Voted “race of the year” in 2015 by New England Runner magazine, the Mount Desert Island Marathon has earned that title not just by running through one of the most beautiful parks in the nation, but through a tight-knit community surrounding the race and the greater Bar Harbor area as coastal Maine’s tourist season gives way to winter.
Mount Desert Island Marathon, Half Marathon & Relay
Awards:
Date
Oct 19, 2025
Starting Time
8:30 AM
Course
Road
Fees
$85 – $110
Location
Bar Harbor
Participants
500-1000
Terrain
Challenging
Environment
Mountain Views
Temperature
High: 56°
/ Low: 40°
Overview
Course Description
The half marathon, which was added to the event in 2013, begins at Northeast Harbor along the coast of Mount Desert Island, then leads runners north along the only true fjord of the Atlantic coast. Runners can spot the pink granite that is characteristic of the area while taking in the views of the area.
The next section of the course features the course’s low point along Somes Sound, followed by an incline through miles four and five, heading up the cliffs of the interior section of the fjord.
The second half of the course features gorgeous views and a slight ascent beginning in the village of Somesville. The high point of the course comes with a mile to go, leading runners downhill for the last 1.1 miles toward the finish line, with some of the most beautiful scenery saved for the end.
