This marathon was advertised as '...a quality marathon at an affordable price in a relaxed setting...' It certainly met these criteria, and it was very worthwhile. But being from the Rocky Mountains, I wondered where the Green Mountains were. It looked like pretty flat farm and orchard country to me. We certainly knew about Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys of Vermont, from the history books. Perhaps I was looking for tall and rugged mountains like those closer to home. I was surprised when I heard that this was a relatively flat marathon course. Still, I wanted to come to Vermont, run this marathon, and experience the Green Mountains. And at $23.00 it was one of the better deals around the country for a marathon event.

The packet pickup was held in the evening the night before the race, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Food was available starting at 5:30 - true to their word until they run out of food. I arrived at 8:00, and they had just served up the last meatball. I would have to find another place to eat. Still, Race Director Sandra was there handing out T-shirts and numbers. So that part was successful. And the volunteers were back in the early morning, handing out numbers and T-shirts again.

Overnight, the mercury fell to 27 degrees F. Everything was frosty in the morning. This might have been my coldest start in 46 marathons, though a couple of races were close at 32 degrees. Runners hung out in the gym at the school trying to stay warm and waiting for the start of the race. The race started a block or two south of the school (the old-fashioned way - voice command - with manual timing) heading south for the first mile. There was a significant drop the next mile, as the course turned northwest and headed up the shore of Lake Champlain - still on the country roads though. There were orchards, farms, small spread homes to country home estates, and the scenery was beautiful. The colors of the trees were mostly green and yellow - it seemed the red fall colors were already past, due to the colder weather in the area the previous week. Still, this was a lovely fall marathon. The sun was obscured by clouds early, and then later in the race too, so it was slow to warm up. But we did have sun for the middle part of the race. It probably warmed to the upper 40's by early afternoon. The wind was light and variable, but you could feel it working against you from time to time. Aid stations volunteers were most of the fan support the runners had, but as always, the volunteers filled a key role in serving the runners. Gels were not available on this course.

The course stayed on the back roads, and there were a few cars driving the course, but a local fellow told me that, had there not been a marathon event going on, the road would have been absent of all vehicles. So there were a few spectators in automobiles. Still, safety was never jeopardized by the car traffic. There were a few turns and road changes along the way, kind of following the west shore. At the turnaround point we were on the northern part of the island, kind of in the middle. Folks there were checking and recording times and numbers as we headed back. There were small hills along the way, but they were more like swells on the sea than hills you might associate with mountains. Of course, coming back, there was the hill from mile 24 to 25, but it was not too bad either. Coming back, local workers were in the orchards picking apples, so the cold must not have hurt the fruit still on the trees. And of course, timing personnel were faithfully recording times as runners crossed the finish line. The finish line was right in front of the school, so we did not have far to go to get refreshments. The post-race event was in the gym. There were bananas, local apples, poppy seed bagels, yogurt, and apple cider. This small and low-key event was well supported by the local community.

This was like the marathons of yore, like a race is supposed to be. Scenery just for you (because you will likely be alone for various segments). Little pockets of supporters to keep you going. Camaraderie among runners. Country roads. Boston qualification. Relatively minimal post-run pain (yes, it's true!).

If you NEED the crowds, this is not for you. If you NEED the hype, or the expo, or the pre- or post-race partying, ditto. (I gave three stars for spectators; that said, I PREFER the quietude and sparse but highly individual enthusiasm.)

But, if you like to run...

Sure, it's far away; sure it might be cold (which might be perfect for you); but the friendly folk, efficient administration, and inimitable, honkin' good time left me all bubbly to be a runner. Thinkin' about it? Then: do it!

Oh, and a plug for the unfairly maligned "By The Lake" motel: thanks for puttin' me up and for puttin' up with me! Your lonely outpost should be THE place for the unaccompanied GMAA marathoner.

I ran this race to get the state. I was so happy to find that one - it was dirt cheap! Also, it had a nice route, with a lot of soft-surface running! I got in a bit late for all of the food; that was a drag, as it all looked and smelled wonderful.

I "saw" the monster of the lake, saw hundreds of colorful birdhouses, and enjoyed my little tour of part of the island. What was really a treat was that the eighth grade class put on the pasta dinner. It was also very affordable, and about the best that I have ever had... and I have paid four times as much! The students took your order off the menu, and brought you your food (real plates I might add - not paper). There were a ton of yummy desserts too! Very well done and worth much more than we paid.

I think the SWAG was a long-sleeve cotton shirt - green, not white. Thank you! We also got a finisher's medal worthy of the price that we paid.

So a nice route. Pretty modest actually. Good food, but they did run out (it was cool/cold, so everybody stayed inside). We were in the school, so we had a place to stay warm before the race and flush toilets. Actually this was a good event in a lovely location. This is the best deal that I have found out there. Green River is free, but no shirts, no medals, no hot food....

This is a great way to handle Vermont. Made for a nice trip, and a decent double. Most of us did Rhode Island, but some went to Maine, some to New Jersey, and some the Boston area. Lots of good choices, and very nice people. You need to come do this race even if you are doing doubles or are a 50-stater.

From the spaghetti dinner the night before, to the race itself, to the awards ceremony and post-race food, this was a first-class race. It grew to 300 runners this year, and as word gets out, it will continue to grow. The water stops seemed to be mostly handled by kids, and they were tremendous! Every runner I spoke to was raving about the quality of the race - not just because it's really inexpensive, but because obviously this race is put on for runners, by runners.

I grew up summering in a camp along West Shore Road, so the marathon was full of nostalgia for me. I also grew up knowing that South Hero, Vermont is among the most beautiful places in the world. It still is. Amazing fact: I had NO soreness, NO pain after the race or any day after that. NO recovery. My first marathon was on city streets, and I was stiff for days. The packed dirt roads, I discovered, are perfect for running. The Green Mountain Marathon is such a pleasure, with great people, and collegial runners.

Very pretty course with much of the race run along Lake Champlain, with bright red and orange leaves as your backdrop. There were some rolling hills throughout the race, but no "heartbreak hills." It definitely helped that temps were in the mid-40s, it was sunny and there was little wind. I have run big-city marathons, and this is the antithesis. Both are great, but different. I would highly recommend it.

This is a beautiful scenic course. The course has nice, rolling hills throughout, but the last five miles are the most challenging. Very well organized and the entry fee of $22 is unreal. Runners are very friendly. Weather perfect! I'd do this race again.

At this price, it is steal. Great race, great setting. However, the course is a bit more difficult than presented. Hilly course. The setup makes up for a lot of climbing. I finished the race a few hours ago and I would do it again. A great race!!!!

An uncrowded event where the beautiful scenery of the course compensates for some very tough hills and gusty weather. Traffic is light and courteous. The out-and -back allows you to greet returning runners but the almost 100-foot drop in mile 2 is a grueling incline on your return. Fantastic that you do not have to compete with half marathoners, relay runners, walkers, etc.! Course map could be improved by showing actual road names (AS1 is really W. Shore Rd, and the turnaround is at the end of Simms Pt. Rd.) and an elevation chart. Forgiving asphalt and crushed gravel surfaces. Water stations could be closer together, but okay considering the small size of this marathon and the fact that volunteers were very well trained and did a great job. Spectators were understandably sparse, but enthusiastic. Overall a tough, but well organized, high-quality event and great way to experience Vermont in the fall.

What a steal - $22 gets you a marathon, a shirt and a finishing medal!

Pros:
1. $22 - should I say anymore??
2. Beautiful scenery augmented by the time of the year.
3. Very well marked.
4. Dirt roads help recovery.
5. Race director(s) very nice and helpful.

Cons
1. The course is deceptive. A lot more hills than advertised.... I even drove the course and didn't see many hills - until I ran it the next day!
2. The wind was a factor and always will be, although judging by previous comments, we got lucky this year!
3. Didn't really seem like a marathon - not sure if that is a knock or not.

Overall, you will be hard pressed to find a better deal and better-run race!