2008 Registration Forms are Here! See Below!
2008
31st Annual Mount Desert Island YMCA
Half Marathon & Fall 5K
Saturday, September 20th, 2008
Walkers start time 7:30am. Runners start time 8:30am.
~ Featuring Acadia National Park ~
Race Sponsored by Bar Harbor Bank & Trust
General Information
The third largest island on the eastern seaboard, Mount Desert Island boasts an impressive 41,000 acres of land devoted to the Northeast’s only National Park, Acadia - an amazing array of mountains and sea, cliffs and coastline. The MDI YMCA’s Half Marathon is fortunate to be the only race of its kind held in a National Park. Nine miles of the course wind through Acadia’s carriage road system – a unique national treasure that is considered the best example of broken stone roads in America.
Summer resident John D. Rockefeller Jr. built the carriage roads for his horse and carriage rides to escape the automobile after its introduction in 1913. The 45 miles of carriage roads showcase glacial lakes, views of the park’s interior & rocky coastline, and the beautiful craftsmanship of different granite bridges. The car free roads provide an excellent surface for runners and walkers alike.
2008 Half Marathon- Registration Form Course Map 2008 5K - Registration Form
Eden Athletics - Jack Russell's Steakhouse
Information for Walkers
Walkers are able to enjoy the beauty of Acadia at a slower pace and are encouraged to participate! Walkers start one hour before runners – 7:30am
'07 HALF MARATHON RESULTS '07 FALL 5K RESULTS
Race Features
- Cash Prizes Men’s & Women’s Open Divisions: 1st $300, 2nd $175, 3rd $100
- USA TAC Certified Half Marathon (ME-9005-GN)
- Splits at miles 1 and 10
- Mile markers for all 13 miles
- Post-race Massage Therapy
- Long Sleeve T-Shirts for Pre-Registered Runners
- Five Water Stations every 2 – 2.5 miles
- Refreshments
- Finish Times
- $50 Random Cash Drawing
- Childcare available upon request (age 1+)
- Pre-race Pasta Dinner
Award Divisions (1st, 2nd, 3rd places – Men’s & Women’s)
- Open
- 29 & under
- Age 30 – 39
- Age 40 – 49
- Age 50 – 59
- Age 60 – 69
- Age 70+ (1st place)
- Race Walking (1st place)
- Year Round Resident (1st place)
Race Services
Refreshments are offered at the start and at the finish of the race. The start and finish of the race is adjacent to the MDI YMCA. Runners are welcome to use the YMCA to stretch, shower, relax or socialize before and after the race. The YMCA has a 25-yard, 6-lane pool, full fitness center, gymnasium, game room and a small indoor track. For Half Marathoners staying in town before or after race day, the MDI YMCA is pleased to offer a half price rate on our day usage fee, families included.
Race Charity
This race is the MDI YMCA’s largest fundraiser of the year. Proceeds from the Half Marathon help fund our scholarship program. The MDI YMCA is the cornerstone of youth development and recreational activities on the island. Since 1900 the YMCA has been strengthening and enhancing the lives of island families through its programs and services. Specifically, the Y’s scholarship fund enables families to thrive with the support of childcare for the single or dual working parents, it supports young people that need a safe and supportive environment to come to after school, engages active older adults that want to maintain an active lifestyle through low-impact fitness and aquatics exercise classes, and enables families wanting to provide an opportunity for their children to compete statewide in competitive gymnastics and swim team programs. Your participation in the half marathon helps the MDI YMCA keep our doors open to the public on a year round basis. Thank you for your support.
Entry Fee
Register before September 1st and the cost is $42, and $37 for MDI YMCA members. All registrants after September 1st are $50. Due to a limited amount of spaces in the race, race fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Our Sponsor
The 2007 MDI YMCA’s Half Marathon was generously sponsored by Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. LINK Founded in 1887, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is a community bank with 12 branches along the coast of Maine, offering a full-range of financial services products for families, businesses and non-profit organizations like the MDI YMCA. The main branch is within walking distance of the starting line – a 24 ATM machine is available.
Friends and Family Members! Run or Walk the Fall 5K!
This race starts at the same time and same location as the half marathon and also benefits the MDI YMCA’s scholarship fund. What better way to relate to your half marathoner’s running rush than to experience the thrill and joy of a Bar Harbor road race first hand. The 5K is a professionally timed race on a GPS measured course. Entry fee is only $10. Awards given in many age categories – male & female. Download 2008 5k race forms. You can do it! Ages 13+
Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park
Bar Harbor is the heart and soul of Maine’s coastal heritage. Nestled between the mountains of Acadia National Park and the crystal blue Atlantic Ocean, the town of Bar Harbor is a vibrant and historic community of artists, writers, lobster fisherman and outdoor enthusiasts. The MDI YMCA is located in the very heart of downtown Bar Harbor, near many restaurants, galleries and shops. The waterfront is just a 10-minute walk down the street from the Y.
Bar Harbor is located on Mount Desert Island, which is divided by Somes Sound, the only natural fjord on the east coast of the United States. The island’s unique topography was shaped by glaciers and is enhanced by the magnificent ocean, woodlands, waterways and mountains. Acadia National Park occupies 41,000 acres of land with its spectacular granite mountains and miles of pristine, rugged coastline – Acadia offers activities and adventures for all ages.
On the other side of the island, beautiful towns like Southwest Harbor and Northeast Harbor are also waiting to be explored. These towns are just a short drive from Bar Harbor, where you will find beautiful galleries, shops, campgrounds and excellent dining options. Hiking, biking and sailing the coastal waters on “the quiet side” are also special treats.
Dogs and Baby Strollers
Sorry, dogs and baby strollers are not allowed on the course.
Frequently asked questions
When and where does the race begin?
Race Date: Saturday, September 20, 2008
Start time: 8:30am for runners, 7:30am for walkers
Where: Adjacent to the YMCA. The Y is at 21 Park Street in Bar Harbor.
When can I pick up my race packet?
Friday, September 19th from noon-7:00pm
Saturday pick up is extremely limited (prior arrangements must be made with race director fitness@mdiymca.org)
What is the course like?
The course is a ½ marathon, 13.1 miles. It is a challenging loop course, with the start and finish at the Bar Harbor athletic field across from the MDI YMCA. Nine miles of the course are on Acadia National Park’s carriage roads, offering a car free, excellent running surface. This is the only half marathon that runs through a national park.
Are there adequate bathroom facilities?
Yes! And they are real bathrooms – not porta-potties! We have 11 bathrooms available at the start & finish of the race and 4 bathrooms on the course itself. The racecourse restrooms are near the water stations at (approx) mile 5 and also at (approx) mile 10.
Can we take a shower after the race?
The MDI YMCA offers free, full locker room shower facilities for runners on race day.
Can we walk the race?
Yes. Walkers start one hour before the runners - 7:30am
What are the course records?
For thirty years, runners have been logging excellent times on this challenging course. The men’s certified course record is held by local boy Evan Graves, (2004) 1:09:37. Joan Benoit Samuelson (1997) holds the women’s record 1:17:06.
Are there cash prizes?
Yes. We have cash prizes for Men and Women’s Open division. 1st place $300, 2nd place $175, 3rd $100 and a $50 raffle that anyone can win.
Do I get a shirt?
Every pre-registered runner (registered by September 1st) is guaranteed a long sleeve t-shirt and a custom medal. We do our best for everyone, however!
Are there enough water and sports drinks on the course?
We have 5 water stations with sports drink included at miles 5 and 10.
Do I get a medal, even if I come in last?
Yes! Every finisher receives a custom medal.
How about parking?
The Y offers free parking as well as the athletic field. Additional free parking is available roadside.
What are my lodging options?
From bed & breakfasts, campgrounds, hotel & motels and full service luxury resorts, Bar Harbor & MDI offer a lodging experience for everyone’s taste. There are several lodging options that are within feet of the starting line! Please contact the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce at 888-540-9990 or www.BarHarborMaine.com for lodging information. Many people who participate in this race lengthen their stays in order to further explore Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island.
What is the cost?
Register before September 1st and the cost is $42, and $37 for MDI YMCA members. All registrants after September 1st are $50. Due to a limited amount of spaces in the race, and the fact that this is an important fundraiser for the YMCA, race fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Is this race capped?
Yes. Due to Acadia National Park permit restrictions, only 400 runners may participate. This means lots of elbowroom along the course.
How do I register?
There are still spaces left! Download 2008 registration forms and mail to the YMCA.
Do you have a pre-race dinner?
Enjoy a wonderful pasta dinner Friday evening, September 19th. You can sign up for the dinner at the same time that you register for the race. Dinner includes choice of pasta, salad, bread, beverage and dessert. Adult price $12 ($15 at the door), children $6 ($10 at the door).
Can my friends or family help on race day?
Yes! Although we have a dedicated team of local volunteers, we can always use more help. We have all kinds of tasks for all ages. Kids can help with food prep; adults and kids can help out at water stations, course monitoring and after race clean up. We always need help with our pre-race pasta dinner on Friday evenings also. Contact Race Director Lisa Tweedie to volunteer at fitness@mdiymca.org
More Questions?
Contact info@mdiymca.org.
The Race Route
Volunteers are stationed at all intersections to cheer you on and to help you turn in the right direction.
Start on Main Street adjacent to the MDI YMCA and run on a slight downhill towards Bar Harbor’s waterfront. Next – travel on a slight incline toward Acadia National Park’s peaceful Duck Brook Road, where you’ll run under one of Acadia’s unique, arched stone bridges.
Next, you’ll run over Duck Brook on the beautiful triple arched Duck Brook Bridge. Now you are running on carefully groomed, car free carriage roads, built by John D. Rockefeller Jr. You will then run left towards glacially carved Eagle Lake, and pass under another arched stone bridge and begin a counterclockwise journey around the lake, beginning with a challenging 1-mile hill. This is followed by a rewarding downhill on the backside of Eagle Lake. Remember – what goes up, must come down. Eagle Lake is also the town of Bar Harbor’s public water supply.
After completing the 6-mile Eagle lake loop, exit onto route 198 and run back towards Bar Harbor. Your trip first takes you uphill (under another stone bridge) where you’ll take in views of Frenchman Bay in the distance.
Take a right onto Cromwell Harbor Road and run past the lusciously green Kebo Valley Golf Course where you will take in views of Cadillac Mountain, the first spot to see the sun rise on the eastern seaboard.
Follow the road for a bit. Head downhill and take a left past the town’s tennis courts to enter the finish line chute. You’ve made it! Shower, socialize, replenish and refresh at the Mount Desert Island YMCA – just across the street.