Marathon

Mount Desert Island Marathon

Mount Desert Island Marathon is a hilly Maine point-to-point from Bar Harbor to Southwest Harbor, with Acadia scenery and Boston qualification.

Next raceSunday, October 18, 2026
Distance categoryMarathon
LocationBar Harbor, Maine
Boston qualifierYes
Get alertsLast checked August 5, 2026BQ times

Quick facts

  • USATF-certified Boston qualifier on course ME23002JG.
  • Point-to-point route runs from Bar Harbor to Southwest Harbor.
  • Hilly profile rewards strength and restraint more than even-split ambition.
  • Six-hour-30-minute course limit and limited field favor early planning.

About the Mount Desert Island Marathon

Mount Desert Island Marathon is a scenic Maine fall race that treats the island's hills as part of the attraction. The marathon shares race weekend with a half and relay while keeping its own point-to-point course and limited-entry identity.

Course

The marathon starts in Bar Harbor and runs through Mount Desert Island communities to Southwest Harbor. Rolling roads, early hills, and a sustained late climb make it a strength course despite long runnable stretches and coastal views.

Race-day weather

Mid-October often brings a cold start, crisp air, and temperatures that stay workable for racing. Rain, coastal wind, and quick changes remain realistic in Acadia's fall weather.

Past Mount Desert Island Marathon dates and results

YearDateStatusResults
2026Sunday, October 18, 2026Upcoming
2025Sunday, October 19, 2025CompletedOpen results

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Mount Desert Island Marathon FAQ

When is the Mount Desert Island Marathon?

The 2026 Mount Desert Island Marathon is on Sunday, October 18, 2026.

Is Mount Desert Island Marathon a Boston qualifier?

Yes. Mount Desert Island Marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifier. To use the result, you must run the certified full-marathon course within the qualifying window and meet the current standard for your age and gender. Meeting the standard lets you apply but does not guarantee entry, and net-downhill courses can receive a time adjustment under current B.A.A. rules. Review the Boston qualifying times and downhill-course rules, or browse upcoming Boston qualifier marathons.

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