Real runner feedback on course feel, crowd support, aid stations, and logistics (parking, hotels, restaurants).
Gorgeous course with most of the hard work late in the first half of the race. The hard packed dirt was totally runnable. Plenty to drink on the course
I walked a minute each mile and was able to do almost all the walking on up hills. Get to the 1/2 way point without any heavy breathing and you'll do fine on this course.
Stayed in Bennington, drove to the start where there was plenty of parking. Busses left frequently after the race. Really good post race spread including excellent chocolate milk. The ceramic medal is really nice and hangs from my bathroom mirror. No faint praise, 'cause I give most of my medals away.
Beautiful scenery, awesome volunteers and race staff, challenging course, good weather, and the best post-race spread of any race I've run! Nice medals, OA awards and VT maple syrup!
The course isN't mostly downhill the second half- there's still a lot of UP! But it's beautiful, and well worth the run!
Stayed in Bennington the night before, plenty of places to eat and it was a breeze to get there!