I am going for 50 states and I ran here to qualify for New Hampshire. I wasn't alone because there were many 50 staters and Marathon maniacs in attendance. Many of them were also planning on running the Maine marathon on Sunday.

It is easy to see why this race was popular among these experienced runners. It is a very small race which really reduces race day stress for runners. The race had a race day packet pick-up (which I took advantage of) and there was also a Friday afternoon packet pick-up and I'm not sure if there was any expo as well. Probably not but I don't know for sure. Before the race you can keep warm in the school gym and use real flush toilets.

As others have said it is a hilly course. And not just gradual upgrades. There are a few very steep hills. The good thing however is that most of the hills are in the first half and after mile 17 or so it's mainly flat and down hill. I'm grateful it wasn't the other way around. The course is very pretty. This year the leaves had only just begun to change but some of the locals I spoke to said that usually you can expect more brilliant colors the last weekend in September. Much of the course is running around Newfound lake. Unfortunately we don't get many unobstructed views of the lake until a pretty 2 mile stretch around mile 18 or so.

There were very few spectators but there was a vocal bunch in the town of Hebron (you run through Hebron twice at mile 11 and 17) that made me smile.

The roads are open to traffic but this isn't an issue as the roads are very quick. You do get some traffic the final miles but not much. If you enjoy sleeping in this is a 9:00 am start (I prefer the earlier starts myself).

The race is so small that they don't use timing chips (and they really don't need to) and the post race food (at least for us 5 hour folks) was only cookies and water. During the race all the aid stations were well manned and the volunteers were enthusiastic.

The t-shirt is a long sleeve cotton shirt (I like the colorful design) and the medal is very simple design without a date.

Overall, I'm pretty pleased with the race. I did the half with a friend while two other friends did the full. It was very pretty. The fog over the lake was breathtaking. Aid stations were very good and volunteers just lovely! The last bit of the course, though, was so busy with traffic we actually ran single file. We had to turn sideways sometimes and were constantly muttering in disbelief at how close cars got to us. I understand this is an inexpensive race to do. Would be appreciated if directors would get some police auxillary in areas with blind curves, etc...

I ran the half marathon here for the first time and loved it. The scenery on the course was perfect for New England foliage. I especially loved miles around the lake. The local volunteers at water stops were very friendly and cheerful which added to the fun of this event.

Only negative was last two miles. It was a little scary running against traffic on the main road. Otherwise the half was wonderful!

New Hampshire Marathon was scenic with many climbs through 14 miles and then a rolling descent. the 50 states were well represented in the field of runners. Plenty of water stops.

I'm not a fan of big, hyped up, commercialized races so this was a perfect fit for me. No expo, simple packet pick up. You will likely need to stay in a neighboring town as there isn't much in the way of lodging in Bristol. Course is hilly, but scenic. It is also open to traffic which did present a little bit of a problem due to some idiot motorists. Perhaps starting the race at 7 or 7:30 instead of 9 might eliminate some of the traffic. Aid stations were good. I would suggest offering gels at a couple of the stations in the second half. Other than that, no other suggestions. Appreciated the access to showers and the post race massages.

Spectacular leaves and scenery, and home-town, personal organization make this a wonderful marathon. I loved it. And, this race is on Saturday.

The race is great if you want a small-town, no-crowd, well organized race. The course is rolling and most likely you will not get a PR. If you want a PR, go somewhere else. If you want a beautiful course around a lake with the leaves changing, come on down and bring your camera. The T-shirt was good - long-sleeve, cotton. The medal is ho-hum boring. There are 12 spectators, so if you need cheering to finish, go to NYC. This town is so small that there are no brand name hotels. It is not the race to take your spouse to so that they can hang out in a resort and go shopping. I stayed at the Bridgewater Inn and I was OK with it, but think more Motel 8 than Hyatt. Dining choices are the same. They've got a pizza joint and a nice Irish pub, but you won't find any brand name eateries. So why are you coming? If you are doing all 50 states, this is great for NH. If you are one of those crazy Marathon Maniacs who were running this race and then Portland, Maine on Sunday, then you are doing it. I swear at least 100 of the 300 runners were wearing their Marathon Maniac shirts. They owned the course. I loved the race and the scenery and the directors were very organized and had it all together. Just know why you are doing this race.

This was a great small-town race: friendly spectators cheering you on from their front porches, warm showers at the middle school, and a race director who placed medals around the necks of all finishers.

The course was absolutely breathtaking: running around Newfound Lake, through the village of Bristol and along quaint and quiet roads. Yes, there are hills. But it was pretty smooth sailing for the last 6 or 7 miles.

Make sure to bring your own fuel, since only water and Gatorade are passed out along the course.

I LIKED that this was a basic race: no crazy high entry fees or useless junk/schwag to weigh down your race packet.

I came to run and to enjoy the beautiful New England fall - and got exactly that!

This was my second marathon and very different from any big-city marathons. At just fewer than 300 runners, it was a friendly, small-town, enjoyable experience. Although there were not too many packs of runners, it was a true mental strength test during the race. Well organized and a must attend. Course was very hilly, but manageable. Certainly kept things interesting at every turn. If you can run this one, you'll be able to conquer any that stand in your way.

Bristol was my first small marathon. (I have done NYC, Chicago, Disney, San Diego and other big city races.) I loved BRISTOL. This a basic runner's marathon, and I highly recommend it. I thought the worst with the hills, the rain, and the small town, and I got the BEST.

Pros:
1. Hills - yes, they are there, but that is what makes this race. This is no big-city, urban run; it is classic New England.
2. Trees - from Florida I never see leaves turn colors; it's so nice and pretty.
3. Newfound Lake - you run around the lake and the scenery is spectacular. There was a slight drizzle but still you had to love it.
4. Race Director - I had a problem with my result showing up on the official listing and he stayed in communication until we got it solved. Thank you.
5. Gym - start (for the heat) and finish (the warm shower) made the race very enjoyable.
6. Price - for $40, yes, you do not get a tech shirt and, yes, the medal does not weigh 2 pounds, but what a deal.
7. Marathon Maniacs and 50 State Club - what a FUN group of people to run with, both at Bristol and then Sunday at Portland, Maine.

Cons:
None.