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October 2007, Runners World |
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there are days until the 2008 edition of our race
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MDI Marathon Footage | Officials of the Mount Desert Island Marathon are pleased to announce the release of professionally recorded race footage filmed during the 2006 event, and the 2005 MARTHA television footage. This excellent film clip showcases the beauty of the award winning route during the actual 2006 race, and was made available by the generosity of the presenting sponsor, Red Lobster. |
| (April 7, 2008) -
The award winning Mount Desert Island Marathon, named 'most scenic in North America'
by ESPN is pleased to announce that entries for the October 19th edition are on
record pace compared to any previous year. The event, credited with extending the
tourist season on MDI, is expected to fill to its 1,000 runner capacity. Currently
participants are registered from 39 states, four Canadian provinces, as well as
Ireland, Great Britain, and the Virgin Islands.
Over the past six years the MDI Marathon has helped to raise thousands of dollars for various local charitable groups. The small volunteer race staff is looking for a year-round office on Mount Desert Island. Please contact the Marathon at 207-276-4226, or email information@mdimarathon.org if you may have a suitable space... (full press relase) | 
Seal Harbor, Mile 8 |
| (February 11, 2008) - The Mount Desert Island Marathon is seeking a new title sponsor to help propel the already extremely popular event to the next level. Already one of the USA's premier destination marathons, race officials hope to increase their starting field size while continuing to focus on the quality of each participant's experience and the attention to detail the race has become synonymous for. The seventh edition of the race is set to take place Sunday, October 19, 2008 and is held entirely on picturesque Mount Desert Island, home to Acadia National Park which is one of the most frequently visited national parks in the entire USA. The race was voted the 'most scenic in North America' by ESPN, featuring Somes Sound, the only natural fjord in the Eastern US, and Cadillac Mountain, the first place in the continental US to see the sunrise. Other features include a point-to-point route starting in world famous Bar Harbor, and finishing in charming Southwest Harbor. The beautiful foot race passes through 6 quaint island towns and villages while enjoying ocean vistas, tranquil lakes, dense forests and spectacular fall foliage. Mount Desert Island is easily accessed from major East Coast metropolitan areas... (full press relase) |
| (January 21, 2008) - The Mount Desert Island Marathon has officially teamed up with Maine Running Forum (MRF) to host the official forum for this year's event. Please take the time to create a MRF account and post your questions or comments concerning the MDI Marathon there. If you are a veteran of the race you may want to offer advice or share your own memories and pictures of the event. The forum features interactive photo albums, calendars, and more! | 
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#1 Paul Bunyan Marathon, 1978 (age 21) - 2:52:41 | (November 4, 2007) New York, NY -
The race director and founder of the Mount Desert Island Marathon, Gary
Allen, also a member of Crow Athletics, further distinguished himself as both an inventive race director
and as a fierce competitor at the 2007 New York City Marathon.
Running in his 67th career marathon, Mr. Allen successfully logged his 50th Sub 3 hour marathon at age 50.
This run completed a personal goal set several years ago at the race where Mr. Allen hoped to achieve this milestone. "I ran my first NYC Marathon back in 1980. I met Fred Lebow (founder and director NYC Marathon), and I have the deepest respect for what Fred created, and to reach my goal at NYC was my small way as a fellow race director to pay respect for what Fred created and is enjoyed by millions", explained Mr. Allen. His time of 2:58:47 placed him in 26th overall in the men's 50-54 division and in 720th place overall. Mr. Allen ran his first marathon below three hours in July, 1978 in 2:52:41. Doing so 29+ years later is a feat not many, or any can claim. Mr. Allen is believed to be the first person in his home state of Maine to reach this incredible milestone of running 50 sub 3 hour marathons (the 50th at age 50), and having recorded them in four separate decades. Congratulations Gary! | 
#50 New York City Marathon, 2007 (age 50) - 2:58:47 |
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| (October 2007) Southwest Harbor, ME -
The 6th edition of our event dawned with picture perfect weather for both serious
competitors and for those who merely hoped to finish our scenic and challenging
route. The peaking crimson, yellow, and orange fall foliage partnered with light
winds, slightly cloudy skies and temperatures in the 50s seemed custom ordered for
a truly memorable and spectacular day.
The 2007 Mount Desert Island Marathon, presented by Red Lobster, featured a large starting field representing 48 states, 4 Canadian provinces, and many countries abroad. Our special guest speaker and honorary race starter was Maine's treasured Olympic Marathon Champion, gold medalist, Joan Benoit Samuelson. As the starter's cannon echoed off lower Main Street in picturesque downtown Bar Harbor, "Mr. MDI Marathon", David Herr from Canaan, Vermont, assumed his place at the front of the field, holding off all challengers, and winning again for the fourth time in six attempts in a time of 2:37:44. (As if his mastery of our course needs to be further scrutinized, Mr. Herr has placed a convincing second in both of his other appearances at the MDI Marathon.) Andy Beardsley from Surry, Maine, who is a local Cross Country coach, placed second in 2:41:20. Home grown runner, and Bar Harbor's own Matt Frongillo placed a strong third in 2:41:47. In the ladies race, Judi Chiavetta from Arlington, Massachusetts, found herself locked in a fierce and stiff competition with 2006 champion Debbie Moreau of Turner, Maine, and two-time local champion Lara Judson, of Mt. Desert, Maine, who was victorious in both 2003 and 2005. Ms. Chiavetta took the lead near the half way mark and went on to win convincingly in the process recording a spectacular new course record in 3:04:42. She was followed by Ms. Moreau and Ms. Judson in 3:21:00 and 3:21:23 respectively. Meanwhile hundreds of marathoners ranging in age from 16 to 74 traversed
our postcard perfect towns and villages while enjoying many breathtaking seaside and
woodland vistas. When the day ended, the 2007 Mount Desert Island
was the largest marathon held in the state of Maine this year. The
event also featured many memorable moments including a wedding at the finish line
in quaint downtown Southwest Harbor; Janice Hensler and Richard Bignell from St.
Louis, Missouri, were married shortly after completing the course in 7:32:28. The happy
couple finished shortly after the honorable John Franklin Street, mayor of the great American city of Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, who crossed the line in 7:23:04. In the first
ever Maine team competition, the host running club, Crow Athletics, was victorious and
crowned Maine state team marathon champions.  |
| (October 15, 2007) Southwest Harbor, ME - The masses that participated in Sunday's Mount Desert Island Marathon were hard-pressed not to be overcome by the oceanfront vistas and brilliant foliage that served as the backdrop for this sixth annual event... While [David] Herr cruised to the overall title, first-time MDI runner Judi Chiavetta of Arlington, Mass., was unchallenged in the women's division while finishing in a course-record time of 3:04:42. That was 11 minutes faster than her previous best for the distance of 3:15 at the 2006 New York City Marathon and more than two minutes better than the previous MDI women's mark of 3:07:03 set by Lara Judson of Mount Desert in 2005. (cont) | 
Dick Pace finishing, |
continuing sponsor | (October 9, 2007) The Mount Desert Island Marathon is pleased to be once again supported by Darlings Auto Mall, who has been a major sponsor of our event since 2005. They have generously provided use of a beautiful GMC truck featuring custom graphics that both promote our event and their outstanding company. They are also providing shuttle vans on race morning to the starting line from our two host hotels, the Acadia Inn and the Atlantic Oaks. |
| (September 14, 2007) The Mount Desert Island Marathon based in Bar Harbor, Maine, and hosted by Crow Athletics running club, is pleased to announce that 1984 Olympic Marathon Champion, Joan Benoit Samuelson, will appear at 6th edition of the popular event to be held in October... She will speak at the annual Pre-Race Pasta Dinner to be held at Mt. Desert Island High School on Saturday evening, October 13th. The benefit dinner is from 5:30pm to 7:30pm with Ms. Samuelson speaking at approximately 6:45pm. NOTE: AS OF OCTOBER 9th OUR 2007 PASTA DINNER IS SOLD OUT! The function is a charity, fund raising event in support of the music programs at Mt. Desert Island High School. As of press time, Ms. Samuelson is not scheduled to run the race. (more from our Official press release) or as reported by the Bangor Daily News. | 
Joan Benoit Samuelson |
continuing sponsor | (September 11, 2007) Ellsworth, ME - Darling's Family of Dealerships has announced that they have been named the official automotive sponsor the Mount Desert Island Marathon and will be providing vehicles to help transport runners from the host hotels on race morning and for use by race staff during race week. This is the third consecutive year Darlings has partnered with the marathon while generously providing this needed service. It fits perfectly with MDI Marathon goals to help bring attention to excellent area businesses such as Darlings while involving them in the event which has gained both national and international attention. Visit: darlings.com for more information. |
| (September 7, 2007) Friends of Acadia has announced that they will sponsor Island Explorer shuttle buses for MDI Marathon spectators, participants and the general public to ride free on marathon day, Sunday Oct 14. This is the fourth consecutive year FOA has partnered with the marathon. This service fits perfectly with FOA's continuing mission which is, to protect the outstanding natural beauty, ecological vitality, and cultural distinctiveness of Acadia National Park and the surrounding communities, as well as one of the goals of the MDI Marathon which is, to limit traffic and emissions on Mount Desert Island while encouraging healthy lifestyle choices. Bus service runs between Southwest Harbor and Bar Harbor only. A full schedule will be available soon. Visit: friendsofacadia.org for more information. | 
continuing sponsor |
click image to enlarge | (September 5, 2007) Emmaus, PA - The October issue of Runners World magazine has been delivered to subscribers and hit newsstands worldwide. In the latest edition the featured, Race of The Month is the Mount Desert Island Marathon. Nicknamed "Big Sur of the East" in the article (after the scenic California race by the same name), this exciting news will help move the showcase event one step closer to becoming a top international destination marathon. In the same magazine, the host club behind the marathon, Crow Athletics, has a separate article and photograph about the 'July 4th Around Mount Desert Island Relay' that the club also founded in 2002. Both of these articles will help propel participation tourism on Mount Desert Island to new heights and bring many thousands to enjoy our island hospitality. "It was always our club's vision and intention to bring big time running home to MDI, this kind of attention is obliviously priceless," commented Mary Ropp, editor of the popular Crow Athletics website and marketing director of the MDI Marathon. |
| (August 24, 2007) As part of the festivities surrounding this years Mount Desert Island Marathon race officials are pleased to announce that they have added a runners breakfast to be held on Saturday Oct 13 at the Atlantic Oakes Resort which is also the site of the two day MDI Marathon fitness expo and the official host hotel of the marathon. Runners and their families from all across the USA, Canada and beyond are cordially invited to the breakfast, the public is also encouraged to attend and meet the athletes who will be competing in the 6th annual MDI Marathon which will take place on Sunday Oct 14. The breakfast will also feature a special guest speakers TBA. Advance reservations are not necessary. | 
view from mile 8 |
Janice Hensler and Rich Bignall | (August 21, 2007) As if running a marathon is not hard enough a couple from St Louis, MO., has announced they will be married on the finish line in Southwest Harbor shortly after finishing the annual Mount Desert Island Marathon to be held on Oct 14. Janice Hensler and Rich Bignall will both run the grueling 26. 2 mile course and almost immediately enter into another long distance race of sorts, marriage. They are bringing with them seven other runners and approximately forty guests who will cheer on the bride and groom and others as they navigate the scenic, hilly route that begins in downtown Bar Harbor. Runners and spectators are invited and encouraged to cheer on the new couple or attend the finish line wedding festivities. For more information visit mdimarathon.org |
| (June 25, 2007) The MDI Lions Club and the MDI Marathon are pleased to announce what both organizations hope will become a long and successful relationship. In meetings held over the spring to discuss working together to co-promote the annual MDI Lions Club Acadia Triathlon and the MDI Marathon all parties agreed that there was much common ground. Jack Gibbons, representing the MDI Lions Club said, " We all love the idea of us working together and we love your enthusiasm and support of our cause and we want to support what you do." For starters the MDI Marathon will add several online features to their popular web site intended to help prospective tri athletes and teams learn more and register for the popular Lions Club event. Both groups are working on several longer term initiatives and programs which will be unveiled as they become available. In the meantime Gary Allen, director of the MDI Marathon said, "MDI is relatively small place it only makes sense for us to work together toward what I believe are very common and worthwhile goals, on behalf of the MDI Marathon we are thrilled to do whatever we can to help the MDI Lions Club fulfill their important objectives." | 
Mile Thirteen |
Somes Sound | (June 21, 2007) The 2007 Mount Desert Island Marathon committee is pleased to name co-host hotels for this years exciting event to be held on Sunday Oct 14. The Atlantic Oaks is once again the official host hotel and site of the two day health and fitness expo and race registration to be held on Friday and Saturday before the race. The Acadia Inn is returning as the equally important co -host hotel and is located conveniently across the street from the site of race expo. Runners are encouraged to book rooms early and ask for special MDI Marathon rates when doing so. Currently over 400 runners from almost every US State and many countries abroad are registered to run in the 6th anniversary edition, which was honored as the most scenic marathon in North America last fall by ESPN. Race organizers are expecting that the race will sell out and in the process bring thousands of additional visitors, athletes and their families to Mount Desert Island. The event has even been credited with helping to extend the season and has become a source of great pride to communities all along the marathon route. Red Lobster is back as the presenting sponsor, last year they heavily featured the MDI Marathon in effective advertising campaigns seen at all of their restaurants which are located all across the Untied States and Canada. Red Lobster buys and serves more Maine lobster than any other company and contributed generously to the fund raising efforts of the MDI Music Boosters who host the marathon pre race pasta dinner held at MDIHS. There are still sponsorship opportunities for businesses or individuals that would like to get involved. |
| (May 4, 2007) The Mount Desert Island Marathon has announced it has created a special Maine team division meant to encourage participation by members from all of Maine's officially recognized running clubs. Participating teams must be members of USATF or RRCA and consist of at least 5 runners. Scoring will be decided by the total time(s) officially recorded by the first 5 team members to cross the finish line. Running clubs may field all male, all female or mixed teams, all teams will be scored equally. The Maine team with the lowest elapsed time will win $500 and be honored as Maine State Team Marathon Champions. As further incentive, invitations are extended to all Maine running clubs and up to 10 participants from each club will receive a special discounted entry fee. All Team division entrants must use the printable application found here, and up to 10 representatives from each team may deduct $10 off their individual entry fees. Participants should indicate which club they will be representing and be a member in good standing of that club at the time of registration. | 
Finish in Southwest Harbor |
We are proud members of the following organizations: |
information@mdimarathon.org | MDI Marathon, PO BOX 117 Northeast Harbor, Maine 04662 | 207.276.4226
Proudly brought to you by:
CROW ATHLETICS & MAINE RUNNING HISTORY
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