This was my first VT Marathon, and it is now one of my favorites. Great scenery along the course (my least favorite races are ones that simply travel through neighborhoods - a little bit, fine, but give me lakes, mountains, bike paths, city streets, a lot of variety) - and this race has it all. Even a flat-lander like myself could PR here. The people were super - and I mean the volunteers, townsfolk, and other racers. This is one race I would definitely do again (after I complete my round of the 50 states - this was number 29).

i registered for this race because of high marks from other runners on MarathonGuide.com. my experience was quite different. the expo was very mediocre, though fairly organized. I thought the route was extremely repetitive and really played with your mind; the majority of the course runs you through residential areas and through bike paths. I found myself constantly checking bibs to make sure that I was running the correct course and not with the relay runners because it became confusing when passing the same area 2-3 times. Speaking of the relay, it is highly suggested that the relay take place on a different day. I almost got run over around mile 21 at a relay exchange. A young volunteer signaled a group of spectators/relay runners to cross the running path right at the very moment that I was running through!! Of course they ran right into me, and OF COURSE that severely threw me off. It was extremely upsetting and also upsetting to see "fresh legs" jump on a course when you've already been running for 3 hours. The last .2+ miles comprises mind-numbing twisting and turning, down narrow routes.

At the finish, I had to ask for a bottle of water AND for my foil blanket and medal. It was quite an anti-climactic finish. I was depleted, and I am used to being able to replenish my energy with Gatorade right away, but there was none in sight, and runners were forced to weave through spectators, cross the grass and find a food tent. The course was challenging, and a good course for a runner who is looking to step it up a bit. There are enough downhills to get you through the uphills; but be careful not to go out too fast in the first half, as the downhills push you along. This is not a good race for a PR because of the lack of pace groups, or even pace guide markers/tattoos sometimes offered at the expo.

Yes, I can be accused of bias because I live in Vermont, and of being starry-eyed because it was my first marathon. But wow - what a great experience and race!

Lots of enthusiastic spectators, views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks, Taiko drummers and music galore. This race has a lot to offer. I am grateful to the city and the organizers for establishing this event. I knew the day was going to be good when I met Burlington's mayor (Bob Kiss) walking by himself to the race to run the first leg of a relay. His easy-going and friendly nature is characteristic of the city itself, and my whole race experience.

Overall, I think the course is a good one. It keeps the race in the city, near the lake, in the neighborhoods, and finishes strong by funneling runners into Waterfront Park, jammed with cheering spectators. The last quarter-mile was an unforgettable experience.

If there are others like this, let me know so I can plan my next race.

Had a great time. Burlington is a wonderful city and you see most of it on the run. Unfortunately the course takes several lollipops in the 18 to 19 range; that is a little irritating. I wish there had been more running by the lake. The volunteer/aid stations were great, spaced very close together for the last 6 miles. Good support at finish area, with a little Ben & Jerry's ice cream to help cool down.

Burlington consistently puts on a great marathon. I greatly enjoyed myself yet again this year. Give this one a try!

I came into this race blind - never having even been to Vermont before - and I couldn't have come away more pleased.

The support for the race was overwhelming, the course was beautiful, and the fans plentiful and supportive. I would recommend this race to anyone.

The course offered a number of the small pleasures that make a race special 0 starting in beautiful Battery Park overlooking Lake Champlain, running through brunchers on the Church Street Market place, and being "drummed up the hill" on Battery Street at Mile 15. The volunteers were great, and EVERYWHERE. Thanks to everyone who made this race what it is.

First, Burlington is an extremely nice and friendly city to visit. Of course this is not like a big-city marathon, but it is really worth the experience.

The course could be better. There are a lot of turns and a few places where you travel 2-3 times, but the scenery is very nice. It is a bit hilly, not a good course for a PR, but the other pros are worth it.

The organization is really great. It is easy to get to the expo and get the bib, shirt and chip quickly. There are plenty of aid stations - 2 with gels. I really enjoyed the food in the finish area; it was varied and plentiful, for every runner's recovery.

There are a lot, lot, lot of great fans, really, and they are great. In residential areas, a lot of people get a table out to serve drinks and food to runners. There are only a few short sections of the course where no fans are waiting to cheer you on.

Overall, an awesome marathon, whether your first (beware of hills) or 50th.

For the last 8 years, I had always run the same spring marathon, The National Capital Marathon held on the same day in Ottawa, Canada. So in 2008 I decided it was time for a change. Burlington, Vermont is a wonderful place to visit, filled with beautiful views and great people. The event was well organized and the course was a tough one with some nice hills. I enjoyed the people of Burlington the most, with their cheers of support - but most of all, the offer of a cold beer at mile 25 was a wonderful surprise, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Thanks for the beer. :)

This was my 1st marathon, at age 44. I've run 3 more since. Most of all, I fell in love with the beauty and a very liberal flair of the city. Spectators were very supportive and funny. I saw a guy holding a sign that said, "Nader is cool." I also saw a guy playing an accordion wearing a skin-tight wrestler's suit. I first visited Lake Placid, NY, and surrounding Adirondack area and crossed the lake on a ferry to reach Burlington. Since I live in Texas, the entire experience gave me a lasting impression. I intend to visit the area as often as I am able in the future. By the way, I'm now going for the 50 States marathon club.

This was my 5th marathon and I had a blast. I found the town of Burlington super friendly and warm. The course was OK, with a lot of hills (more hills then NYC).

I like running up battle hills (the drum line was fantastic) and also running through Church Street. I also enjoyed the bike path (potholes are to be expected, and as a runner, you should always be watching your step).

I would definitely run this race again (wife permitting).