_ The 2021 Acadia Half Iron Triathlon:

The Acadia 70.8 Triathlon starts in the town of Mount Desert on the northern shore of Long Pond. The 1.2 mile swim heads out from Pond's End towards the Western Mountains of Acadia National Park. The 56 mile bike route races through the rolling backroads of Mount Desert Island through picturesque villages along the ocean, with beautiful views of Acadia's mountains, rock beaches, marches, and ponds. The 13.6 mile run completes a scenic, but challenging, loop to finish on the MDI High School track.

Race Features

Post race meal at finish line (MDI High School) - 1pm

Aqua-Bike Division

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Race Route and Course Details

Bike Leg Map, Elevation Profile, and Directions

Run Leg Map, Elevation Profile, and Directions

Transition Map

Spectator Map

Award Groups - 3pm

Overall Top 3 Men and Women

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1st Place for:

• Ages 19 & Under

• Ages 20-29

• Ages 30-39

• Ages 40-49

• Ages 50-59

• Ages 60-69

• Ages 70+

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Fastest Swim, Bike, and Run for both Male and Female

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the race start and end?

The race begins at Pond's End (northern end of Long Pond) in the town of Mount Desert. The transition area will be the National Park Canoe & Kayak Rental parking lot (across the street from the swim start at 145 Pretty Marsh Road, Mount Desert). The finish will be on the MDI High School track (1081 Eagle Lake Road, Bar Harbor). The course may be slightly modified for those competing in the Aqua-Bike race. Please contact Jennifer our Race Director for more details.

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Where can I pick up my race packet?

You can pick up your race packet at 5-8pm at the Transition area on Saturday, August 29. No race day packet pick up! Please bring an ID when you pick up your packet.

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Where and when can I drop off my bike?

Bike drop off will be Saturday, August 3rd at the transition area. Times are 5-8pm. There will be night security. Bikes must be dropped off on Saturday. 

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Are there bathroom facilities on the course?

There will be porta-potties at the start/transition area and on Bike Course water stations at miles 14.5 and 49.5 (Tremont School) and 29.5 (Town Hill Fire Station).

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What are the prizes?

All finishers will receive a medal. The top runners for the Award Groups (listed above) will receive prizes made locally on the island or in the Downeast region of Maine.

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How is the parking and where can I park?

There will be NO PARKING at the start or transition area. Parking will be at the finish line in the MDI High school parking lot. There will be shuttles from parking to the start line. Times TBA. Spectator parking on Ripples Road - NOT at the Start/Transition area. Spectators are not allowed on the shuttle buses from the finish line to the start line. 

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What are my lodging options?

There are many lodging options. Most people who participate in MDI YMCA races extend their stay pas the date of the race to further explore the island and Acadia National Park. You can contact the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce  or the Mount Desert Chamber of Commerce for further information about lodging. There are also various campgrounds on the island for RVing. The two closes to the area of the race are Somes Sound View Campground and Mount Desert Campground, but there are others such as Smugglers Den Campground and KOA Holiday.

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Do you issue refunds?

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. 

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Is there a rain date or alternate plan for inclement weather?

There is no rain date and the Race Director reserves the right to modify or shorten the race course in the case of inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances. 

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Is there a minimum age to compete?

The minimum age to compete in the Acadia Half Iron Triathlon is 16.

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Is this race capped?

Yes. The race is capped at 200.

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Will I need an Acadia National Park Pass?

No, unlike our half-marathons, the Acadia 70.8 does not go through the national park. You will not need a park pass for the race. 

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Can my friends and 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 [email protected].