First, the negatives (and they are few). The bike path is too narrow. During the final 5 miles, I had to wind my way among thoughtless or self-centered participants walking three abreast - taking up nearly the entire path, or 2 walkers on the left followed closely by 2 on the right. I can't blame the organizers for those individuals' actions, but after 20+ miles, you don't need a narrow race course. Also, it was very hot and sunny, as had been predicted for a week, yet they ran out of gatorade at several waterstations.

That being said, everything else was very positive. Above all, the spectator and volunteer support was phenomenal. I couldn't believe the enthusiastic encouragement displayed by so many volunteers for over 5 hours. The volunteers seemed to be everywhere and were positive to the max. Many must have been hoarse for days afterwards.

The spectators were equally abundant and supportive. They were everywhere, offering cold drinks, cold towels, drinks, candy, fruit and, most appreciated on this very hot day, their sprinklers. On top of which they showered the runners (and walkers) with constant support.

Will I be back in 2007? You bet!

Great city - COOL OUTDOORS AREA! But I will never enter another marathon that has relay runners! When a full marathon runner is going along the course, it helps to be paced by the runners near you. THE RELAY RUNNERS are not going at an accurate pace to help a full marathoner adjust! I know it is a sweet "team" event to do a relay... but not near me anymore!

This was my 4th marathon and I have never seen such crowd support. It made what could have been a disastrous day worthwhile.

Ran this marathon in 2006 and loved every minute of it. Despite the heat, I set a PR and qualified for Boston for the first time. Spectators were amazing - I felt like I was in NYC - and runners were treated like movie stars. I heard some concerns expressed about the relay runners participating in the event, but marathoners are given preference and the relayers and their transition areas are kept separate. A non issue. Great organization, awesome shirt, all around a perfect day. I'd highly recommend this one.

This was a well organized race, with a nice manageable sized level of participation. Never felt like I had to dodge through crowds and was never in anyone's way. The weather this year was a bit warm but that's not up to the organizers of the event. Hills weren't too bad (really just one hill) and the crowd support was very good. Water and gatorade at every water stop and a good crew of volunteers the whole way. Liked having the ability to run off pavement for the last 5 or 6 miles. Having the start and finish so close together made the logistics very simple. The city was a terrific place to visit as well. Only suggestion for improvement would be to have more info on parking and which hotels had shuttles in the marathon packet. If I run another spring marathon it will be this one.

First trip around Burlington and a top notch affair all around. Course has an out-and-back second loop with a serious cant and a few extra neighborhood turns but otherwise is varied, interesting and flat to gentle terrain. It's very well run, excellent spectator and locals support, and all the good stuff (massages, beer, food, etc.). Traffic control was great. It can be warm.

I ran the Vermont City Marathon on Sunday, my 7th marathon in two years. Temperatures were unusually hot (65F start to 75+F at noon, going up to 83F by 3p) and extremely sunny. The race is very well organized. There is a decent expo with short sleeve tech shirt, and nice pasta dinner. The course perhaps leaves something to be desired, with a 5+ mile out and back, on a lonely highway, from miles 3 to 8. Two nice tours through downtown Burlington, which is a wonderful place to visit (I am from CT). At mile 14 comes the 'assault on Battery' (only 6 blocks long and not that steep). The highway portion probably has the longer hill, just prior to mile 8. Water and Gatorade were readily available, especially during the 2nd half of the race. I was a little dissapointed that there were so many relay participants (as many as marathoners), although this is what was advertised. Again, this race is very well organized. That said, it was difficult to find my family at the end. Plenty of post race food for runners. A great community. Mountain views of the Adirondacks to the west and Vermont's highest peaks to the east. The downtown hotel right by the start is the Wynham.

Pros:
On time start.
Nice weather (okay, beautiful weather to walk, not run).
Enthusiastic crowds.
Massages always hit the spot.
Path along the Lake gave some nice views.
Nice downtown area.
Maybe it was because it was the day before Memorial Day, but it's one of the first marathons that I've been to that people were not being disrespectful and talking during the National Anthem. Thanks.

Cons:
Finish area was too congested with non-runners strolling around (excuse me for just running 26.2 and not being polite and moving out of your way.)

I had trouble with this one, probably due to the inclines and heat.
Best view is by the sewage plant (really) and on the bike path at the end.

VCM is a great marathon to run. The scenery is beautiful, especially the last few miles on the bike path were you have the lake in view. Not too many hills, and only one major hill, but the crowd helps you up it!

First, the start was poorly organized. I found myself on the spectators' side of the fence. The race has grown too big for the start they have now. Second, too many boring portions of the course, out-and-back loop, neighborhoods in the North End. Lastly, A short sleeve t-shirt? Come on, I'm an experienced marathoner, and nobody gives out short sleeve shirts. Also, expo needs to be in a bigger building - way too crowded.