Around the Lake Marathon - Race Reviews

I signed up for this one at the very last minute, when the weather forecast looked good. I needed a Boston qualifier and was only three weeks into my (condensed) training. I figured I'd do my 20 miler there, and if I felt good, I'd have the option to keep going. But I felt good (enough), kept going, and got a Boston qualifier with room to spare. Those 12 and 24 hour ultra runners shamed me into continuing :-) I've never run a race as part of an ultra before, and the was pretty cool and inspiring. It also gave the whole event a different vibe, which was nice. I was worried about the night start (9:00 p.m.), because I'm a morning, not evening, person, but the adrenaline kicked in. We also had weather about as perfect as it gets in July  temps in the mid to high 60s, I think. The humidity was high, but it's July. Also, the weather usually gets worse with each hour of a marathon. Here it got better, since it was later at night. The course: You have to be mentally prepared for the fact that you're going to run around something 8 times in a row (plus an add on loop at the beginning). A GPS watch also helps tremendously, because otherwise you don't really know what mile you're on, except when you complete a lap (and those come at odd intervals, like 10.35 miles and 15.53&). I was pleasantly surprised that the sidewalks were as smooth as they were, because in New England, we have some crappy sidewalks. I didn't NEED a head lamp, but I was glad I had one. I didn't know how the battery would hold up, so I would turn it off for a bit and then turn it back on for the dark parts. I should have worn reflective gear, but I figured I'd be on the sidewalk the whole time. In reality, I spent a fair amount of time out in the road, because pavement is so much softer than the concrete sidewalk, which wore on me after a while. There were 2 aid stations per lap (at the finish, and water halfway around). The finish had a lot of stuff, and Heed to drink. I was really glad that I brought my own fluids after trying the Heed, which I had never had before. I just brought a folding chair, put six bottles of Gatorade on it, and grabbed one each lap. That was also where I would have discarded my head lamp if I decided I didn't need it. A lot of ultra runners had tents and/or coolers set up&very different than your average road marathon. You can't compare this to Boston/New York/Chicago, or even Baystate/Hartford, etc. It's a totally different animal. But if you're like me and you need, say, a Boston qualifier at this time of year in New England, it's probably the best option out there. I can't imagine any circumstances under which I'd fly in from out of town to run this marathon, but for what it is, it's great. The course was faster than I would have expected. I would have thought night running would slow me down (I usually feel fast but run slow in the dark), as would just running on sidewalks instead of out in the roads with the masses. But this is a pretty fast course, especially if the weather cooperates. I usually only run Boston, so it's the only thing I can compare it to, but this is a significantly faster course than Boston. There are essentially no hills (though I swore some popped up on that last lap&there are very minor elevation changes throughout the loop, but nothing I'd identify as a hill). There weren't many spectators, of course, but it was fun to go through the finish area each lap, where people were cheering, and I was also happy to see the water station people and one random group cheering on each lap. I started out at about 3:30 pace and slowed down a bit, but I was surprised to have people near me or people to chase for most of the race. It was only the last lap where I wondered where everyone had gone (and even then, I was still lapping people who were walking, probably as part of the ultra). As long as you know what you're getting intosigning up to do eight laps around a place that I would just rate as average for running during the daythis is an awesome race. And the monotony is more tolerable in the dark&I found myself looking forward to certain landmarks, like 'that's the trash can I threw my bottle in on the last lap!' or 'there's the little dirt path where you can cut this corner.' The Somerville Road Runners do an excellent job with this race, in my opinion.

I thought I'd really enjoy doing another night marathon after Bangkok in 2009, but the 3.2 mile loop course kind of wore on me mentally...completely screwed up my pacing so that I ended up almost 30 minutes slower than I had planned, but with zero cramping and sprinting the last 2 miles...go figure! Pros: nice laid-back vibe among runners, organizers, volunteers & sparse spectators. Course was mostly flat. Cons: very hard to stay focused on this course...ended up zoning out for much of it. Lighting not 100% consistent...headlamp recommended, esp. if you like to use dirt paths whenever available alongside the paved path.

Plenty has been said about this great race over the years, but this year truned out to be an unforgetable experience. For many who were alseep at that hour they missed a specatcular Double Rainbow. Sure there have been double rainbows before but this was at the lake where both the rainbows seemed to touch the water surface and the reflection made it a continuation into two almost complete circles. You felt like you were running right through these circles.Heavenly experience!!! If there is anyone who took pictures of this spectacular event, please, please send them to me at arniejames@hotmail.com It'll be very much appreciated. Thanks. As usual the race was great but the food dept took a nose dive as compared to the years gone by. Oh, well, the rainbows made up for lousy food. So next year, since they can't bring the double rainbows back, I guess they'll have to improve the food. At least I hope they do. Ramen Noodle soup? come on!!!

This race is a good small marathon that runs concurrently with a 12-hour, and 24-hour endurance race. The course is a 3.2 mile loop around Lake Quinnapowitt (it took me a few minutes before I could pronounce that) that begins with an .8 mile mini-loop to make up the distance needed to qualify as a marathon. Eight complete laps + the mini lap = 1 marathon. The food and drinks were good, the volunteers very friendly, and the course interesting. Remember to bring some kind of illumination since the run begins at 7PM. There are places were the sidewalks have been damaged by tree roots, the parking lot we run through had potholes, and there is a 35-yard run across a lawn, with large ankle-twisting rocks to avoid. One humorous thing happened to me with my lights, at least now I can call it humorous. My hat had built in lights, after the sun set after 8PM, the bugs started to fly and were attracted to the lights. I know I swallowed at least one insect while I was taking a breath. I'm still alive, so it must have been nutritious! Don't worry, the bugs stop flying about an hour later. The finishers medal is small, but considering the small size of this race, and the low cost, it's understandable. My wife and I stayed at a close hotel, not the race headquarters, and enjoyed the opportunity to tour Boston. I recommend this race to anyone wanting to try a different type of marathon: an evening race, with multiple loops around a scenic lake, in a lovely suburban community.

I completed this race and give it good reviews. It is a marathon, 12 hour and 24 hour race. The marathon is more of an afterthought. The course is a 3.2 mile loop, but I got use to the sights along the way and really enjoyed the experience. The sunset and sunrise were great. It was an easy and cheap trip from the airport by public transportation. The host hotel is nearby, but not memorable. There was ample food and good support at the start every 3.3 miles of the loop.

This event was unique for several reasons. It starts in the evening, and while that is a little out of the ordinary for a Marathon, I do most of my training at night so this race fit in well with my routine. It is a ~3.2 mile loop course - so after a little lead in, you walk eight laps around (but only a fraction of the course is right beside) a lake. The loop made it great because my family got to see me multiple times w/o having to move around. I am a marathon walker, so I am used to being alone and at the back of the pack. With it being a loop course, and the fact this is a Marathon inside of an Ultra, there were always folks around me. That was a new (and nice) experience. Instead of walking by abandoned aid stations, I actually felt like I was involved in the event! I had read enough reviews to know the course was somewhat dark in places so I came prepared with a headlamp in my bag. I did not feel like it was required so I never used it, but understand why some folks might have felt the need. My advice would be to bring one so you will have it if you need it. The location was perfect. Right off the interstate, far enough out of Boston I didn't have any problem with traffic getting there. And there was plenty of parking right at the start line. The results were posted quickly, but it took a couple of weeks for the lap times to be posted. I guess you get a lot more split times in an eight lap race than you do at others - another nice benefit. I would also like to thank whoever made the PB&J I picked up at the aid station after lap six. It had just finished pouring down rain, it was around midnight, I was mentally tired, and that was, without a doubt, the most fabulous sandwich I have EVER eaten!! It (and its cousin that I picked up before lap eight) inspired me to a PR! Hats off to the chef!! Funny how sometimes it is the simple things are among the most memorable!

this was a fantastic introduction to ultra running since it is a loop course. I did the 12 hour ultra. friends can see you every 5k. Organizers gave a heads up to bring a headlamp with a few sections of the course being dark, but not a problem. GORGEOUS sunrise and the view over the lake made it all worth it. Cool overnight weather made it comfortable (as comfortable as a 12 hour ultra can be) and enough runners on the course to chat with along the way. Volunteers are second to none at this event and go out of their way to help. This race runs like clockwork and its nice to know race proceeds to go local charities. This is a must do!!

Pros: tidy well run event on a 3.17 mile loop course around a lake. Run a 24 hr ultra, a 12 hr ultra, teams for either, or a solo marathon. Cons: well meaning but sparse crowd support, two rough footing patches, and run at dusk into night. It was my 1st marathon and I would run it again.

What a crazy race! From the night-time start, to the 24-hour ultra runners, this race is unique! I was going for a BQ and fell quite short, but I learned a lot about myself and how to race a marathon at this event. I don't regret participating at all and I feel completely, 100% prepared to BQ at Bay State in October. Overall this was a great race and an experience I'll never forget, but like any other marathon, it had its ups and downs. I'll start with the downs... 1) Not only was the course way dark, but it was open to the public, so you had runners, walkers, dogs, roller-bladers, bikers all headed TOWARD you. When it's pitch black and you're at mile 23, this is can be really disorienting. That said, it was no surprise... there was plenty of warning about the darkness and the open course going into this thing. 2) Eating for a night-time marathon is weird. I had a stomach cramp from the very beginning. 3) The host hotel was a little rough around the edges - or maybe I'm just a princess. ;) And the good things... 1) Running a marathon at night is totally fun. 2) I loved running 8 loops. I found it to be way more manageable to count in loops instead of miles. 3) Got to see my family a zillion times since they were spread out all over the course. 4) Loved the stainless steel water bottle in lieu of a medal. 5) The volunteers were awesome and friendly and helpful. 6) Aid stations every mile and a half. 7) Flat, flat, flat. 8) Nice scenery. If you're planning to run this race, my advice to you is to wear a head lamp, have your friends/family have food for you since the food tables a little bit out of the way, and bring a giant air horn to get the pedestrians out of your way (not really, but maybe).

The weather couldn't have been better for late July, but there are problems with this course: 1. About a third is on a concrete sidewalk, which had me choosing to run in a rut in the grass until it got dark and then in the street, which had a nice wide shoulder. One guy might have tripped in the dark on a rock in the rutted trail and bloodied his face. 2. Another third is a rippled asphalt sidewalk, which is poorly lit, meaning lots of shuffling and running on faith. Although the director said head-lamps were unnecessary, I would advise them for this section. 3. Because there are eight loops and there are 50-stater participants and 12- and 24-hour participants and relayers, anyone who can run a 10-minute pace will pass these people many times. Unfortunately some of them manage to stay right in the middle of the sidewalk or go two or three abreast. They were not very considerate. 4. Finally, it's been three days and still no results are posted. It's dismaying that the marathon only gives awards to the top three finishers with no age group awards.

Pros: I ran this marathon injured and still managed to finish in a decently respectable time. A FLAT COURSE makes all the difference! The atmosphere was very chill, which is nice if you're into that sort of thing (I liked it, but have to say I prefer the big, amped-up marathons, like NYC) and it was definitely very cool and unique to do a night marathon. Cons: The course is BORING. I would have really wanted to quit if I hadn't been running with my best friend. The start was confusing. A large group of us were walking the wrong way down the street to find the start. Not clearly marked at all. I was disappointed to receive the water bottle and would have MUCH preferred a medal... especially with the steep entry fee (and extra money that I shelled out for a t-shirt). Also, as others mentioned, it was pretty treacherous in spots because it was so dark and the terrain was so uneven. And the crowd support was nil. All in all, a decent race; if for no other reason, do it to do a night marathon. That alone made it a pretty cool experience.

There are not many marathon options in New England for July, so you take what you can get. It is expensive for the set up of running on sidewalks around a lake. The lighting in bad and the sidewalk can be every uneven. It was interesting to run at night, but I was 15-20 minutes slower than previous marathons. You need to keep track of how many laps you make, even with the chip timing; and there was no fanfare for your finish. It does make you appreciate the efforts of the 12- and 24-hour ultra runners. If you need a July marathon in New England, I would give it a go; otherwise, I am not sure that it is worth the cost.

The best loops on this course for me were the ones at dusk - it was just magical to look over the lake and see the lights shining off and the sun setting. But the ones prior to darkness are a bit annoying, as a great deal of the time I was running on cement or uneven surface. Then when it does get totally dark, it gets a bit treacherous! This is NOT a well lit course! In fact, it is not even lit, save for the lights of the buildings or streets around it; I don't think the organizers had one extra light out there except for right at the start/finish area. I almost fell three times and saw one lady eat it pretty badly. Right past the start near the water it's pitch black, and coming around to the finish area is dark - and near traffic! Other parts on the back side (miles 1-2) near the road and on uneven gravel/pavement surface are dim as well. So I would say that is a big shortcoming. The race started a bit late and it was confusing as to where to go exactly. They could have had more details online about this! Also, there were no race shirts - bummer. The medal was a thermos, so I guess that was ok. No photography on the course! There was a lot of post-race food. However, at the end, it was not clear if we had completed our final lap of the 8; a few of us had to go and check to be sure we were done! There were no real spectators, just some folks walking along the route who would cheer occasionally. All in all, not the best marathon - perhaps better if you were out there longer and maybe got to see the sunrise, etc. and get your money's worth on the course. But 80 bucks for a thermos, some energy drink, and some pretzels seems steep.

Where else do you have 24 hours for a marathon and run into the cool of the night when it could be a hot July day? Everything was fine. It was a little dark in some areas, and it was hard to see where the sidewalk was broken. They had plenty of food and drinks. I hope the chip experiment went well - that's usually pretty accurate. The only thing I did not like was $78.75 entry fee, which didn't even get us a shirt or finisher medal. (I was told that the shirt cost extra.) I give it an B+. I'll be back. Thanks!

It was my first experience running an evening marathon and I loved it. The weather was perfect and the organization was excellent. This is a perfect event to run if preparing for a fall marathon. Thanks to the organizers, volunteers and supporters.

It was unusual to sign up for a marathon and feel semi-apologetic about doing the short course. Like one of the posts from a previous year, I was back at my sister's house by 1 a.m., got some sleep, spent the day playing tourist on the North Shore, and finally back in front of the TV with beer and a pizza early that evening when I realized that THERE WERE PEOPLE STILL RUNNING. Very humbling, but also very inspiring. I can see this race being my first foray beyond 26.2. My time aspirations were modest, and I enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere - the volunteers guiding us through the start, the band concert by the gazebo as the sun went down, the families strolling on the path. In the latter laps I kept encountering a group of about a dozen loitering teenage males, and would approach them expecting the usual sullen, iPod-addled derision. Instead, they applauded each runner - there is hope! As to technical advice, I would suggest perfecting your night-running technique; it got a tad dim in spots. But, it was safe to run in the striped lane in the street where the footing was better. Traffic seemed to be very courteous. Thanks are due the organizers, volunteers, the people of Wakefield and especially the fellow runners for a great way to spend a summer evening.

This has been my third marathon so far and it was by far the flattest. I'm used to both training and running courses that contain large numbers of various-sized hills. The scenery was beautiful, running around the lake. I could've used another water station between the start/finish line and where they had their station on the other side of the lake. I gave organization only 4 stars because of this and that I heard rumors of other runners having trouble with the volunteers making time errors. I originally thought they had not counted one of my laps around the lake but it turned out that I just sucked at counting. I think looped marathons might not be for me because of the potential to lose count. I actually ended up doing my worst time ever on a course here, most likely for two reasons: 1. My lack of training on a totally flat course. 2. Since I lost track of my laps, I gave what was really my 7th lap everything I had, thinking it was my last lap. I could barely move for the last lap. But still, if you want to have a very easy run that's lighter on the legs than most, this is the one you'll want to consider. The scenery is beautiful, and although there's not a huge number of spectators, the ones that are there are great.

As a member of the sponsor club, I participated in the relay with a bunch of other club members. I was looking for a race that would give me a special way to remember my 30th birthday, which occurred two days after the race. The 3.16 mile course and the fact that there was a relay, offered just that opportunity. I signed up to run 10 legs. I have run 11 marathons but have never been exposed to an ultra before. If nothing else, this race will open your eyes and inspire you when you think about what the ultra runners have to face in comparison to what your doing. I found it very motivating. There have been a couple of whiners that posted, but really, this race is not about the marathon (though as I helped keep score, it looked like a fun low-pressure, no-frills marathon). Because there is a lot going on, you can't expect to go to this race and get pampered; however, the race directors and any of the volunteers will be happy to help you with anything you need. Virtually everyone there is a runner. I really thought my goal of 10 laps would be impossible. The relay is very flexible, as was my team, so I was able to split my legs into 4 legs at night, 4 first thing in the morning, and 2 in the middle of the afternoon. I am not at all a hot-weather runner, so I thought my last two legs would be torturous. But they were great. I was having such a good time. Having run the course so many times, I knew where everything was. I knew where there were water fountains (virtually every half mile), where the 1.5-mile water table was (it is manned during the marathon and un-manned for the rest of the time; while it was un-manned, someone kept replenishing it and the water was ice-cold :)), how close I was to the finish, etc. It was cool knowing the idiosyncracies and not being surprised. And when I started to feel tired, I looked at the ultra runners, who were spread throughout the course, and I was really inspired - so much so that I am thinking of doing the 12-hour race next year. In the end, I completed my 10 laps and felt like I could have run more. I totaled 32 miles and will always remember the experience! So if you are looking for a low-key, night marathon, this is your chance. If you are looking for a starter ultra, this is a good one!

I enjoyed the low-key atmosphere of this marathon. I was trying out the course with the eventual goal of the 24 hour ultra-marathon, and it looks like a nice way to ease into ultras. The start was a little disorganized, but for such a small marathon, this is par for the course. Also, if you want a crowd of supporters bring your own. It is nice that supporters can set up lawn chairs and hang out by the start/finish line. Unlike other marathons, supporters can see you eight times as you complete your loops, and my brother kept a video diary of my run. Also, if they want to see you more, they can drive the loop and yell as they pass by. Impossible to do on the larger marathons. Overall, I really enjoyed this marathon and I am looking forward to next year.

I entered the 24-hour ultra marathon. This was the most fun I've had in any ultra. I like the fact that you can enter on race day. On several occasions I had to email the race director and they responded within a day and answered all my questions. The fact that I can stop every three miles and refresh myself with my own supplies was paramount in finishing the 24 hours. I was able to change wet shirts and socks when needed. I also brought my own food that I trained with. The water stops were well manned with friendly people. In the ultras, I don't have to worry about my time, just to last the full 24 hours is an accomplishment. The race was on a common sidewalk and I actually appreciated the local runners who came out to do their daily exercise and give me words of encouragement and praise. The race was called at around the 18th hour on account of a thunderstorm. I didn't complain. I ran out of good socks and had to start using cotton. A blister the size of my foot grew on my foot. My last 3-mile lap took me an hour to circumvent. The race started out with marathon, ultra and relay racers at the same time. The first 4 or 5 hours had many people to talk with. After that, just the ultras and relay runners were left. The only thing that was a little discouraging was when you feel tired and slow a relay runner would race past like you were standing still. But, like in real life, you deal with it. My goal is to do the 50-state marathons, so I don't do any repeat marathons. Even if I wasn't doing the 50-state marathons, there are so many marathons out there that I wouldn't want to repeat. This is the only ultra marathon I would do every year. Hope to see you there in 2008!

I ran this in 2007, and it was my first marathon, and I was fine with it at the time, but after running another one, this one just didn't stack up. First of all, you need to run eight times around the same loop, and this wouldn't be so bad, but there are an ultra and a relay going on at the same time, and there are pedestrians everyone, who don't care that a race is going on. Late in the race, you have no idea if you're passing (or getting passed by) someone for the first time or the fifth, or what race they are running and it really makes it hard to motivate yourself. The course wasn't very well-lit, and running in the dark isn't something I wanted to deal with at the later parts of a race. Come race day, the starting temperature was 87 degrees. It cooled off considerably later on, but at times the rest stations were unmanned, or the water cups were filled to 1/2 or 1/3rd of the way up, which wasn't enough considering the heat, and it was ridiculous for rest stations to be unmanned during a looped course. The primary rest station was at a very weird angle from the course, and a bit of a hassle, and it was really hard to get to it without stopping, and because of the way the race was split into three types, it made for an anticlimactic finish because no one knew that I had finished except for me. All in all, it was mediocre at best. The course was okay the first time around, but after that just repetitive. There are so many good marathons in New England, and Mass. that it doesn't really make much sense to run this one unless you're desperate for a race in July.

This was my first marathon, and while I had a good time, I'd caution other first-timers to know what they're getting in to. The course, overall, is well lighted and the volunteers friendly and helpful. Dodging pedestrians became a bit of a challenge for me after the heat and exhaustion sunk in, but that's what you get on any non-closed course, I imagine. The real challenge for me was the heat and humidity. I ran with bottles of water and sports drink, and kept my stomach so full of fluids that it was uncomfortable, yet I still cramped up on the second to last lap. Sweat was literally pouring off of me the entire time. As someone who went from running 3 miles to running 20 in a period of a few months, I had eased my transition into running long distances by training early in the morning to escape the heat. This undoubtedly kept me healthy during training, but I found myself wishing I'd acclimated to heat a little more before this race. Also, if your impressions of marathons come from watching New York, Chicago, and Boston be aware that this is a very different beast. Crowd support is there at the end of each lap, but is largely non-existent on the loop itself. As there are only a couple hundred runners, chances are also that you will be running alone much of the time. There's nothing wrong with that, but it may not be your ideal first-marathon experience. Overall, I enjoyed my experience and recommend the challenge to anyone who knows what they're getting into. I'm planning on running it again next year and trying to break into the top 5.

I was a bit disappointed that on 2 occasions the mid-course water station had no water ready for runners. How is that possible w/ so few runners? Also, I was disappointed that the race organizer doesn't respond to emailed questions. The humidity was really difficult to deal w/ and the course is not as well lit as advertised. That said, the race was basically enjoyable and I'd like to do it again as part of a relay team.

This was my fourth marathon. I like races that offer a lot of variety, and even though this one loops around a lake eight times, the idea of night running and running with the ultra marathoners was very cool. Poor word choice.... It was 84 degrees and humid as the race started but sort of comfortable throughout the evening. I am a pathetically slow runner, so I enjoyed being able to not push myself too hard (I ran Grandma's a few weeks ago) and enjoy the night. A few people whine about poor lighting (remember this IS a nighttime marathon) or some of the other stylistic shortcomings. The drinks and snacks were fine. There were also plenty of local people out for their "evening constitutional" until about 10 p.m.; then it was pretty quiet. Great local, low-pressure race.

I did the marathon - not the ultra or relay. The event involves loops around the lake... eight loops for the maathon distance. The event takes place at night... starting at 7 p.m. The weather was warm, but not unpleasant, and it really cooled down as the night progressed. The course was well lighted overall, even though there were some dark sections. I never felt unsafe. There were ample opportunities for porta-potties, water, food, Gatorade, etc. as you finished the loops. The staff were VERY accommodating; they got me anything I asked for. There were cheerleaders at the end of the loop and at one aid station halfway through the loop. It was very well organized. I think it's a great marathon experience. Especially since it's difficult to find events in July! Congrats on a well organized event!

A 5k loop course would seem like a great opportunity for stretching resources, allowing for maximum crowd support, and simplifying course logistics. After participating I still see the appeal in theory, it is just that the practical application was not quite what I was expecting. Besides the natural congregation of people near the finish line/aid station and the one other aid station at the opposite edge of the loop, there were functionally a dozen people offering any type of support along the course. The allure of racing at night was offset by the lingering 85-degree temperatures and nearly 100% humidity from the race delaying thunderstorms which left a remarkably unfriendly slick and muddy segment with a waterfilled ditch at a narrow gap between some shrubs and trees, just beyond the limits of paving (and light) at the checkpoint. At least 30% of the course was in eye-straining darkness contrary to the claims of it being a 'well-lit course' so bring a headlamp. I admit, this is the only marathon that has ever defeated me. More than the awful foot blisters, it was the mental fatigue and subsequent lack of motivation that forced me to stop short to focus on my next race. As I mentioned, the absence of spectators except at the two aid stations and one or two other outposts meant that you were left to the silence of your thoughts mile after mile. And because of the limited field of marathon runners, these were the only people you would encounter with the exception of the occasional walking relay participants. The isolation, the strain of constant vigilance from running in the dark over uneven terrain, and the mindboggeling barrage of mile markers painted around the course just fried my mental processing and killed off any motivation to continue punishing myself once I fell off my Boston Qualification pace. This all said, I will probably be back in the future to challenge this course once again, though maybe next time as part of a relay team instead.

The organization was superb. They held us up for the thunderstorms but got things going quickly. The sidewalks do get a little hard, and the sloppy grass we had to run over made things interesting, but this is the absolute best time to run a marathon in the summer! You will be doing a lot of loops, so make sure to bring your cheering section!

Mmmkay. I found this race on accident while recovering from a disastrous VCM earlier in the summer. I couldn't believe my eyes. A mid-summer marathon that starts with the sun going down and continues into the cool night! For people that want to race in the summer but hate heat, give this one a try. The course is a 5K loop around a lake on a sidewalk. It can be challenging, especially when the light is low, but the small number of runners makes it manageable. Seeing the course mile markers can be hard at times but I didn't care. I was just going for a BQ. Speaking of BQ: If you have to fly (run fast) and need support every 1.5 miles to make sure you meet your goal, this is the one. Any fans that showed up were great. Family members get to cheer you on 8 times as you pass by. The race director and all volunteers were top-notch. They set the example that every marathon, big or small, should follow. They were mainly concerned with one thing: The runner's safety. You can't ask for anything more. Food was the best I've ever seen at any race. There needs to be an evening/night marathon in every state during the summer for those that want something different. I'm off to run my first Boston thanks to this race!

If you like low-key marathons, or if you have a tendency to run into heat problems, this is a great run for you. It's low-key and peaceful (I like quiet runs with less than 500)... however, I even started to feel lonely toward the end. But the neatest thing was that you actually cooled down as the race went on... but not so quickly as to end up with tightening of muscles. Do this run for yourself... not for the medals or t-shirts. This one is an accomplishment because you know you were totally responsible for your performance.

I thoroughly enjoyed doing this race. Even though it's a relatively small race, it had all of the amenities of a larger race. In fact, in most ways, it was administered better than larger races and the logistics of participating were a lot simpler. For example, it was very convenient having the host hotel within a few hundred feet of the start and finish area. Also, since the tent with food and drink were located in the start and finish area, the runners could get whatever food and drink they needed every 3.16 miles. There was also a fluid station about half way around the lake. All of the people "officially" involved in organizing the race and the volunteers were extremely helpful and friendly. Also, it was obvious that they wanted to do the best possible job. Running at night and finishing early the next morning were neat. I'm planning on returning to this race in future years, except next time I may do an ultra instead of the marathon.

My husbands and I did this race for the 1st time, and can hardly wait till next year's race. We can't say enough about these wonderful people that are responsible for this race. We enjoyed the 3.16 loop around the lake each time. Did not get bored with it at all. Some of the fast and ultra runners were lapping us, and all were friendly and talking to us. Lots of fluids, gel, and snacks available every loop. The support people, workers and families, were just awesome. Thanks again to all of you, Larry and Sue Pritchard

A nighttime marathon? Sounds crazy I thought. Run 8 loops of the same course? Never I thought. A mid-summer marathon without much training? Even crazier I thought. Well, Runner's World was correct when the editors recommended this nighttime gem as a member of the top 10 interesting (or odd) marathons in the country. What a fun ride. First, the course is thankfully very flat. As you run loops 1-4 in the light/twilight, you can really learn the landmarks which you need when it gets dark. And it does get dark. About 70% of the course is well lit. The other 30% isn't all bad because you do follow other runners and the passing car headlights also help. Second, the course is very safe on a wide sidewalk. The fun part was passing hundreds of walkers out for a nightly stroll not directly involved in the race. They served as the race cheerleaders. Third, the race organizers really care about this race and it shows. Great attention to detail with ample food, water, Tylenol, pretzels, power gels, fruit, bagels, Gatorade, and on and on. Each time you pass the loop, you pass the support tent. Fourth, yes it's fun for the family. My kids have never been able to see me 8 times running a marathon before (15 previous times). The transition area was in the parking lot of a Best Western with an outdoor pool. Need I say more. Fifth, I'll never chuckle again at a 10k runner who races alongside marathoners in these dual races we marathoners race in. I felt like the 10k guy racing alongside the Ultra runners who shared the race with me. I ran, I finished, I partied a bit, then I went to bed. I woke up and as I ate breakfast, I was still watching the same ultra runners I passed the night before. Good heavens these runners humble me!!!! If you want a fun way to break 4:00, go ahead and try to do it in this race. I bet it's more difficult than you think. I know it was for me... but very satisfying when I did. If a sub-4 is not your deal, enter this race anyway because you can share it with friends and family better. Remember your reflecting wristbands!

Having run twelve marathons prior to this one, I'd always thought that running multiple 5k loops would make it easier to stop running in those tough last miles, but surprisingly, it was the opposite. The idea of having 'only two more loops to go' instead of six miles after running around the lake six times was somehow less daunting. I also was surprised that I enjoyed running at night especially around the lake where the lights of the host hotel could be seen from the opposite side of the course. The ultra-marathoners that you pass along the way serve as a continual inspiration to the mere marathoners. The organization was very good, and guaranteed fans along with race monitors watching your progress at every 5k mark is a boost. This was my thirteenth marathon on Friday the thirteenth, but it was anything but bad luck for me. I enjoyed the race and will have a hard time resisting it next year, as you can't find another one quite like it.

This is a perfect race for runners looking to run a marathon in mid-summer New England. There are not a lot of runners, and it is a relatively flat course, run at night around a lake (8 times). The organizers do a great job in putting it together, and runners get inspiration and encouragement from other runners. 2003 race was run in the rain, in temperatures in the mid 60's. Much cooler than expected. Mile markers, which are painted in the ground, are difficult to see (and easily missed) when the sun goes down. Running at night adds a new element, as you may not be capable of running at top speeds due to uncertainty of terrain ahead. The real warriors of this race are the 24-Hour Ultra Runners, and 24-Hour Ultra Relay Teams. They make the marathon runners look like a bunch of wimps. Overall, I liked the race, the small numbers and the course. I recommend it to all runners looking to improve their racing in mid-summer New England.

This marathon is run simultaneously with a 24-hour ultramarathon and a 24-hour relay. It's basically 5k laps around a lake (Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield). If you don't want to run the marathon, get a team of 8 runners and do the relay. There is nothing like it. You rent a room for your team at the adjoining hotel and you take turns running 5k loops (or doubling up for 10ks at night so others can get some sleep). The loop course means you instantly see where you stand relative to the other teams. An ordeal? Yes. A blast? Yes! You'll end up doing anywhere from 7-11 5Ks over the 24 hours. Try doing one at 2:00 A.M. and you'll know what I mean. Two years ago the relay wasn't decided until a sprint in the final 100 yards. After 24 hours!!! Nice suburban area, but granted, not many people want to run a marathon that way. On the plus side, you're guaranteed a water/food stop every 5k! I ran in the 2003 edition of the relay, not the marathon.

This is run alongside the beginning of a 24 hour relay and ultramarathon, on a flat 5K loop around a lake in a suburban town. Starts in the evening, so the worst of the summer heat is avoided. There are many people around, but few spectators. Most spectators congregate around the Start/Finish/water/food stop. Since it's a short loop course, spectators can see the race at multiple points without moving. Loosely organized. Water only at one point on loop. Lots of fun anyways.