This was such a nice race. Beautiful scenery (especially running by the lake... wish the weather would have been better that day though), and most of it is on hard-packed dirt trail rather than pavement. Much kinder to the joints and no post-race pain. Plenty of water stops. Course was just challenging enough: some hills that presented a nice challenge, but nothing too painful and steep. The volunteers and race organizers were amazing, always shouting encouragement to runners as they ran by. It was extremely well-organized, and I would DEFINITELY do this race again.

First time running this race, couldn't recommend a better race to run. Gorgeous scenery, even despite the weather we had on race day (40s, 15-20 mph gusts off the lake, rain). Great views of the Adirondacks in NY, as well as the surrounding farms and estates of the island. The race was well organized, everyone I met and dealt with was friendly and helpful, and the spectators were very supportive and stuck out the foul weather for us runners! Many aid stations with gels and various drinks was a nice surprise despite carrying my own fuel. It had all the amenities of a large marathon with none of the headaches, confusion and lack of personality the bigger ones often have. The course is tougher than the average road marathon, but that is why I ran it. Could not recommend more!

GMAA put on a nice race. The 7th &8th graders put on a fine pre-race pasta dinner. All volunteers were helpful and friendly. Packet pickup was very flexible over three days. I love the design of the race shirts. A specific shirt for the marathon and for the halfer. Obviously some thought and care went into making them. The medal, unfortunately, is cheap and disappointing. A generic medal with a plastic sticker over it denoting both the half marathon and marathon. I would rather have paid a little more for the entry fee to have received a nicer keepsake that says MARATHON, the race I completed.

If you are planning to run this race, beware of the potential weather conditions around Lake Champlain. This running included temps in the 40s, rain, and relentless, howling headwinds over much of the out-and-back course, in both directions. Despite the stunning, off-season, rural setting, there was a surprising amount of traffic to watch out for. To be fair, it was difficult to hear cars coming from behind due to the strong, steady wind. Spectators were few, and hanging in numbly, but super friendly and encouraging.
Mile markers were large and visible, more than abundant water stops with Gatorade, gels, and that Hammer sports drink that I wish I'd learned about earlier(loved it). I would recommend this race.

This is a small and very well organized race. The scenery is awesome and the course is not too hilly. The breeze from Lake Champlain is very welcome. The race location is very easy to get to from both NY State and nearby Burlington, VT. The race doesn't attract a huge amount of fans so if you are looking for an ego boost all along the way this may not be your race. I ran poorly and I still loved it.

I have nothing else to say that this was the greatest marathon I ever ran. The organization was super and the course was awesome. Great views on the lake all along. The spag diner was so nice and enjoyable. I will be back next year for sure.

Very nice old school marathon, pin on your bib, walk to the start and go. As advertised, the unpaved portions of the course were pretty smooth and well packed. Water stop crews were great, very enthusiastic. I passed the last water cup at one, and asked a young lady 'is that water?' (it would be nice if races used green cups for sports drink and white for water...) When I heard 'no, sorry, Gatorade' I just kept running and figured I would just wait until the next waterstop. From behind I heard 'I got ya' and turned to see one of the volunteers chasing me down with a cup of water. Absolute awesomeness. Cold at the start in singlet and shorts, but temp was great once you warmed up. There was a good headwind after the turnaround. I'll take those conditions anyday over heat and humidity. Personally, I would go without a shirt if if meant an upgrade to the finisher's medal, but for the price I can't complain at all. I've already recommended it to friends, I thought it was great. Thanks very much to GMAA for a nice run.

This was my second marathon. Very easy to get to. Very well organized. Great volunteers. Beautifull course. I will return.

This was my first Vermont Marathon and it is one that I would recommend doing. The course was for the most part very scenic. There was minimal traffic on the course, although you have to be alert at times. The course was mostly flat with a few hills. There was a short but steep hill somewhere around mile 23. I walked it. A longer hill, but more gradual to contend with around mile 24. When you get to the 25 mile mark it's flat to slightly downhill to the finish.
This is a great destination for those who would like to do a mini-vacation. Bring your bikes and try to get one of the B & B's in South Hero if you can.

Course was as advertised...rolling. It isn't super hilly, but there are some challenging grades. The only awful hill is unfortunately the last half of mile 25 - ugh. But the last 1.2 miles are a straight, flat shot! I got back up to my goal race pace for it - it was fun to sail in that way.
The course is LOVELY - water, farms, lots of animals, and the dirt is great to run on. The parts that are paved are well maintained, too. No crumbling or uneven surfaces. Everything is well organized, packet pickup is easy. All runners were very friendly, and supportive to each other. Lots of cheering each other on. Support stations are enthusiastic and VERY well done. Not a lot of spectators, which I don't care about, but those that were out there were awesome. I loved this small, uncrowded race, and would very much recommend it, and hope to do it again. I BQ'd - its a pretty fast course overall. Weather was slightly chilly, but not really bad, and the sun was out off and on. Beware the wind, though! The veggie chili they offer after was fabulous.

Wow! This is one of the best organized, small, local events that I have run. Kudos to the Race Director-your volunteers and course support were superb! The mixed running surfaces of the course were great-I really liked the packed dirt roads. Awesome job! Highly recommended event.