Race Reviews

wer's review of 2023 race.   

Review

The course is not flat, but its not hilly either. Its a double loop, and the only real hill is right at the start (and the half) up from the lake in downtown Burlington. It's not long at all though. Other than that, the course is slight downhill or uphill with a downhill finish. Lots of shade even on a sunny day as it runs on some narrow trails, not just city streets.

Race Tips

The course is quite narrow in spots, and congested at the start. I think it easily could be a BQ course, though.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

I stayed at the Champlain college dorm which is utilitarian but just fine. Small single room with a locking door and shared shower and bathroom. I didn't even see my suite mates until after the race. Very affordable, too. About a mile uphill from the start/finish, which is fine if you take it slowly.

TR's review of 2023 race.   

Review

VCM is a great race. I've run it 6 times over the past 10 years with a few course changes recently. It's a big deal for the town and there is usually a great turnout. It's also well supported from an aid station perspective. The start is a little cramped but it's easy to get as far as you need forward. They do a great job having pacers available for the standard 3:30 and up goal times.

I would argue it's a tough course to PR. It's not flat and the elevation profile doesn't show just how many little ups and downs there are throughout the entire race. There are lots of turns, and overall the pavement is super choppy. Temperature and shade along the route is also now an issue. Expect temps averaging close to 80 now by mid-day over the last few years. Enjoy the route but temper your goal time expectations due to course and weather.

Race Tips

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

NC's review of 2017 race.   

Review

Too little shade along many stretches of road. Now, sun/heat is not a problem in Vermont, but last two years where very warm. '16 was canceled at noon; '17 the start was moved an hour earlier in the day

Race Tips

The "Assault on Battery" is the only real climb and comes at 15.5 miles. It's long and steep at the end. I power-walked it, and I do not think I lost that much time -- but sure saved some strength!

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Book hotel EARLY! Burlington VT is a beautiful city, but I do not think they have sufficient hotel rooms near downtown. You may find yourself way out there.

CF's review of 2017 race.   

Review

Great spectators and friendly course, awesome volunteers. Too many relay runners make the first half challenging to wade through.

Race Tips

Save some energy for the last six miles on the deserted bike path.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

RWM's review of 2017 race.   

Review

VCM is a clover-shaped course, so your friends and family can see you run multiple times and finishes at the lakeside park off Lake Champlain with a fun after-party and great music. The course is filled with very enthusiastic spectators and roadside bands.

Race Tips

The marathon has a pretty winding course, so hit your tangents. It has quite a few hills, but are all manageable. Water station every two miles (about 3-4 gu or banana stops) and quite a few homeowners handing out items too. Like all New England races, the weather and temps can be very different each year. Be smart and use a Pacer, for at least the first half... it will pay-off :) Oh and save some energy for mile 15's Battery Hill!

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Try and get there early and park down near the finish area. It's only a few tenths of a mile up to the start and you'll be happy to have the car close-by after the race :)

BF's review of 2019 race.   

Review

The race was well put on, stunningly beautiful with great support. Definitely not a BQ race, but a bucket list one for sure.

Race Tips

OK, lets get this out of the way, the elevation chart on the race's web page is a lie. The course is much hiller than it shows. There is no less than 9 large hills to climb in the second half of the race, with a number of smaller ones. The official elevation chart makes the course seem A LOT easier than it is. And once you get into the Highlands, the road is very banked and hard to run on. It would be best to drive the course the day before so you can see the course.

Also note that the buses that bring you to the start are the yellow cheese wagons, don't expect charter buses. I only stay this because i heard someone complaining about it. But some people are never happy i guess.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

I would arrive on Thursday or Friday at the latest. The town is wonderful. Make sure to do a shakeout run around the Cannery and Lovers Point. Plenty of wildlife, from Sea otters to harbor seals.

Scott Benbow's review of 2018 race.   

Review

BSIM 2018 was an excellent race. I credit the race organizers who communicated effectively with applicants and runners throughout the registration process. The expo was very well organized. Race day was flawless.

Race Tips

Bring an extra layer to the start, even after you check your bag. It was cold in 2018. BSIM donates any clothing left along the side of the road to local organizations. In 2018, I ditched a pair of trousers that my wife had been asking me to get rid of for years. I showed my appreciation for her meeting me at the finish by announcing that she'd never have to see those trousers again!

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Arrive on Friday or, if you can manage it, on Thursday. There are a lot of fun things to see and do in Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur. I suggest driving the course early on Friday or Saturday morning to get a glimpse of the hills you'll be cursing on Sunday.

SW's review of 2016 race.   

Review

Race Tips

The course is VERY hilly; expect some serious climbs towards the end of the race; expect strong (head-)winds; very scenic course.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

You have to wake up very early, buses to start go around 3:30 a.m.

AMB's review of 2016 race.   

Review

This is a must bucket-list marathon. If the views don't blow you away, the headwinds (literally) will. Point-to-point marathon that is very challenging. In addition to fighting head-winds, there is the 2-mile climb up Deja-Vu to Hurricane Point that will test you. Then you run down to the bridge with the famous grand piano playing. Views of the ocean are spectacular.

Race Tips

Make sure you can deal with hills. This is not a first-time marathon - experienced marathoners only. Regardless, definitely worth it, if you can make it through the lottery.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

You'll need to get up around 2 AM to catch the bus ride to start line. Once you get there, you will wait for a couple of hours in very cold conditions - make sure you bring a jacket to keep warm, prior to the start.

Anonymous's review of 2016 race.   

Review

Race Tips

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)