Course Map
Route based on 2024 course — may differ slightly from this year.
About this Race
The Mount Desert Island Marathon is one of the most beautiful and demanding races in the United States, run beside Acadia National Park along the rugged coast of Maine on a relentlessly hilly course. The constant steep climbs and dips make fast times nearly impossible and beside the point, set amid spectacular ocean-and-mountain scenery. Held in October, it offers crisp fall conditions and brilliant foliage. The breathtaking landscape rather than the clock is the reward. It suits runners who want one of the country's most scenic and challenging courses and are happy to trade speed for the views.
Course Insight
Mount Desert Island is famously hard, a rolling October marathon through stunning coastal Maine scenery near Acadia where relentless hills make it a strength course, not a PB hunt. Pace the climbs by effort and bank nothing on the descents. The scenery is a genuine reward for the work. Crisp autumn air helps. Come expecting honest hills and the difficulty won't blindside you.
Difficulty Breakdown
Mostly due to significant climbing (560m), tough late hills.
Course Details
- Course type
- Point-To-Point
- Elevation gain
- 560m
- Elevation loss
- 559m
- Highest point
- 79m
- Lowest point
- 4m
- Net elevation
- +1m
- Start
- 200 Main Street, Bar Harbor (finishes in Southwest Harbor)
- Cutoff time
- 6h 30m
Race History
The Mount Desert Island Marathon was first held in 2002 beside Acadia National Park along Maine's rugged coast, on a relentlessly hilly course. Its savage climbs and spectacular ocean-and-mountain scenery made it one of the country's most beautiful and demanding road races. From its founding it became a bucket-list event. Held each October, it draws runners to its breathtaking coastal route.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Bar Harbor (BHB), Bangor International (BGR)
- Best area to stay
- Bar Harbor village for proximity to the course and classic inns, the quieter side of the island for scenic stays, and Ellsworth for value options nearby.
- Getting to the start
- It's point-to-point through Acadia; take the official shuttle or the Island Explorer buses to the Bar Harbor start, as parking is very limited.