FAQs
Where do the half marathon and 5K begin?
The half marathon begins on Main Street (Rt 3) adjacent to ballfields. The 5k starts on Main Street (Rt 3) adjacent to Table Salt Restaurant.
Start Times:
Half Marathon Walkers: 6:15am
Half Marathon: 7:00am
5k Walkers & Runners: 7:45am
Where can I pick up my race packet?
You will need your photo ID to pick up your 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. A friend or family member can pick up your packet with a copy of your photo ID.
Packet Pick Up will be:
Friday, September 12, 2025, 2-7pm
Is there a time limit/cut off time?
The finish line closes at 10:30am for all races.
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. No speakers are allowed per National Park rules. You can wear bone conduction headphones.
What are the bathroom facilities like on the course?
There will be port-a-potties available at the finish area outside the MDI YMCA and on the ballfields. The YMCA is not open on Saturday morning. There are 3 bathrooms along the course within Acadia National Park. They are marked on the race course map and are usually near a water station. Approximate mileage is: 2.5mi, 5.5mi and 10.5mi
Can I run with a stroller or bring my dog?
For safety reasons, we can not allow strollers or dogs in our events.
What are the prizes?
All half marathon and 5K finishers receive a medal. All half marathon participants and the first 50 registered 5k participants receive a shirt. The top three overall male, female, and non-binary and the top two in each age group for male and female will receive awards in both the half marathon and 5k.
How is the parking?
There is no race parking in the MDI YMCA parking lot. There is a public parking across the street from the MDI YMCA next to the athletic fields (metered). Additional metered street parking can be found along Main Street. Most side roads in Bar Harbor are permit parking only. Do not park in these areas or you will be ticketed. If staying in town, it’s best to walk/run to the start.
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. Camping is only available at campgrounds.
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 volunteering is an option for you, you can defer your entry one year with 4hrs of volunteering at one of our two half marathons. Contact the Race Director for more information, races@mdiymca.org.
Is this race capped?
Yes. Due to Acadia National Park permit restrictions, we cap the race at 400 runners.
How do I obtain a park pass?
The Bar Harbor Bank and Trust 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 Acadia National Park Visitor's Center on Rt 3 in Hulls Cove or at the Sand Beach tollbooths on the Park Loop Rd. The 5k does not run through Acadia and these participants do not need a Park pass. You can upgrade your Individual Park Pass to a vehicle pass at the Visitor's Center or Sand Beach tollbooths. A vehicle pass allows a vehicle plus all passengers to enter the Park and is also valid for 7 days.
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 handing out medals; 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.
