BAR HARBOR, Maine — The Mount Desert Island Marathon’s board of directors is pleased to announce $40,000.00 in charitable gifts to twenty-three local groups and organizations. Founded in 2002, it has always been the vision of the race to leave more than footprints in the communities where it runs, and to take the impact of the event ‘Beyond the Finish Line’.
The board of directors of representing the Mount Desert Island Marathon are Gary Allen, David Goodrich, Marsha Hayes, Melissa Relyea, Mary Ropp, and Edward Swain.
“This year’s popular charity bib program set another record for funds raised,” explained Ropp, event planner for the race, and treasurer of the board. Since 2010 the Run MDI Charity Bib program has sought to challenge participants to fulfill a nominal fundraising commitment, in exchange for the opportunity to run after general registration has reached capacity. “We are extremely proud to support such a diverse group of important organizations that offer varying programs, which positively impact so many local residents,” continued Ropp.
This year’s beneficiaries include: Acadia Wildlife, Acadian Youth Sports, Bar Harbor Food Pantry, Bar Harbor/MDI Rotary, Cranberry Isles Ladies Aid Society, Downeast Feral Cat Connections, Ellsworth XC, Friends of Acadia, Harbor House Community Center, Island Connections, Island Housing Trust, Loaves & Fishes, MDI Hospital, MDI YMCA, MDIHS Boys Soccer, MDIHS Girls Soccer, MDIHS XC, Move Free Run Club, The Neighborhood House, SPCA of Hancock County, Southwest Harbor-Tremont Ambulance, Westside Food Pantry, YWCA MDI.
In addition to these gifts, the MDI Marathon will continue to fund two annual scholarships awarded to Mount Desert Island High School graduating seniors, as well as attracting thousands of visitors to experience the very best of our unified island communities. The Maine Sports Commission estimates that the event contributes more than $2M annually to the local economy.
Save the date: The 2025 Mount Desert Island Marathon, Half & Relay is scheduled for Sunday, October 19th. For more information, please visit
runmdi.org.
Photos credit: Kevin R. Morris
