Alyssa Cary's Staging Area

I absolutely loved this race. I ended up walking several miles toward the end when my peroneal tendonitis became unbearable to run on, but even walking it was enjoyable. My kids participated in the free kids’ run the day before and had a blast!
Expo: Unremarkable. Held in the local YMCA gym, you get your bib and shirt and that’s about it. There’s a small selection of gear for sale.
Parking: Not a problem. I parked at the advertised free lot at a local school half a mile from the start.
Race: Total field was pretty small so a wave start was unnecessary. I never felt crowded or cut off. The first couple miles flew by and weren’t super scenic but gave a good intro to the hills to come. Personally I enjoyed the rolling hills, and appreciate some variability in terrain and elevation on a course to change up my stride and give different muscle groups the opportunity to take on more of the effort. Most of the course was absolutely gorgeous with MDI in near peak fall foliage and the most perfect marathon weather you could ask for.
Post-race: Here is my ONLY NEGATIVE for this race! I went directly to the medical tent to grab a bag of ice for my foot, then to the refueling tent, and then in search of gear check. Pre-race there was a small hiccup with gear check (the volunteer who was supposed to be handling it never showed, so eventually someone got over to the UHaul they had set up for it and handing my bag off was quick and easy). I looked all around the finish area and didn’t see the UHaul anywhere. I checked the race handbook to be sure I hadn’t missed instructions about where to find gear check at the finish–nope, no instructions for retrieving my gear. Finally I hobbled over to a volunteer who told me all the checked gear was dropped in the grass at the back of the finish area. No signage, no instructions, nothing–just some bags in a patch of grass, completely unsecured. Luckily my bag was unharmed although a little damp, so I grabbed my gear, changed, and hopped on a shuttle back to the start. By the time I got back to Bar Harbor I was starving and the restaurant options were slim. I ended up at a local pizza joint and that was fine, but had I anticipated so many restaurants being closed for the season, I probably would’ve planned my post-race meal ahead of time rather than winging it. All in all, a great race, free race photos was a nice bonus, wish I’d had more time to spend on MDI and would love to go back!

Started out rough – not sure if the organization in the morning was lacking a little since it’s been a few years since the race has been a live event, but I (and seemed like many others) had some trouble getting to the parking in Crystal City as roads were still being closed as we were arriving. The shuttle drop off is a little ways from the start which is fine, but something to be prepared for. Bag dropoff was seamless. My biggest complaint was that for such a huge race, there should have been a wave start but everyone started at the same time. Lots of congestion for many miles. Water and food stops were great, really appreciated the apple sauce stop! Spectators, signs, and scenery did not disappoint.
Three post-race complaints: 1) Lots of congestion in narrow hospitality walk, 2) Bag pickup was further than I’d have preferred, and 3) The shuttle back to parking… I am fairly certain the driver had no idea where he was going and once he finally got moving in the correct direction, dropped us off several blocks from the garage

This is definitely a weekend geared toward runners who enjoy the social aspect of races – I did not take part in the post-race festivities so I can’t comment on the quality, but the event certainly caters to those who like to participate in races as couples or groups rather than individuals. I had a fine time on my own but the course and the atmosphere weren’t enough to draw me back another year.

Similar to NYC, but cleaner air and better post-race experience. It’s a WMM for a reason. This event had my favorite expo of any race I’ve run and the flat, fast course was enjoyable. I appreciated having plenty of space nearby the finish to stretch, refuel, enjoy a beer, and reflect on the race without being rushed or crowded.