First, I agree with the other runners who noted that if you enjoy running, challenge, and nature, run this marathon, but if you're looking for hoopla, merchandise or a fast time, it may not be for you.
Pluses:
-Organization and support were good with friendly volunteers and good fluid stops. They had cold watermelon at a couple of them - very welcome as it was warm out.
-Mechanics were easy - convenient parking and signup.
-Beautiful New England surroundings - allow some extra time to enjoy.
-Great course with plenty of hills, bucolic Vermont scenery. Without taking so many pictures, I would have won my age group (ho,ho)
-camaraderie among runners, a very friendly group.
(relative) Minuses-
-Food - limited free food at finish, carbo dinner at the official inn was not a great value, but I'd recommend it anyway - very friendly, a good chance to meet other runners and the race director. Don't know about carbo dinners at other participating restaurants.
-Not many inexpensive rooms near the course.
-I agree with one of last year's runners that this 'most beautiful marathon' stuff is a bit much (especially that it's trademarked). It is, however, certainly a beautiful marathon.

This was by far the most challenging marathon course I have faced in over 30 different races. If you are a runner who loves quaint towns, friendly race organizers & volunteers, and a well done small race, this is it. The course was clearly marked and staffed with volunteers. Aid stations were frequent and well staffed. While the spectators were few, they were still great! Only sorry I didn't stop at the beer station at mile 23. Dori, the RD, was first class contacting us prior to our visit to see if we needed anything. As we had made arrangements to stay at the West Hill House B&B we were all set.

The Inn keepers were delightful, accommodating, and knowledgable. Definitely happy we stayed there and not simply at Sugar Bush. Breakfasts were delicious and allowed us to meet other runners. The complimentary pre-race carbo dinner was just perfect. Susan & Peter, the Inn keepers, even provided us with an early breakfast on race morning. Make sure to plan extra days for hiking and dinner at American Flatbread.

I only found this marathon the week before. I am training for an August marathon in Iceland and thought I'd do it as a long training run. I (and my husband who ran the Half) had a wonderful time. From the hospitality of our hosts, Peter and Susan Mc Laren at the West Hill House B&B, to the ease of packet pick up, the great shirt ( one I will actually wear because they were thoughtful enough to have separate male/female fits), to the hugely enjoyable village experience, the race morning hum and then..... the course!
Oh, yes it's hilly...but the rural surroundings, the vistas, the farmland.... a total break from urban running. You won't get a PR, but it is very doable. The volunteers both in number and enthusiasm were outstanding and the finish line at a covered bridge was spectacular. Great medal too. This is a very special marathon and I look forward to making it an annual event - trying for my own PR on this course.
Our hosts were super-geared to the race. The West Hill Inn was full with runners (we were lucky to get a cancelation) and they put on a great pasta dinner and early breakfast. Don't miss the Farmer's Market on the Saturday.
This marathon is only in its second year and should grow exponentially as word gets out. It is one of the few mid-summer in New England. So get there before the crowds - although with the numbers of volunteers and general involvement of the community they could accommodate many more people in both races

The good- great area to camp and enjoy the swimming holes. Easy for your family to see you on the course- they may be the only ones you see for a while. Plenty of water stations. Scenic but after the first 10 miles would have liked some distractions to look at. My kids ran the last mile and crossed the finish with me. Very friendly people. Super easy to park and get to start line.

The not so good- you better like hills to do this one!! They start coming between mile 1 and 2 and don't quit. And I'm not talking little hills- these are long rolling hills, the down hills are as bad as the up.

Went to pick up race shirt and they only had med- i signed up for small but they said they ran out. At many times you are running alone- not many runners and a few fans but really just a handful although very nice people - would have been great to get handed a popsicle or twisler on this tough course.
7 am start is too late. It was hot!

If you want a challenge pick this one. By the end the rolling hills had taken a toll on my knees, back, legs, you name it. Took me 4 hours 50 min. Did San Diego the month before in 3 hours 57 min

What a great event. Low key, easy to get to, VERY well organized, plenty of aid stations and volunteers and the Vermont charm! The scenery was incredible and the course delivered....it was hilly but if you managed them well it wasn't bad at all. The finish area was nice, some goodies as you crossed the line, tents to chill out under and escape the sun and some great people just relaxing. The Sam Adams beer / snack garden was a hit as well.

This was my first time doing this race (22nd marathon) and I'd definitely do it again. Thanks to the organizers and all of the volunteers.

Last year I participated in my very first half-marathon...The Mad Half. People called me crazy for choosing this event as my 'first' half, but spending summers in this beautiful state, I was not surprised or discouraged by the challenging course. I typically run Trail Races back in Pa., so I consider myself more of a runner who enjoys running and racing for reasons other than chasing that elusive PR, or losing sleep over body fat percentages. I LOVE a good challenge, so this race was perfect for me.
I loved the race last year and I loved it even more this year!!

I did enjoy the improvements which were made since 2011: better food at the end, plentiful water stops, and more potties.

The fans were out in full force again with those wonderful cow bells and the race volunteers could not have been friendlier or more helpful.

A special thank you to the Medical personnel at the finish! I did need their services briefly after the race and they were especially calm and professional.

One suggestion though for B & B owners: please
make yourself aware of your community events!
One of the owners of the place I stayed this year thought I was there to ride her horses, and did not know anything about the race!!!

THANK YOU Dori and your staff for this race!
I will be back next year for sure!!

This marathon was small but well organized. The volunteers were excellent and the scenery was beautiful. There was plenty of water and Gatorade every mile. The course was challenging but that is one reason why I chose it. Take some time to explore Vermont if you do this race. It is a great place to visit.

This is certainly one of the most difficult courses in New England. The elevation chart seems very accurate - but take note of the scale. There are 100-foot climbs that only show up as a blip on the chart.

That said, this is a very-well run event, and the whole town of Waitsfield (which is pretty quiet in the Summer) seems friendly and supportive as the marathoners take over their town. The race organizer, Dori, is the most personable of any race I've ever been involved in (trying to personally greet every finisher), and there seems to be almost as many volunteers as there are participants.

A summertime marathon is rare, but the Vermont weather seems to cooperate. Even hot days are cool in the mornings and have a breeze coming off the mountains. There are two things that could keep this race from being very big, though. First, there do not seem to be too many low-cost places to stay and eat in the area (at least I couldn't find them). Second, as tough as marathoners purport to be, too many of them are too preoccupied with chasing a personal best time to take on a truly challenging course like this one.

All in all, I'm very happy to have participated in this event, and I look forward to doing it again. If you consider yourself a serious marathoner, then try a course like this one, or else take that 26.2 sticker off of your car.

22nd marathon and the hardest course I have run. Great challenging course. The Mad River Valley rolls out the red carpet. Train for hills.... you won't regret it. The views during the course are worth every bit of the elevation gain. Relaxed field of runners and finish line welcome was worth it.

I loved the second-half of this marathon because
(a) I had a negative spilt (b) I figured out out to manage the steep inclines..I walked them (c) it was more downhill than up. (d) the long down hill allowed me to soak in the glorious scenery. This was one tough marathon but the beauty made it worth it. The steep hill from mile 1 to 2 was a real buzz kill but I persevered and got stronger as the race progressed. The weather was perfect with a slight breeze and townies very friendly. I would recommend this to anyone not after a PR who appreciates nature.