The Maine Sports Commission estimated the 2023 MDI Marathon generated over $2.1 million for the local economy and the Millinocket Marathon’s 2015 through 2021 editions generated a total of $2.8 million for the Katahdin region.
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The 2025 Mount Desert Island Marathon, Millinocket Marathon and Down East Sunrise Trail Relay have become a growing economic engine for the downeast region.
The Maine Sports Commission estimated the 2023 MDI Marathon generated over $2.1 million for the local economy and the Millinocket Marathon’s 2015 through 2021 editions generated a total of $2.8 million for the Katahdin region, according to a news release.
The MDI race, established in 2002, had nearly 2,000 finishers in 2025. The Millinocket race has grown from 54 finishers in 2015 to 2,303 last year. (See sidebar)
The three races together generated $110,966 in charitable support to scores of local organizations, and the MDI event funded two scholarships to local high school graduating seniors.
The races are organized by founder Gary Allen and planning and operations director Mary Ropp, hosted by MDI running club Crow Athletics and produced by Run Maine Inc.
Mainebiz: Are you a lifelong runner?
Gary Allen: I’m from Great Cranberry Island, not a typical place to be a long-distance runner when there’s no room to run. I honed my love of long-distance running out there, running back and forth. Eventually, I ran at MDI High School and had a terrific coach. After high school, I ran my first full marathon in 1977 and really liked the challenge.
MB: How did you arrive at the idea of organizing a marathon in Maine?
GA: In 1980, I ran the New York City Marathon and it was one of those life-changing moments — a Maine kid who lived on an island. I lined up and I was observing the iconic scene. I was sort of star-struck.
I observed the race director, Fred Lebow, who started the New York City Marathon. I saw this man in action: He had a clipboard in one hand and a bullhorn in the other. It seemed like he was conducting a symphony orchestra. I was drawn to what he was doing.
Then the cannon sounded to start the race and we were off. I think that moment seared itself into my memory. I said, Okay, I’m going to figure out how to do this in Maine.
MB: The MDI Marathon’s first edition was in 2002. How did you get there?
GA: In 2001, I said, Now’s the time to do this marathon on Mount Desert Island. I measured the course by driving my car on a snowy night, figuring out where we would run. I wanted to connect the island in one unbroken route, catch the feel of all the communities — not just Bar Harbor or Acadia National Park. Even the everyday roads there are gorgeous.
MB: The Millinocket marathon started in 2015. What kicked off that idea?
GA: It was around Thanksgiving, I read an article about the collapse of the paper industry in northern Maine and the devastation. So many jobs were lost. At that instant, I thought, I’m going to try to do something. With only about two weeks to plan, I convinced 52 friends to run. I drew the course on a screen and said, We’ll run on the legendary Golden Road — a logging road built in the heyday of papermaking.
MB: What’s involved in the planning process?
Mary Ropp: The planning process for next year’s race is always underway, even when we’re just getting started on the current edition. I keep a running note going on my phone and computer for each race, and I make notes to myself to make improvements for “next year” — there’s always something that can be done better.
In general, planning starts with permit applications. We also keep an eye on construction projects on the horizon and how they might affect our plans. We have excellent working relationships with public safety and municipal agencies in the counties where we run — Hancock, Washington and Penobscot. All three races are extremely well established; our greatest risk is complacency.
MB: The MDI and Millinocket races draw thousands from across the U.S. and beyond. Why do they come?
GA: The MDI Marathon was the New York City Marathon of the far north. The Millinocket marathon was, Why wouldn’t this work? I think the Millinocket marathon has an identity of its own. The 2025 edition was the biggest marathon I’ve produced — bigger than the MDI Marathon. The runners love it and they can enter for free. We’ve been told lodging is full from Bangor all the way to Houlton. It definitely fed a need. You get on the Golden Road, you have that snow-capped peak of Katahdin looking you in the face.
