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Vermont City Marathon Reviews
Vermont City Marathon
4.7 Stars from
10 Runners
Fun race but a difficult to PR (6x Finisher)
By TR about 2023
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.
4 /
5 Stars
Beautiful run along Lake Champlain
By wer about 2023
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.
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.
5 /
5 Stars
Great course, awesome fans, beautiful features.
By VCM about 2017
Review
One large hill at mile 15, last 3 miles along Lake Champlain on a bike path. Miles 4-7 are rather boring because of an out and back on a split highway.
5 /
5 Stars
Great race experience
By Mark Foley about 2017
Review
Cloverleaf course, great scenery, great crowd support
Race Tips
Pacing groups are really helpful preparing for unexpected hills
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!
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 :)
5 /
5 Stars
By CF about 2017
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.
4 /
5 Stars
By NC about 2017
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!
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.
5 /
5 Stars
By AO about 2016
Review
My First marathon, I loved the city, and the support. I loved the varied terrain of the course, from city streets, to rolling hills, to the burbs with their parties. I hated the heat, I hated blowing up, and I hated not getting an official time due to course closure. I don't think the organizers could have done anything differently, it was just a terrible day to run a marathon. The weather did not cooperate.
Race Tips
Be prepared to be exposed. There isn't a ton of shade on course, wear sunscreen, and be aware of the crazy New England weather which sees 40-80* days.
Don't worry about down town parking, there is plenty to be had, just get there early to avoid road closures. The design of the course doubles back and around, so there are opportunities to see the race multiple times from the same location. Also, be aware there are a ton of non marathoners, which make the course filled with a variety of expierence / and fatigue level folks, not just folks at your pace, which can alter your perception of the course. Nothing worse than someone 2 miles in when you are 18 deep and feeling the wall.
4 /
5 Stars
By NPG about 2016
Review
The lake and Adirondacks are gorgeous, the crowds are dense and super-supportive in the neighborhoods, the cloverleaf shape is fun, and the aid stations are really well-run.
Race Tips
Don't underestimate the hills on the out-and back on Rt. 127 (miles 4-9 or so). It's very exposed and the perspective can throw of your read of the road.
It's hard to get downtown and parking is a bear. Give yourself plenty of time and anticipate a bit of a hassle getting back out of the crowd unless you're finishing sub-2:45.
5 /
5 Stars
By JP about 2012
Review
Very scenic, enthusiastic crowd, beautiful town, good volunteer support. The only downside is the emphasis on relay racing. Tough to have droves of fresh runners bounding by you 20+ miles into your race.
Race Tips
Rather twisty the first 2-3 miles. Stay away from relay exchange zones. Biggest hill about 14-15 miles in.
Fun race but a difficult to PR (6x Finisher)