Packet pickup was easy, though there was no expo. There were quite a few chain hotels in Colchester that were affordable and were an easy commute to Grand Isle in the morning. Parking was a little tough in the morning, but shuttles were provided from the designated parking lots to the starting line.

The course is really scenic and quite enjoyable. There are nice views of the Adirondacks across the lake and the course deals with very little traffic. The hills aren't too bad considering it is VT, although the one at Mile 25 is a doosie. Fortunately the last mile is completely flat, so you can recover from the Mile 25 hill and finish strong.

This is a quiet race with very few spectators, though the ones who were out there were very much appreciated.

The volunteers were wonderful and the post race gathering inside the school provided food and drinks. The homemade vegetarian chili was awesome and really hit the spot after a chilly run.

This race is well organized, really enjoyable and has a nice small town feeling to it. You can't beat the inexpensive entry fee and the shirt and finisher's medal are nicer than those from some more expensive races.

If you're looking for a race in VT or a mid-October marathon, you should consider this one. It's definitely a feel good race that will not disappoint.

I chose this marathon for its proximity to my home and also for the relatively flat course. It was definitely hillier than I expected (rolling hills - especially near the end), but it was really nice. I loved that about 10 miles of the course were run on packed dirt. It really helps with recovery and feels a lot better on the legs while running the race. The volunteers at the water stops were great: well prepared and very friendly/enthusiastic. Would do this marathon again. VT in the fall was beautiful, even on an overcast day.

Great marathon. The most important aspect for me was that half of the course was packed dirt - very foot-friendly. Relatively little post-race leg trauma. The marathon has grown significantly in numbers but the race officials handled the "crowd" easily. I never felt "squashed." I also like the out-and-back feature. I could see (and cheer for) my wife. Lastly, VT in October is beautiful!!

Support staff was well organized. I saw the same people throughout the course encouraging us. The runners were a joy to each other. Course was picturesque. It was relatively flat and it would have been fast if I were. If your goal is 50 in 50, then I would put this race in for your Vermont stop. Inexpensive, but not a cheap experience.

This year the race grew to over 400 but the organization and value were terrific. The rain from the previous two days finally stopped the night before and race morning tempatures were in the low 40's. We were able to wait in the Folsom School right until race time. The scenery included apple orchards, wineries and great views of the massive Lake Champlain. The course had rolling hills and some very appreciated unpaved roads that had just been grated the day before. Not many spectators but those who came were supportive. Great race just to enjoy the scenery and enjoy Vermont. The fall colors were spectacular.

A great, old-country marathon. No crowded field. No headphones, baby strollers, or pacing groups. Organizers do a great job of getting the essentials. Don't change anything, but the wind and that last hill should be made optional.

In some ways, this marathon felt like a small-town 5K. The pre-race pasta dinner was hosted by local students serving good food in a school cafeteria. There was plenty of parking close to the starting line, and the small field of runners made it easy to herd us all into place.
The course was clearly marked in chalkline throughout, with some small hills along the way, and portions along a packed dirt road. There had been some rain the days before, but the road held up without getting muddy or too rutted, and was well graded without large stones or gravel. The water stops were well organized and staffed, and I didn't mind the miles between them. This is a quiet area, and not too many spectators, but the few that were out were cheering us on.

The route runs along the west side of an island on Lake Champlain. Temps felt like 40s, but there was a strong, cold headwind from mile 22 to 25. The last mile was straight, flat and fast.

Changing facilities are limited at the finish, and I could have used more water and Gatorade after the race - we got one bottle of water with our medal.

Overall, I liked the course, and it's a beautiful time of the year to see VT. The price was right, and I'd rather run more races like these than the 30,000-plus marathons that tend to get the most attention. The organizers and host club did a great job.

Very friendly and efficient organization. A true Vermont experience! This race was super, and for $23, you can't get any better. But don't be fooled by the low registration fees; this race is very well organized and has everything you need. Notes of interest: Nice course with rolling hills, but not too hard as it allowed for a PR. Some very appreciated unpaved roads. Great post-run lunch that would be the envy of many much larger marathons. Cool weather, roughly 300 participants so not that many spectators, and beautiful scenery. Will run it again.

I've run this race the past two years: The first time to make a final effort to qualify for Boston, and this year because it was so much fun the year before. Beautiful course (the rural scenery and lake view distract from the out-and-back aspect of the course), small groups of supporters along the route, and a great post-race spread make this race a delightful break from the big-city marathons I've also run. I'll be back next year.

The course is absolutely awesome. The lake, the farms, the orchards and the wildlife are fantastic. The dirt roads give you a nice break from pounding on the pavement. A little chilly in the morning but turned out to be a perfect fall day.