FAQs
Where does the half marathon and 10K begin?
Both races begin 1/4 of a mile from the YMCA on Livingston Ave, Bar Harbor.
Is there a cut off time for the race?
The finish line closes at 10:00am for all races.
Where can I pick up my race packet?
You can pick up your race packet in advance at the MDI YMCA, 21 Park Street, Bar Harbor. You must pick up your packet in advance.
There is NO race day packet pick up. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Packet Pick Up will be:
May 30 - TBA
May 31- TBA
What are the bathroom facilities like on the course?
There will be port-a-potties available at the finish area outside the MDI YMCA. The YMCA is closed on Sunday morning. There are 4 bathrooms along the course within Acadia National Park. They are marked on the race course map and are usually near a water station.
Are earbuds/headphones allowed on the course?
Acadia National Park is not closed to other users and the public roads are not closed to traffic. No earbuds/headphones are allowed to be worn during the event for safety.
What are the prizes?
All half marathon and 10K finishers receive a medal. All half marathon participants and the first 150 registered 10k participants receive a shirt.
Unique prizes are awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd overall Male, Female and Non-Binary in both the half marathon and 10k. 1st and 2nd place age group prizes are also awarded.
Can I run with a stroller or bring my dog?
For safety reasons, we can not allow strollers or dogs in our events.
How is the parking?
The parking lot at the MDI YMCA is not available on Race Day. There is a public parking across the street from the MDI YMCA next to the athletic fields (metered). Main Street also has metered parking. Most side streets are signed for Permit Parking Only. If you park there, you will be ticketed. If staying in town, it is best to walk or run to the start from your hotel.
What are my lodging options?
There are many lodging options. Most people who participate in the race extend their stay past the date of the race to further explore the island and Acadia National Park. The closest hotel to the starting line is Cromwell Harbor Motel, but you can contact the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce for further information about lodging.
Do you issue refunds if I cannot make the race?
No. Due to the limited amount of spaces in the race, and as this is one of the largest charitable fundraisers for the Mount Desert Island YMCA, race fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you discover you are unable to make the race we do ask that you contact us as numerous people wait on stand-by every year once we reach out cap.
If you are available to volunteer, you can receive a deferment to next year's race with 4hrs of volunteering at our events. Contact the Race Director for more information, races@mdiymca.org.
If you register for the 10k AND put your name on the waitlist for the half marathon, then get the opportunity to register for the half marathon. You will only receive a partial refund of the difference.
Is this race capped?
Yes. Due to Acadia National Park permit restrictions, we cap the half marathon at 400 runners.
How do I obtain a park pass?
The Acadia Half Marathon runs through Acadia National Park. The Park Service requires that all runners must have a park pass to enter the park during the race. By registering for the half marathon you purchase a Park Pass. It will be included in your Race Packet. The park pass is an Individual Pass good for one week. Additional park passes may be purchased at the Visitors Center as you arrive on the island on Route 3, as well as various stations throughout the park. The 10k does not run into Acadia National Park and no Park Pass is required.
Can my friends and/or family help out on race day?
Absolutely! 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, at course monitoring and after race clean up. Contact the Race Director at races@mdiymca.org.
