I didn't train for hills, and didn't think they were that bad. There're drummers at the bottom that help you up it biggest hill, which was just awesome. I do agree the end through the bike path was really hard to handle, but running through the middle of Burlington with fans lining the street makes up for it. This is the only marathon I've done (so far) so I don't have much to compare it to, but I have to say that running with Team in Training was the way to go - especially if you are a first-time marathoner. They help you through the training and take care of all the planning and reservations. And on race day, it's an amazing thing to take part in. The fans were amazing, especially if you're in a purple jersey.

I've always been kind of entranced by Burlington's scenery so I went into the race expecting a really beautiful course. Unfortunately, the course had a couple boring out-and-backs/loops, mostly through neighborhoods. We didn't even really get to see much of Lake Champlain. Just a little disappointed I guess.

Ran the marathon this year as my first marathon. Vermont spectators were great w/ more support than I expected. There has to be a better alternative than having the last miles on that secluded bike path. My only other complaint is the total lack of organization at the finish. I do a lot of large races in my home city that have much better organization at the finish. Being herded like cattle to the runner food/water is sometimes a necessary evil. Spectators, marathoners, and relay runners should be separated until they reach another area after the finish. It's frustration that you don't need after running for 4 hours. I was hoping for a better looking shirt too. I'd run it again for the spectators but not the course. These comments help us runners, so I hope the organizers read them too.

This was my second marathon and first 'small' one - the first was over 16,000 runners. The people on the course - both spectators and marshalls - were very friendly, encouraging, and really helped cheer us on. Only complaints were the long out-and-backs and the very quick turns in some of the neighborhoods. The hills weren't as bad as I thought they were going to be and I certainly didn't train for them - I really think the spectators carried me up and over them!

This course was a bit hillier than I trained for, so was not suprised when I had trouble around mile 18. The biggest hill at mile 15 took a lot out of me. The course was not as senic as I was expecting, but I did enjoy the long out-and-back on the highway. Running through the neighborhoods was also fun, the residents were very supportive, lots of cheering and encouragement. I also enjoyed passing through downtown several times; great for spectators and crowd support. The organization was great, lots of water and Gatorade when needed. If you are new to this race, try to go to the presentation at the expo that gives a slide tour of the race. It was very helpful to me. Burlington really supports this marathon, the whole city was very hospitable.

The race was well organized and the city was into the race. They really turned out and cheered. I didn't like the looping course though--too many little out-and-backs and the last few miles were tough--a bike path with few spectators. Overall though a really great marathon.

What a wonderful marathon! Although I did not PR (due to previous injury), I had the best time! The entire town is out in full force to support and cheer you through the rolling hills. Running along the lake was breathtaking and the small towns were so picturesque. I have never before enjoyed a small-town marathon, but I can tell you that I truly loved this one! The organization of the race, support of volunteers, endless supply of water, Gatorade, oranges, and the most important, port-o-potties, was awesome! I highly recommend this race to the veteran marathoner as well as the first-timer.

In preparing for the marathon, I switched from Cloudersport, PA to the Vermont race because the hills in PA worried me. The Vermont course didn't disappoint - a perfect first-timer's course with few hills. The hill at mile 15, the most difficult one, was over before you knew it. The course wasn't as pretty as I'd hoped, with too much of the course weaving through neighborhoods. But the race was so well-organized and it was so - to be corny - special to see all those 'WELCOME MARATHON RUNNERS' signs in store and hotel windows. Burlington is a darling town and it really does feel like it comes together for the marathon. I don't know that I'd do it again but it was a perfect inaugural marathon. Oh, one tip: avoid Tomatoes, the Italian restaurant on the promenade. That was some of the WORST Italian (can you even call it that?) food I've ever had.

It had been 5 years since my last trip to Burlington, and 5 years to 'finish' the course having done the relay in 2000. Burlington is a great place to visit and the marathon is well worth the effort. Frankly, I was surprised at the number of negative comments, as I think this race is truly topnotch. There is a reason it fills to capacity every year months in advance of race-day...

Course: Quite scenic, with numerous lake views, quiet residential streets and a couple of good hills to get the blood really pumping. The Assault on Battery (hill at mile 15) is the BEST hill in marathoning (the drummers at the bottom make it so). Alas, along the bikepath is narrow in many places for the mass of runners, the one drawback. I can see why there is a cap on this race.

Spectators: Phenomenal for a race this size. You would expect this in Chicago or New York, not Vermont! The city truly supports its marathon.

Post-race goodies: Not half bad, though not spectacular. The donut holes were a welcome treat! I don't mind the vendors selling food, just as long as there is some food separate for runners.

Relay runners: Yes, that is part of the race. I think it's great to have, introducing those who may not be ready for 26.2. In many cases, these are the future marathoners, and they should be applauded!

Value for the entry fee: Quite good. At $60, it's not a bargain, but on par with other similar races if not slightly better.

This is one of my favorite marathons and would wholeheartedly recommend it. It's one I can see myself coming back to in the future.

The fan support is great; expo is small. The elevation chart is very misleading; lots of hills in the first half and the last miles on the bike path are UPhill. The beltline should be replaced with more neighborhoods because the neighborhood support for this course is outstanding! At the finish it was chaos. There needs to be a runner only area with food/drink right after the finish line. Also no one wearing a volunteer shirt knew where to catch the shuttle back to the hotel. And those shuttles need to run more than once an hour. Loved the Taiko drummers, they were awesome!