Marathon Details - Stowe Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > VT > Stowe/Morrisville > Stowe Marathon

Stowe Marathon & Half-Marathon, Relay & Kid's Run

Stowe/Morrisville, VT USA

~~September 9, 2007~~ - CANCELLED

More Info:	News
Results:	2006 \| 2005 \| 2004 \| 2003 \| 2002 \| 2001 \| 2000 Top 3 Finishers by Year

Contact

Name:	Russ Halpern-Reiss
Address:	680 Laporte Road (Route 100 North) Morrisville, VT 05661
Phone Number:	802-888-3137
Email:	Email the organizers



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Reviews

Course 4.4

Organization 4.3

Spectators 2.8

Write a review

Number of comments: 25 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]

P. K. from MN (9/25/2006) "Beautiful Course" (about: 2006) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Stowe Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Coming from the flat Midwest, I wasn't sure what to expect about "the hill" from miles 9-13. When we got to Stowe, we went up the hill in the car to scout it out, and the four of us that were running together all said, "We are in trouble!" However, we all made it. At the end, the race director asked if we thought he should reroute the course so it didn't include the hill, and the four of us that ran together all said, definitely not! Getting up the hill was half the fun, even with our doubts on our ability to climb it prior to the race. The views at the top are beautiful. If you are coming from the flat part of the country, keep in mind when VT calls the rest of the course "relatively flat," the key word there is "relatively." The rest of the course did have rolling hills. Nothing is flat in VT, relative to the Midwest. But relative to the hill, it was flat. Even so, loved it. Do this marathon, not for a personal best, but because you love to run. Don't wear your watch, if you can, and just enjoy the run! It really is a beautiful course. Few spectators but the water stops made up for it. Because the marathon is small, there are no crowds at the water stops and you get a cup of water/Gatorade personally handed to you. Several water stops even sang "Happy Birthday" to the birthday guy running with us. Very fun race!
Christine Morandi from Fairfield CT USA (9/24/2006) "A Metaphor-for-Life Marathon" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Stowe Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 If you can check your ego, remember all the reasons why you started running (and you either don't care or have already qualified for Boston), the Stowe Marathon can be a metaphor for life. Like life, it contained everything from a very long steep hill, to rolling hills, dirt roads with horse poop, a big decline, an out-and-back loop, awesome scenery and some solitude. One suggestion: Could have used a little help the second time through the town, when church was getting letting out.
Patrick O'Connor from Cornwall, NY (9/21/2006) "First-Timer" (about: 2006) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Stowe Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was my first marathon and a tough one at that. I realized that if trained properly, the hill isn't as bad as some people make it sound. The decline is a killer on the knees and ankles. Straight running up until mile 23, then it took an hour to finish up. The landscapes and the humbleness of the town are impressive. And the locals are friendly and helpful. I wouldn't recommend this for any first-timers but I look forward to doing it again.
p. F. from Delaware (9/17/2006) "Great Location" (about: 2006) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Stowe Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Now that I've recovered, I'd have to say this was a great choice for an early fall marathon. The town of Stowe is picturesque and has many options for your family to enjoy the weekend. They had some good motel discounts for runners and there are many places where your support team could cheer you on during the race. The course is more challenging then the other five marathons I've done, but really not as bad as I thought it might be. I had incorporated some hill running during training. I enjoyed the mixture of roads, packed gravel, and running paths. This was the first pre-race pasta party I have attended and it was done well. Also, the post-party was great. The one surprise I had while on the course was that red Gatorade was used. This was a first for me. It did not bother me, but you might want to check if this is something that would bother you.
P. B. from Phoenixville, PA (9/15/2006) "Beautiful course" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Stowe Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This is one of the most beautiful scenic marathons you will ever experience. I wasn't sure what to expect after reading the reviews, but regardless of the ascent and the descent (which is worse), it is wonderful. It's a run that you don't want to miss if you enjoy small, low-key marathons. Yes, the hill is very difficult, but the satisfaction you get after you reach the top more than makes up for the pain of reaching it. The rolling green hills make Vermont a state that you don't want to miss on a marathon tour. I would highly recommend this for anyone who loves New England in the fall.
E. R. from New Jersey (9/13/2006) "Fun and Challenging Course, Great Get-Away Race" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Stowe Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This is a beautiful course over a classic Vermont landscape. It was picture perfect and this year there was beautiful weather for a race. Small, intimite crowd.... Great chance to meet other 50-staters because in my opinion, this is THE marathon to do to get your VT medal. The hill is VERY challenging, but it was fun. Most people I saw took it on as a walk/run. Going down the back is tough because it is almost impossible to slow down if you get fast enough, but it is killer on the quads to "brake" for two downhill miles.... Choose your poison! The website was updated this year, but they never got the course map and elevation chart online in time. I hope next year's runners will have that benefit. The new site looks great though, and for a small org. team, they did a great job. One comment to the race director - there were several places on the later part of the course where I had to rely on the kindness of strangers to tell me where the runners should be headed. Forks in the trail, etc. were left unmarked and even when you're on the right course, you could go well over 1/2 a mile with no markers, which leads to anxiety about being off course... fix that for next year's runners! Plan to stay in Stowe for a day if you have the time... go see the Ben & Jerry's factory, get some fresh cider and cider donuts, and eat all the Cabot cheese you can!
C. H. from LaFayette, New York (9/12/2005) "Beautiful course!" (about: 2005) 2 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 I read comments about this race before I signed up and wanted to see for myself how bad the hill really was. I train on hills every day in my home town, but nothing can compare to this one. It does level off and give you some relief after a mile, but get your breathing under control because it isn't quite done yet. It was the hardest 2 mile hill I have ever done in a race, but the satisfaction you get when you are at the top is all worth it. Beware of the 3 mile downhill after, killer on the knees. The course was beautiful! The mountains, fields, rec path & running through the village, kept your mind off how long a marathon is. My suggestion on the course, however, is to have more volunteers at the crossroads. There were 2 places where I had to slow down and guess which way to go (maybe signs if no volunteers available?). The cold towel at the end was a huge hit, the volunteers were absolutely fabulous, a beer when I got done was to die for & the town catered to its guests! This race is definitely one to do and my applause to those who put it together and made it possible.
D. L. from Bethel, Connecticut (3/11/2005) "Poorly organized" (about: 2003) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Stowe Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 I ran this in 2003. I was turned around too early and had to double back. The race was advertised as 'looking forward to a Boston qualifier', and when I wrote to the director, Russ Halpern-Reiss I never got a response back. I vowed never to run it again. I also had a friend that did the relay in 2004 and he never got a response from Russ about his disgust regarding the poor organization of the relay shuttles and how ill-informed the shuttle drivers were. Overall a bad experience, but it is a very scenic and challenging course. Don't waste your time if you want things to go smoothly.
A. M. from Mass (10/8/2004) "Great race, one tough downhill" (about: 2004) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I run 1 marathon/year and this was the most humbling one in a while, despite decent training. Great course throughout. From the scenery, to the streams and the village. Nice cows! The big hill up was fine, almost fun? Downhill did a number on my knee and probably fatigued my legs sooner than otherwise. My body, energy level were Ok but legs gave up after 22 and finished slower then recent efforts. The cold towels at the end were a nice touch, the food before and after was excellent. Despite the hill, yeah, I would run it again. Maybe walk the downhill?
m. w. from alden,ny (9/20/2004) "It was all downhill from there..." (about: 2004) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Stowe Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Lovely, lovely Stowe! We spent 5 terrific days in Stowe. I trained hard for the ascents, but blew out my knee on the tough and never-ending descents, alas! There's something to be learned from every race. Bring your family! Lots to see and do in Stowe, but there are no chain hotels or restaurants, if those are necessary. We did not miss that at all! I missed the BBQ, given my injury, but did get a beer or two. The volunteers on the course are excellent, as were my early race running friends, Mike from MN, Damon from VT, and 'B' - Brad. Thanks for a most enjoyable first half! We stayed at the Innsbruck Inn - outdoor hot tub, pool, breakfast; excellent! One can easily walk to start/finish, from several lodging venues. This is indeed a superb little gem of a race, and I hope to return and get my revenge on that downhill! If you go, I recommend doing Stowe Soaring's glider plane over the changing foliage of beautiful Stowe! *Race directors: next year,have the pre-race potties on pavement, so our shoes aren't all wet before the race*

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]

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P. K. from MN (9/25/2006) "Beautiful Course" (about: 2006) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Stowe Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Coming from the flat Midwest, I wasn't sure what to expect about "the hill" from miles 9-13. When we got to Stowe, we went up the hill in the car to scout it out, and the four of us that were running together all said, "We are in trouble!" However, we all made it. At the end, the race director asked if we thought he should reroute the course so it didn't include the hill, and the four of us that ran together all said, definitely not! Getting up the hill was half the fun, even with our doubts on our ability to climb it prior to the race. The views at the top are beautiful. If you are coming from the flat part of the country, keep in mind when VT calls the rest of the course "relatively flat," the key word there is "relatively." The rest of the course did have rolling hills. Nothing is flat in VT, relative to the Midwest. But relative to the hill, it was flat. Even so, loved it. Do this marathon, not for a personal best, but because you love to run. Don't wear your watch, if you can, and just enjoy the run! It really is a beautiful course. Few spectators but the water stops made up for it. Because the marathon is small, there are no crowds at the water stops and you get a cup of water/Gatorade personally handed to you. Several water stops even sang "Happy Birthday" to the birthday guy running with us. Very fun race!
Christine Morandi from Fairfield CT USA (9/24/2006) "A Metaphor-for-Life Marathon" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Stowe Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 If you can check your ego, remember all the reasons why you started running (and you either don't care or have already qualified for Boston), the Stowe Marathon can be a metaphor for life. Like life, it contained everything from a very long steep hill, to rolling hills, dirt roads with horse poop, a big decline, an out-and-back loop, awesome scenery and some solitude. One suggestion: Could have used a little help the second time through the town, when church was getting letting out.
Patrick O'Connor from Cornwall, NY (9/21/2006) "First-Timer" (about: 2006) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Stowe Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was my first marathon and a tough one at that. I realized that if trained properly, the hill isn't as bad as some people make it sound. The decline is a killer on the knees and ankles. Straight running up until mile 23, then it took an hour to finish up. The landscapes and the humbleness of the town are impressive. And the locals are friendly and helpful. I wouldn't recommend this for any first-timers but I look forward to doing it again.
p. F. from Delaware (9/17/2006) "Great Location" (about: 2006) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Stowe Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Now that I've recovered, I'd have to say this was a great choice for an early fall marathon. The town of Stowe is picturesque and has many options for your family to enjoy the weekend. They had some good motel discounts for runners and there are many places where your support team could cheer you on during the race. The course is more challenging then the other five marathons I've done, but really not as bad as I thought it might be. I had incorporated some hill running during training. I enjoyed the mixture of roads, packed gravel, and running paths. This was the first pre-race pasta party I have attended and it was done well. Also, the post-party was great. The one surprise I had while on the course was that red Gatorade was used. This was a first for me. It did not bother me, but you might want to check if this is something that would bother you.
P. B. from Phoenixville, PA (9/15/2006) "Beautiful course" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Stowe Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This is one of the most beautiful scenic marathons you will ever experience. I wasn't sure what to expect after reading the reviews, but regardless of the ascent and the descent (which is worse), it is wonderful. It's a run that you don't want to miss if you enjoy small, low-key marathons. Yes, the hill is very difficult, but the satisfaction you get after you reach the top more than makes up for the pain of reaching it. The rolling green hills make Vermont a state that you don't want to miss on a marathon tour. I would highly recommend this for anyone who loves New England in the fall.
E. R. from New Jersey (9/13/2006) "Fun and Challenging Course, Great Get-Away Race" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Stowe Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This is a beautiful course over a classic Vermont landscape. It was picture perfect and this year there was beautiful weather for a race. Small, intimite crowd.... Great chance to meet other 50-staters because in my opinion, this is THE marathon to do to get your VT medal. The hill is VERY challenging, but it was fun. Most people I saw took it on as a walk/run. Going down the back is tough because it is almost impossible to slow down if you get fast enough, but it is killer on the quads to "brake" for two downhill miles.... Choose your poison! The website was updated this year, but they never got the course map and elevation chart online in time. I hope next year's runners will have that benefit. The new site looks great though, and for a small org. team, they did a great job. One comment to the race director - there were several places on the later part of the course where I had to rely on the kindness of strangers to tell me where the runners should be headed. Forks in the trail, etc. were left unmarked and even when you're on the right course, you could go well over 1/2 a mile with no markers, which leads to anxiety about being off course... fix that for next year's runners! Plan to stay in Stowe for a day if you have the time... go see the Ben & Jerry's factory, get some fresh cider and cider donuts, and eat all the Cabot cheese you can!
C. H. from LaFayette, New York (9/12/2005) "Beautiful course!" (about: 2005) 2 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 I read comments about this race before I signed up and wanted to see for myself how bad the hill really was. I train on hills every day in my home town, but nothing can compare to this one. It does level off and give you some relief after a mile, but get your breathing under control because it isn't quite done yet. It was the hardest 2 mile hill I have ever done in a race, but the satisfaction you get when you are at the top is all worth it. Beware of the 3 mile downhill after, killer on the knees. The course was beautiful! The mountains, fields, rec path & running through the village, kept your mind off how long a marathon is. My suggestion on the course, however, is to have more volunteers at the crossroads. There were 2 places where I had to slow down and guess which way to go (maybe signs if no volunteers available?). The cold towel at the end was a huge hit, the volunteers were absolutely fabulous, a beer when I got done was to die for & the town catered to its guests! This race is definitely one to do and my applause to those who put it together and made it possible.
D. L. from Bethel, Connecticut (3/11/2005) "Poorly organized" (about: 2003) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Stowe Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 I ran this in 2003. I was turned around too early and had to double back. The race was advertised as 'looking forward to a Boston qualifier', and when I wrote to the director, Russ Halpern-Reiss I never got a response back. I vowed never to run it again. I also had a friend that did the relay in 2004 and he never got a response from Russ about his disgust regarding the poor organization of the relay shuttles and how ill-informed the shuttle drivers were. Overall a bad experience, but it is a very scenic and challenging course. Don't waste your time if you want things to go smoothly.
A. M. from Mass (10/8/2004) "Great race, one tough downhill" (about: 2004) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I run 1 marathon/year and this was the most humbling one in a while, despite decent training. Great course throughout. From the scenery, to the streams and the village. Nice cows! The big hill up was fine, almost fun? Downhill did a number on my knee and probably fatigued my legs sooner than otherwise. My body, energy level were Ok but legs gave up after 22 and finished slower then recent efforts. The cold towels at the end were a nice touch, the food before and after was excellent. Despite the hill, yeah, I would run it again. Maybe walk the downhill?
m. w. from alden,ny (9/20/2004) "It was all downhill from there..." (about: 2004) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Stowe Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Lovely, lovely Stowe! We spent 5 terrific days in Stowe. I trained hard for the ascents, but blew out my knee on the tough and never-ending descents, alas! There's something to be learned from every race. Bring your family! Lots to see and do in Stowe, but there are no chain hotels or restaurants, if those are necessary. We did not miss that at all! I missed the BBQ, given my injury, but did get a beer or two. The volunteers on the course are excellent, as were my early race running friends, Mike from MN, Damon from VT, and 'B' - Brad. Thanks for a most enjoyable first half! We stayed at the Innsbruck Inn - outdoor hot tub, pool, breakfast; excellent! One can easily walk to start/finish, from several lodging venues. This is indeed a superb little gem of a race, and I hope to return and get my revenge on that downhill! If you go, I recommend doing Stowe Soaring's glider plane over the changing foliage of beautiful Stowe! *Race directors: next year,have the pre-race potties on pavement, so our shoes aren't all wet before the race*

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Marathon Details - Stowe Marathon