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☰
Mad Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Mad Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.6 
Organization 4.7 
Spectators 3.9
Number of comments: 83 [displaying comments 41 to 51]
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Ed Robins from Philadelphia, PA
(7/16/2013)
"Super scenic and super challenging" (about: 2013)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Mad Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 If you read more than 2 comments you get the idea about this race. Small, very scenic, very challenging and very well run. Packet pick-up is very easy. There is a booth or two but runners shouldn't expect to be able to buy last minute supplies. I walked across the street and took in the Arts festival after I got my packet. I really enjoyed that. Waitsfield is a lovely small town. But they don't have much by way of accommodations. I signed up late for this race and had to stay in Barre. That was only 35 minutes away and it was cheaper than the local B and B's. But if you want to be minutes from the race start book early. I agree with the comment that this race should start earlier. As a July race anything that could help mitigate the heat really should be tried. This year it was very humid but luckily we had overcast skies which helped with the heat. The race as perhaps you've heard is very hilly. I live in a hilly area so I'm usually prepared for a hilly race but I wasn't prepared for these hills. I ran very modestly or I would've completly blown up. Luckily most of the hills are in the first 17 miles so if you're Ok there you can make it to the finish line. The race is as scenic as advertised. Runners are treated with farmlands and beautiful views of the green mountains. We also get to run through two covered bridges (each twice). I'm not sure if pretty scenery takes away any of the pain away from steep hills but it certainly can't hurt. :) The race is small (300 plus in full and 400 plus in half) so pre-race arrival is easy. There was plentiful, near by parking with folks helping direct cars to the lots. There could have been a few more port-a-johns pre-race as the line got very long as 7:00 neared. After the first mile or so the roads are open but this is never an issue. Traffic is super scarce and every driver I saw was very accomidating to the runners. There were plenty of aid stops the first 20 miles but I felt as though I could've used one or two more down the stretch. The volunteers at these stops were great and water was always in plain cups and gatorade in cups marked that way. That is so helpful! Also the water and gatorade was always cold! So helpful on a hot humid day. I saw gel at some stops but I carry my own so I'm not sure how many stops handed them out. To the previous comment who said he couln't find vaseline I got some at an aid station. The post-race set up was nice. Pools to soak tired feet and a fully stocked table of traditional post race food. I'm a slow runner (5 hours) and of course all the halfers had finished but there was still plenty of food. A sign of a well run race. Thanks! You get a tech shirt and nice but nothing special medal (if that's important to you). | |
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M. N. from Philadelphia, PA
(7/12/2013)
"Amazing fun!" (about: 2013)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Mad Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is one of my favorite marathons!!! The community truly welcomes the event. The scenery and wonderful runners and volunteers made this event memorable. The course was hilly, as many other people note, but if you go into the race with a laid back attitude it certainly won't kill you. I ran this race in 4:15 (I ran a 3:24 in the fall) and it was worth the extra time to talk to other runners and volunteers and take in the beauty (definitely stop at the beer aid station at mile 23). The aid stations were plentiful and enthusiastically staffed and the spectators (although few and far between) were lively. The kiddie pool to soak your legs and the beer garden at the end are icing on the cake. The RD definitely listened to all of the feedback and made some important adjustments - more port-o-pots, more diverse food at the finish, and better race t-shirt. I recommend this race to anyone who does not need lots of fan support and wants a challenge. Thanks for the great experience Mad Marathon! | |
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p. w. from marietta GA
(7/10/2013)
"dont expect a PR - or even a steady pace" (about: 2013)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Mad Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was a great small town race, supported by the entire community it seems. The people were friendly all around. There is just such a neat vibe in Vermont/New England that you get here. For the race... PROS: organization was great- good traffic and people control friendly - the race director hugs each finisher - where else will you find that? tech shirt - different mens and womens (nice touch) no traffic to speak of on the course ample aid stations very nice finish area with good food and drink - and plenty of it, which is always a concern for marathoners when there is also a half taking place CONS no medical aid stations that i saw, and i was in need of some vaseline COURSE both a pro and con loved the remote solitude after the half/full split. almost thought i went the wrong way b/c did not see anyone in front of me, a nice change from the crowded big city races hills - i am from a hilly area, and i was still beat up by the hills on the first half. mile markers were not in correct locations for some of the miles (#6-10) made it very difficult to run pace, especially because hills throw your pace off anyway. very scenic and quiet - once again a nice change from the big city races did not like that marathoners came back into the pack of half runners after approx 2.5 mi further out and back - it just further messed up my pace (the racer in me) Overall - a great race, but dont expect a fast time. I ran 3:24 after running 3:07 at Pittsburg in May (not a flat course) | |
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S. K. from Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
(7/10/2013)
"Challenging race located in a quiet little town" (about: 2013)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Mad Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The race was based in Waitsfield, Vermont, population 1,700. Throw in a bunch of crazy runners and the population doubled over the weekend. This was the 3rd running of the Mad River Half & Full Marathon. Organization was excellent given the age of the race. Dori, RD, really put on a good show. She even was at the finish line personally thanking every runner. I have only run one other race where this was done. Such a nice touch. The course was very challenging, the hills began just after mile 1 and seemed like they never ended. We did run thru two covered bridges. Lots of water stops. Even some of the local homeowners set up independent water stops. The finish line had a nice layout. Plenty of food at the finish line. Apple cider, water, gatorade, fruit, apple cider donuts, chips, sliced oranges. The bling was nice, but definitely room for improvement. Why? Cause overall this was an all around great run, and I feel like the medal should match the energy. The Tech shirt was nice but similar to what other races offer. They did provide a reuseable grocery bag, which was nice. Given the warms temps, a 6am start would have been greatly appreciated. And adding cold chocolate milk to the finish line refreshment would be a big plus. The owners at the Yellow Farmhouse Inn, got up extra early to provide morning snacks as well as left food for after the race for all of us running. They even came out to cheer us on. The entire town really supported the race and everyone participating. Mad Marathon was a wonderful destination race and I would highly recommend it. Thank you Dori and volunteers! | |
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D. G. from Cranston, RI
(7/10/2013)
"Beautiful, Challenging Race" (about: 2013)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Mad Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 The Mad Marathon lived up to its reputation. The course is beautiful but it is challenging. Definitely be well prepared to run hills...a lot of them...up AND down. The scenery does serve as a well needed distraction from the work you need to do on those hills. The numerous water stops were well stocked with wonderful, supportive volunteers. There were not a lot of spectators on the course, hence the 2 star rating. That said, the spectators that were out there were very supportive of the runners. This was a very well run event...not just the marathon, but the whole weekend worth of activities...from the number pick up, to the free music and activities, to the free race day parking. My thanks and congratulations to Dori, the race director,her staff, and all of the volunteers for a job well done. | |
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D. V. from Iowa City, IA
(7/9/2013)
"Quads of Steel!" (about: 2013)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Mad Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Finished this 2 days ago. Coming from Iowa (having done Twin Cities, Chicago, and Grandma's marathon), I was a little unprepared for the Green Mountains. Our state is devoid of hills of this magnitude. These are some big, long hills, and you'll need quads of steel to conquer this course. The good news is that if you can make it through 16.5 miles, the last part has a lot of downhill. My quads were toast after 18 miles, so the last 8 just added insult to injury :-) With that said, the abundant aid stations, quiet, beautiful scenery, and some strategic walking made this my most rewarding marathon finish, even though it was significantly slower than my PR in Chicago of 3:39. I ran this in 4:15, but I had to stop/work out quad cramps from mile 18 to the finish(quad issues were probably from not doing enough hill work and spending the 4th in Boston where it was 100 degrees and not getting enough sodium back in). This is a rewarding/challenging race. Even though there are more cows/sheep than spectators along most of the course, the aid stations and comraderie with the other runners are enough to keep you moving forward. I highly recommend it, especially if you're into camping/outdoors/nature/beer/ice cream. If you want Broadway shows and dance clubs, then obviously, Vermont will not be your thing :-) | |
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Jason Couture from Essex Jct., Vermont
(7/8/2013)
"Amazing small town race!" (about: 2013)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Mad Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 The course is very challenging with beautiful mountain and countryside scenery the entire race. Well organized, with surprisingly strong spectator support. This is one of the most fun races I have run. Highly recommend it. | |
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A. S. from Houston, TX
(7/17/2012)
"great New England run" (about: 2012)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Mad Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 First, I agree with the other runners who noted that if you enjoy running, challenge, and nature, run this marathon, but if you're looking for hoopla, merchandise or a fast time, it may not be for you. Pluses: -Organization and support were good with friendly volunteers and good fluid stops. They had cold watermelon at a couple of them - very welcome as it was warm out. -Mechanics were easy - convenient parking and signup. -Beautiful New England surroundings - allow some extra time to enjoy. -Great course with plenty of hills, bucolic Vermont scenery. Without taking so many pictures, I would have won my age group (ho,ho) -camaraderie among runners, a very friendly group. (relative) Minuses- -Food - limited free food at finish, carbo dinner at the official inn was not a great value, but I'd recommend it anyway - very friendly, a good chance to meet other runners and the race director. Don't know about carbo dinners at other participating restaurants. -Not many inexpensive rooms near the course. -I agree with one of last year's runners that this 'most beautiful marathon' stuff is a bit much (especially that it's trademarked). It is, however, certainly a beautiful marathon. | |
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J. M. from Minnesota
(7/16/2012)
"A tough marathon in a beautiful setting." (about: 2012)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Mad Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This was by far the most challenging marathon course I have faced in over 30 different races. If you are a runner who loves quaint towns, friendly race organizers & volunteers, and a well done small race, this is it. The course was clearly marked and staffed with volunteers. Aid stations were frequent and well staffed. While the spectators were few, they were still great! Only sorry I didn't stop at the beer station at mile 23. Dori, the RD, was first class contacting us prior to our visit to see if we needed anything. As we had made arrangements to stay at the West Hill House B&B we were all set. The Inn keepers were delightful, accommodating, and knowledgable. Definitely happy we stayed there and not simply at Sugar Bush. Breakfasts were delicious and allowed us to meet other runners. The complimentary pre-race carbo dinner was just perfect. Susan & Peter, the Inn keepers, even provided us with an early breakfast on race morning. Make sure to plan extra days for hiking and dinner at American Flatbread. | |
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M. C. from Albany, NY
(7/16/2012)
"A jewel of a Discovery" (about: 2012)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Mad Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I only found this marathon the week before. I am training for an August marathon in Iceland and thought I'd do it as a long training run. I (and my husband who ran the Half) had a wonderful time. From the hospitality of our hosts, Peter and Susan Mc Laren at the West Hill House B&B, to the ease of packet pick up, the great shirt ( one I will actually wear because they were thoughtful enough to have separate male/female fits), to the hugely enjoyable village experience, the race morning hum and then..... the course! Oh, yes it's hilly...but the rural surroundings, the vistas, the farmland.... a total break from urban running. You won't get a PR, but it is very doable. The volunteers both in number and enthusiasm were outstanding and the finish line at a covered bridge was spectacular. Great medal too. This is a very special marathon and I look forward to making it an annual event - trying for my own PR on this course. Our hosts were super-geared to the race. The West Hill Inn was full with runners (we were lucky to get a cancelation) and they put on a great pasta dinner and early breakfast. Don't miss the Farmer's Market on the Saturday. This marathon is only in its second year and should grow exponentially as word gets out. It is one of the few mid-summer in New England. So get there before the crowds - although with the numbers of volunteers and general involvement of the community they could accommodate many more people in both races |
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