One of these hams was a very special fellow; Gordon E. Kelly N1RGP. Gordon passed away October 24, 2008 at 76 years of age. Gordon let the race officials know the day before the big event this fall that he just couldn't make it this year due to a bad cold. He deeply regretted not being able to assist with the marathon. What made Gordon special was that he would pass out his own space blankets if the weather got cold and he felt a particular runner might be getting hypothermic. He also would let runners get warmed up in his vehicle or transport runners who could go no further. Once all the runners cleared his post, Gordon would slowly drive the course to assist those who might need aid or to alert other hams to watch out for a runner who was looking rather tired or lame. Gordon wasn't a runner, but he did go that extra mile. Gordon drove a school bus in Hancock County for 30 years and felt responsible for every child that stepped foot on his bus. He felt the same way about every runner on the MDI course; personally responsible for their safety and welfare. We shall miss him!

As the starter's cannon echoed off lower Main Street in picturesque downtown Bar  Harbor, "Mr. MDI Marathon", David Herr from Canaan, Vermont, assumed his place at the front of the field,  holding off all challengers, and winning again for the fifth time in seven attempts in a time of 2:36:45. (As if his mastery of our course needs to be further scrutinized, Mr. Herr  has placed a convincing second in both of his other appearances at the MDI Marathon.)  Jeff Day from, Berea, Ohio, placed second in 2:41:18. He was followed by Antoine Arcand of Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada, in 2:41:30. Eric Rudolph of Sullivan was the first Maine finisher and fourth overall in 2:41:50, and is the RRCA State Champion.

The top three finishers in ladies race was dominated by Maine runners. Late entrant Jenna Krajewski of China set a new course record of 3:03:02. She was followed to the finish line by 2006 champion Debbie Moreau of Turner, in 3:09:15. Amada Lebelle of Dedham, running her first marathon, claimed the third spot in 3:10:34.

Meanwhile hundreds of marathoners ranging in age from 16 to 75 traversed  our postcard perfect towns and villages while enjoying many breathtaking seaside and  woodland vistas. When the day ended, the 2008 Mount Desert Island was the largest of the six previous editions held, with 699 official finishers. They were cheered on by several thousand spectators and over 400 volunteers. Of the four teams who entered, the host club, Crow Athletics, were victorious for the second year in a row, over teams representing Sub5 Track Club, the Baltimore Pacemakers, and McKay's Public House Womens Team. Also featured, was the new Police/Fire/Rescue Charity Relay, won by Mt. Desert Police Department in 4:29:18. Full results. Race coverage by the Bar Harbor Times Village Soup, here.