starters are not eligible for age group awards.
You, or a friend/family member must be present to claim your age group award at the finish line. Awards will not be mailed! Please check posted results! There is a results tent with a member of the race timing crew ready and waiting to check your final standing. Awards may be picked up immediately at the end of the finisher's chute, near the results tent and hospitality. (Please refer to the map in your Final Runner Instructions.)
There will be no formal awards ceremony, except for the first three overall male and female finishers.
Click on each year below to see a detailed weather report for the day in Bar Harbor:
2010
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2009
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2008
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2007
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2006
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2005
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2004
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2003
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2002
Competitors will receive a complimentary commemorative MDI Marathon apparel item and professional photo proofs which are optional to purchase. (Note: Your bib number MUST be visible to be photographed. Race photographers do their very best to capture every participant.)
Apparel items are ordered months in advance, and distributed on a first come, first served basis. We recommend picking up your race packet at our pre-race expo as early as you can for the best chance of getting the size you requested. There are no exchanges, unless of course, if you and another runner want to trade.
You can't have a good race without good race timing! We have invested a lot into our partnership with Albany Running Exchange Event Productions. We are the only event in Maine to offer live race day results and coverage, as well as immediate results for runners with smart phones (via QR code scanning) and immediate age group results.
Race packets will not be mailed if you are unable to attend.
Registration fees help pay for the cost of putting on our event. Our runners are our top priority, and as the demand for our event continues to grow, we want to ensure that MDI remains a quality experience for all. The Mount Desert Island Marathon is a not-for-profit organization.
Is there a waiting list of applicants who are added due to cancellations race weekend? RETURN TO TOP
There is no waiting list for our races. Our race committee anticipates an approximate number of cancellations each year and allows more than enough entrants in anticipation of those cancellations.
Cancellation Policy - The Mount Desert Island Marathon is a 501(c)3 not for profit organization. Entry fees (including optional meal add-ons, and club memberships) are non-refundable; race numbers and entries cannot be transferred to another year or person. No exceptions. This policy applies to all entrants and is in effect whether you are injured, have an unexpected family/business emergency, have a medical emergency, etc. This means once we have received your entry, you will not receive a refund if you cannot participate, or if the course has to be changed, or if the event is cancelled because of weather, natural disaster or other unforeseen circumstances.
**The Mount Desert Island Marathon reserves the right to accept or reject any entries.**
Is there a way I can support the mission of the MDI Marathon? RETURN TO TOP
Yes. Please click here to get involved.
Participation - Running a road race is a potentially hazardous activity. Runners should be medically able and properly trained to participate in the Mount Desert Island Marathon. The runner understands the risks associated with running this event, including, but not limited to, weather, traffic, course conditions and surfaces, falls and contact with other runners, volunteers, or spectators.
Medical Support - Medical support for this event will be provided by volunteer personnel who may be called upon to provide assistance, including first aid, during or after the event. Medical volunteers will assist participants as necessary or appropriate. By entering a Marathon event and participating, the entrant agrees to treatment by medical personnel, and also agrees to accept medical decisions about the entrant's fitness to participate or continue in the race.
Course - There is an 8 hour time limit beginning at the 7AM start. This means the course closes to participants at 3:00PM. Our course is open to local traffic in several locations.
Drug Testing - Athletes who participate in this competition may be subject to formal drug testing in accordance with USA Track & Field rules and IAAF rule 144. Information regarding drugs and drug testing may be obtained by calling the USOC Hot Line at 1-800-223-0393.
