The Vermont City Marathon is a very well run race. It takes place at the end of May every year in Burlington, Vermont and it has a lot to offer căn hộ win city to both the runners and spectators that might come to watch you run the race.
If you are thinking of running the race next year, here are a few thoughts and observations from when I've run the race that you might want to be aware of as you prepare for race day:
The expo at the Vermont City Marathon is not quite as large as some of the megamarathons such as Boston, but it is larger than most of the ones that you may be used to for races of a similar size. There was a really good mix of national and local businesses represented, and each aisle had things worth stopping and taking a look at.
Spectators were plentiful and spaced out along the course. There were people at every mile cheering, especially in the miles that went near the downtown and Battery Park area where the fans could see the runners a half dozen times without moving too much.
Port-O-Johns were located at many of the water stations. However, they were not always facing in a direction conducive to a runner getting into them from the course, especially because you run down streets from different directions. Not all of them face in odd directions, but enough of them that it's something to be aware of before it becomes a surprise nuisance.
Water is everywhere. I am not sure how many water stops there are, but there are more than enough to keep everybody hydrated on what can turn out to be a very hot day.
Medical stations were also plentiful, being located at every few water stops. There are also signs that let runners know how far until the next medical station which is handy if you are having problems and need some aid.
Music is to be found in quite a few places along the course, most of it live.
Shuttle buses make sure that runners are able to get from the hotels to the start line, although they aren't always large enough to pick everybody up. Taking the shuttle back to the hotel after the race is very easy.
Teico Drummers put on a really great show in the finishing area and at a few points along the course. It's worth going to watch the race just so you can listen to them for a little while.
Maple syrup makes for a great prize to winners, especially if you are fast enough to win some. If not, there are worse places to buy locally made syrup than in Vermont.
Food is plentiful after the race. There is quite a bit of free food for the runners as well as vendors for both runners and spectators. (The soft pretzels are quite good.) You can also find a few ice cream stands within walking distance of the finishing line.
Massages were available after the race and they have a great system for getting runners in. When you finish running, you check in and they write down your number. Then they make you go get food, stretch out, cool down, and dry off. When căn hộ win city you came back, they let you right in based on the order you checked in. It saves a lot of time and effort and lets you get a massage on your schedule and not just having to go right away to try and avoid lines.
These little perks all combine to make the Vermont City Marathon a great experience. Especially if you will have any friends or family traveling with you to watch you run, I highly recommend that you add it to your race calendar next Spring.