Sep 28, 2024
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☰
Stowe Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Stowe Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.4 
Organization 4.3 
Spectators 2.8
Number of comments: 25 [displaying comments 11 to 21]
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P. C. from Worcester. MA
(9/15/2004)
"Breathtakingly beautiful! The essence of Vermont." (about: 2004)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Stowe Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was the most scenic marathon course I've run yet. Mountains, farmland, streams and a quaint ski village really convey the essence of Vermont.The 'mountain' was everything I expected on the ascent, worse than I expected on the descent. I never thought I'd be praying for a downhill to end, but this one really did a job on my legs. Thankfully the downhill terrain is soft, as it is a packed dirt road, and two days later, it seems all is healthy, but it made for a difficult last half of the race. The hill is really the highlight of the race, as even the locals recognize it as an extreme challenge. The maid at our hotel gasped at the thought of just walking up Luce hill. Fans turn out to cheer you on as you near the top. I even had little girls throwing flower petals at my feet as I crested the summit. The views are spectacular as you pass Stowe's world famous landmark, the Trapp Family Lodge. Fans and volunteers were friendly and supportive. The organization was very good. The cool, wet towels at the finish were a thoughtful touch. Shower facilities would have made it better. | |
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S. E. from Charlotte, NC
(9/13/2004)
"Breath of fresh air" (about: 2004)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Stowe Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I hesitate to recommend this marathon as strongly as it deserves because it appears to be a great secret. The course is breathtaking. The organizers make you feel personally welcome. The volunteers are super nice. The town is as quaint as can be. The post-race barbeque is really a lot fun and runners seem to almost have a sense of open camaraderie that isn't even possible in the 'big' marathons. The 'big hill' is definitely a challenge. If you don't train on hills, you won't like this hill. If you do train on hills, you'll wonder how much more training you would have needed to take this one confidently. Going down the other side was nearly as challenging as going up. But the moments at the top in front of the Trapp Family Lodge were pure exhilaration. What a view! If you like to see a billion other runners, and gab the whole way, until you cross the finish line, skip this one. You will have wasted your time. This one is for spending a little time with yourself and hunkering in for one of the most beautiful runs, through some of the most beautiful countryside you will ever see on an approved marathon course. This is, simply and fondly, old school. Like when local running clubs used to put on events to share their own running venues with folks from out of town. When the focus was on quality not quantity. Local sponsors, local charities, local charm. Congratulations Stowe Marathon and thanks for a great weekend. | |
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j. d. from Philly, Pa
(12/2/2003)
"If you don't mind hills, this is a wonderful run.." (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I did not prepare for this run as well as I have for other runs, and it showed. The temps change quite a bit (cold at the start, and hot in the final hours). The hills from miles 9-11 were indeed tough, but rewarding, as the views were outstanding. Not many supporters, but the folks who watched were really, really nice. Two major selling points to me: GREAT BBQ at the end - real and good food. It was worth the run for the intimate BBQ at the end; second, the town was GREAT - the cops and people could not have been nicer to the scores of us who held up traffic and ran on their public (and open) bike path. Also, given VT, it just felt healthy to run there as opposed to a city run... | |
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R. M. from Sandy Hook, CT
(9/16/2003)
"Great Small Marathon w/ Vacation Destination" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 The hill was significant; I slowed 3 1/2 minutes off my 7:30 pace to ascend it. I thought it was similar to Pittsburgh's (maybe a little steeper). Scenery was beautiful. Several mountains to gaze at and brooks to watch. Some dirt road running, but nothing rough, and all had been watered so they weren't dusty - and I never got rocks in my shoes. You can PR this race, but your training had better include some hills. Marathon was small, but every aid station had plenty of water, Powerade, and fruit. All intersections were policed to stop traffic. The bike paths were empty as we left, but then populated with bikers and walkers for the last six miles; no near misses, but hard to focus on steering after 20 miles. Not much for spectators, but I'll take serene nature over huge crowds any day. Everyone on course talked to me, though, and encouraged me on. Vacation destination: lots to do for non-runners. We climbed Mt. Mansfield the day before (3 mile hike wasn't in my training plan, but who could resist, and wow! The views!). We stayed at Town & Country Inn, which was lower priced w/ an indoor pool (my boys needed to be able to swim, no matter the weather). They even allowed for late check out, and had a bench along the bike trail, so wife and kids cheered me on at mile 3 and 23. This was a notch for the State of Vermont. 45 more states to go! Previous races: Hartford '01, New Jersey Shore '02, Ocean State '02, & Pittsburgh '03. This race is ideal for people who can run without large numbers of spectators or participants. If you love nature, put it on your calendar. | |
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B. V. from Boston, MA
(9/15/2003)
"That's not a hill... it's a mountain!" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Nice day and a fun run, but ouch!! Miles 9-12 really hurt on the way up and down, and take a lot out of you. Being a city slicker, there was no way to prepare for a mountain. Great warm-up for fall marathons, but don't expect a PR. Not many supporters, but self-motivation is the key. Runners were always there encouraging each other. Organization was outstanding, with plenty of drinks and fruit. I will do it again, but will try some steep incline treadmill work first! | |
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C. B. from south Florida (flat land!)
(9/10/2003)
"Beautiful course, one major climb" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Very friendly production crew compliment this fine course. Too early for fall color, but gorgeous scenery nonetheless. One maaaaajor climb, little over a mile, that duly rewards you with comparably breathtaking vistas as you make an equally steep descent, this time on a high-quality dirt road. Lovely rural scenery. Absolutely recommended! | |
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j. d. from Philadelphia, PA
(9/8/2003)
"It is worth the drive and the hill(s)!!!" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This marathon was great. The organization was wonderful and the local supporters (while low in numbers) made the run fun. The hill from mile 9-11 was tough, but it did break up the run and it did provide additional outstanding views of the state. This is a run for those who want exceptional views, solid organization and a few (big) hills. The BBQ after the run had 'real' food. You felt as if your best friend was having a BBQ for you after the run. Again, the folks who put this together did a great job. I just wish I had been 30 minutes faster on my time... I will blame it on miles 9 through 11. | |
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J. S. from Louisville, Kentucky
(9/8/2003)
"Much improved marathon in 2003" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This marathon is much improved in 2003. The course is now much friendlier for the runner, as was the weather (51 degrees F at the start). There is only one BIG, BIG hill (between 9 and 10 miles), but once you finish that hill, it is easy going the rest of the way. If you run this next year, don't leave early and miss out on the picnic following the race. It features hamburgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, potato chips, popcorn, salad, and beer. There is also a half marathon, which doesn't include the hill. | |
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Nancy Peck - Capozzoli from Sunapee, NH
(9/8/2003)
"Beautiful scenery - great course, but tough!" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 I only ran the 1/2 marathon, but it was a beautiful day yesterday and the beginning is downhill. The hill at the end is pretty tough, but it was a super race. I look forward to doing the marathon! | |
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P. W. from Stowe, Vermont
(6/28/2003)
"All new course for 2003!" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 While last year's race may have been tough, this year the Stowe Marathon is offering an entirely new course through the town of Stowe. Looks to be mighty scenic, and hopefully not as hot. Can't wait to run this race! |
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