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Vermont City Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Vermont City Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.2 
Organization 4.4 
Spectators 4.7
Number of comments: 303 [displaying comments 251 to 261]
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m. s. from Tucson, AZ
(6/3/2004)
"Beautiful course, awesome fans, great support" (about: 2004)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Vermont City Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This race is the perfect antidote for anyone feeling let down by 'Mega-Rock-n-Roll' marathons. Burlington is a beautiful small town full of wonderful race fans, and they put on a very well-organized race on a fantastic course. Much of the run is through pedestrian corridors, bike paths, and small neighborhoods (though the course is not technical), and thousands of people line the roads (especially at the relay exchanges), shouting encouragement. Porta-johns at every mile, plenty of fluid (every mile past mile 16), and the course's highest point is at the 1.5 mile mark. You will feel very welcome at this race; this was my fourth marathon and it blew away all of the other venues I have visited. The best part of this race is the last 4 miles, which are run on a bike path surrounded by forest, which blocks the wind while shading runners. It's a beautiful and comfortable stretch for what is always the hardest part of the race. The only lackluster part of the course is a 5.5 mile stretch (out and back) on the closed highway, which occurs from mile 3 to past mile 8, but it's not that bad. I came all the way from Arizona for this one and I will be back. | |
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R. O. from Hartford County, CT
(6/3/2004)
"Enjoyed it as my first" (about: 2004)
First Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my first marathon and it lived up to all the good things I had heard about it. Burlington is beautiful and the spectators were great. It was well organized with enough aid stations and volunteers to make everything go smooth. The course goes out and back into the downtown area a few times that allows good viewing by spectators and a boost to runners. Mostly flat and a great opportunity to have a good finish time. Only 2 things I didn't like: two of the aid stations were located right at a mile mark so it was difficult to get a split and drink at the same time; the finish weaved in through the waterfront park with maybe 6 turns in the final .25 miles - too difficult to navigate when you are tired and trying to sprint, plus you can't see the finish clock until you are right upon it. | |
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l. c. from MA
(6/2/2004)
"Nice course, lots of runners" (about: 2004)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Vermont City Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my first marathon and it was a great experience. Considering it is voted 'one of the top 10 most beautiful marathons', I was kind of surprised at how UNbeautiful a large portion of it was. Miles 3.5 to 8 were along a loop of highway where there were hardly any spectators. That sucked. Miles 15.5 - 22 are through neighborhoods. Again, there were some spectators, but not what you are hoping for considering the size of the race (how many runners there were) and the fact that you REALLY needed the support. The last four miles are great; easy, along the water. Lots of specators at miles 3, 9, 15, and 24-end, which is great. The runners were so nice... everyone was very nice. Makes a great first marathon! | |
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A. B. from New Hampshire
(6/1/2004)
"Highly recommended" (about: 2004)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Vermont City Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 For first-timers or seasoned marathoners, this is a great race. The course contains nice variety ? city streets, residential neighborhoods, divided highway, bike path, etc. There are a fair number of turns ? this didn?t bother me but bothered my friend. Take some time to enjoy the views, as you are often right along the edge of Lake Champlain. One of the most outstanding aspects of the marathon was the spectators ? there are many of them throughout most of the course, and they are very enthusiastic. It was a beautiful day, though, so I don?t know how bad weather would affect the number of spectators. It was a great course for spectators ? we passed through the Battery Park area three times. There are plenty of water/Gatorade stops, especially towards the end. Some stations had CarbBoom, and all had Vaseline (great for sunny days when your lips are getting chapped!). Great post-race festivities and environment, but it is VERY crowded so be sure you pre-plan a meeting spot. The expo on Saturday was great, too ? but also a bit cramped. The infamous Battery Hill wasn?t nearly as bad as I?d heard. The spectators really help you out at that point. Nice organization overall ? sign up fast for this one, as it sells out very early! And try to take a couple of days before or after the marathon to explore the area--it?s beautiful!! I like to try new courses so I?m not sure if I?ll do this marathon every year, but it?s one I?d definitely like to do again. | |
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F. C. from Yonkers, NY
(6/1/2004)
"My new FAVORITE Marathon!" (about: 2004)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Vermont City Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Just ran the marathon in Burlington 2 days ago and everything was PERFECT!! The weather, the course, the spectators, the volunteers all AWESOME. My 4th marathon and definitely my favorite one of all. Couldn't have asked for a better day! I even set a PR!! | |
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G. P. from New York, NY
(2/20/2004)
"One of the best marathons in the country!" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The scenery was spectacular and the crowd support was fantastic! Lots of old-world charm every mile of the way. All the volunteers were wonderful! This was a very well organized event and one that every runner should put on their must-do list. There was plenty of food and drinks afterwards as well as good music to keep the party going. The one thing I didn't appreciate was the Vermont State Troopers set up with radar on just about every road leading out of the race site, waiting to feed upon the out-of-towners like vultures. | |
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Nancy Peck - Capozzoli from NH
(7/14/2003)
"A Boston Qualifier!" (about: 1997)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I have run this race 3 times in the past, and 2 of my 3 runs were Boston qualifiers. The fans were fabulous, the big kettle drums playing as you climbed the 'hill' toward Battery Park, and all others along the way were very motivational. You run right along Lake Champlain, and the water is very relaxing as you listen to the people enjoy the beach! Burlington is a beautiful city - do this one and you won't regret it! | |
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Arnie James from USA
(6/9/2003)
"A Classy Affair!" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I ran my 3rd VCM in a row last May, and am happily aware that it's becoming an addiction! Being a veteran of 60 marathons, I am used to both big ones (like NYC - where I have a 15-year streak - Boston, LA, Marine Corps, Chicago, etc) and small ones. VCM, in my mind, is just the right size, and one word describes it the best: CLASSY!! Every fall I look forward to my drive to NYC from Boston for the NYC Marathon, and now every spring I have this great anticipated drive to Burlington for this magnificient experience. The city is warm and welcoming, and so are the race organizers, volunteers, and spectators. The course is no doubt in the nation's 10 best. Aside from it's lakeside and other open-country beauty, it also goes through many large residential areas. Here, people are so friendly and genuinely warm, that you feel that you are running through their living rooms. Wow - that could get messy!! Just a thought :). Families with their kids set up chairs in front of their houses and pass out water, bananas, etc. The race itself has ample water, Gatorade, and food. For out-of-towners, there is absotlutely no parking problem either near the starting line or near Church Street, where one can go for a well deserved beer and a burger after the race. The ride along 89 is simply beautiful, and it relaxes you so you really enjoy the great experience of Burlington and VCM. This a people's marathon and I have a feeling that the organizers are and will keep on working to keep it that way. Great Job! Keep it up, PLEASE. See you next year | |
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robert hildebrandt from fairbanks, Alaska
(6/8/2003)
"A great marathon" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Great course. Interesting through Burlington, the bike paths, alongside the lake, and with a good finish in the park by the lake. It's great when they announce your name as you finish. Moderate hills, and I felt good at the finish. With the crowd of spectators at the end, I had a strong finish. Great marathon. | |
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A. G. from High Falls, New York
(6/4/2003)
"We Come Back Every Year!!!" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I am one of approximately a dozen marathoners from our area who come back year after year to run VCM. The course is not super fast, but also not too slow. I PR here every year, but it is the one I do every spring (this was VCM #4 for me). It is very well organized, and the course has some very nice sections along Lake Champlain. The spectators are welcoming and enthusiastic. The relay, in my opinion, adds to the enthusiasm of the crowds. I have been fortunate to win or place in my age group until this year; despite a PR, I was 5th (and the 15th overall woman). The only complaint I have is that every year the awards ceremony is moved, and we walk around (in great pain!!) to find it. Please pick a spot and keep it there!! Also, in a marathon of this caliber it is surprising that they 'double/triple-dip' the awards. One person could win Overall/Top Masters/and Top Vermonter. I have often seen Top Masters/Top Vermonter. The top 6 ($$ prizes) also win a clock for age group wins/placings. |
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