calendar icon Apr 29, 2024

Green Mountain Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Green Mountain Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.6 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.7 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 3.3 
 
 
Number of comments: 54 [displaying comments 41 to 51]
More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 > ]

 

Dave Fields from Underhill,Vt (9/28/2007)
"Loneliness of a long-distance runner" (about: 2002)

11-50 previous marathons | 4-5 Green Mountain Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 1


This was my first-ever marathon back in '86, I think. The way this race lays out just happens to be to my liking. You can see enough folks so you won't get lost, and still have the pure awesome experience of running along the lake in the fall in Vermont. Very nice! Views to die for. Weather... well it's still a nice race... lol. Count on the wind to be a factor, but enough about that. I would highly recommend this race for anyone who is not married to the hoopla of a big-city race (those are nice too, but...). Come run with us and enjoy.
 

donna jerdo from Moriah, New York (10/23/2006)
"This was my first marathon and loved it!" (about: 2003)

First Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 1


For such a small town holding a marathon, and this being my first, I thought it was put together very well. I really enjoyed the scenery, the support and the route. The people along the way (water stops, etc.) were great! Many thanks to all who helped in the event. Volunteers are who make it!
 

E. F. from Schenectady, NY (12/9/2005)
"Outstanding small marathon" (about: 2005)

1 previous marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


Massive rain and a disappointing personal performance due to a torn calf muscle at 6.5 miles, and I still think it was a great race. Not for those who want constant screaming crowds, but perfect for a peaceful rural experience, with enough runners and spectators so as not to be totally alone, but plenty of 'space.' Plenty of eats at the end, nice simple organization, nearly flat course.
 

noiel fontaine from Yorkshire Dales, England (10/19/2005)
"Green Mountain highly recommended" (about: 2005)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Green Mountain Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


Green Mountain might be the best value marathon there is - $22 gets you a great race, well supported aid stations and an out-and-back course with great scenery of Lake Champlain. I highly recommend this slightly rolling course, which is 50% packed dirt trails.
 

Mark Wanner from Essex Junction, Vermont (10/18/2004)
"GMM lets you get away from it all!" (about: 2004)

6-10 previous marathons | 2 Green Mountain Marathons
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 2


I ran the Green Mountain Island Marathon as my first marathon in 1982, which became the Green Mountain Marathon shortly thereafter. So it was sort of a homecoming to return and run it again this year. Not much has changed! It's a small, well-organized, basic, beautiful race run along the shores of Lake Champlain. The foliage and views of the lake and islands this year were stunning, even for Vermonters who see it all the time.

If you like small (150 runners this year) races, dirt roads, rolling hills, and quiet countryside, come run GMM. It definitely evokes an era when running was simple and understated, but you still get amenities like a long-sleeve t-shirt, adequate aid stations, good post-race food, and a nice medal. The course is a fair test, although not especially hilly for Vermont. Nonetheless, the winds are the big variable for this race. When they blow like they did this year, they increase the challenge quite a bit. I've run well both times here regardless, and quick times are definitely attainable on a good day.
 

H. B. from Maryland (10/16/2004)
"Small Race With Spectacular Scenery" (about: 2004)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Green Mountain Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 1


GMM is a great low key race with fabulous scenery. The volunteers were extremely cheerful and encouraging, which was nice since they are really the only spectators on the course. The course is mostly flat with a few rolling hills and one big hill at mile 24. It follows Lake Champlain and you have some really incredible views all along the route. While the foliage was 'past peak' in the mountains, the lowland areas were still full of color and beautiful. We got lucky and despite a forecast of rain the clouds cleared just before the start and we had great weather for the race until the wind picked up. The wind is definitely a factor, in our face most of the way back and very strong, but thankfully when we made the last turn the wind was at our backs for the final mile dash to the finish.

Having the school gym for pre- and post-race stretching, warm-up, and bag storage is a real plus. If you need crowds, this isn't the race for you, but if you like small well organized races with great views, this is a fantastic race at an incredibly cheap price! Oh, you may want to carry a water bottle, the water stations are every 3 miles so if you need to hydrate more frequently you'll want to have your own source.
 

Bill Newsham from Boston (10/11/2004)
"A marathon you could only find in Vermont" (General Comments)

50+ previous marathons | 6+ Green Mountain Marathons
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 2


Course is out and back. 1/2 dirt roads, 1/2 paved. Mostly tranquil Vermont countryside through Grand Isle, a large Island located in the middle of Lake Champlain. Small rolling hills and beautiful apple orchards and farm lands in the peak foliage season. Wind off the lake can be challenging on any given day. Not much for crowds, but none needed. Well organized by the local running club. Course record is 2:32 run on a windy day. Accompanying 1/2M has been dropped for this year.
 

John Paladino from Austin, Texas (4/1/2004)
"Highly recommended!" (about: 2003)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Green Mountain Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 2


I loved the course with the rolling hills, fall foliage and Lake Champlain to view while running. I also enjoyed the out-and-back feature as you get to see everyone in the race and the views twice! The course was marked very well with mile markers and the aid stations were well stocked and volunteers were cheerful. I also like a small marathon, so you're not stressed about tripping over other people or placement in the field. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment in South Hero and hope to return again soon!
 

A Runner from Broomfield, CO (12/12/2002)
"Challenging but Scenic" (General Comments)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


This was my first marathon experience in New England and the morning of the race provided ominous weather which undoubtedly held down attendance (the number of finishers for 2002 was down by about 30% from the 2001 race). Steady 30-mph winds, rain and occasional sleet meant that this would be my first marathon to be run in a Gore-Tex jacket! The volunteers and race officials could not have been friendlier or more helpful and the small size of the race meant that you could get to know other race participants well.

This was by far the lowest-cost marathon I have ever run and well worth every penny (you even get a nice l/s shirt and a finishers medal for your entry fee).

If you can, plan to spend a few days in the area prior to the race to view the foliage, Shelburne Museum and other local attractions. Definitely a good 'destination' marathon.
 

steve pepe www.srr.org from Bedford,Mass (12/3/2002)
"I came back and loved it the 2nd time too !" (about: 2002)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


I loved this race for the course and
the race organization. Wind can be a
factor, but you know ahead of time,
if it's at your back going out. It will
be in your face finishing.
Small town country race.
 

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