Race Information
Name: Vermont City Marathon Date: May 26, 2024 Distance: 26.2 miles Location: Burlington, Vermont Website: www.vermontcitymarathon.org Finish Time: 3:49:46 Weather: Clear skies, 65°F at start, 74°F at finish, sunny
Training
I’m a 41-year-old runner working toward running a marathon in all 50 states, with Vermont as my fourth. I followed an 18-week training plan, peaking at 55 miles per week, including long runs up to 20 miles and weekly tempo runs. Unfortunately, I layered P90x3 workouts into my prep, which left my legs sore going into race day—a risky choice I made to fit the program into my summer schedule. Despite this, the core strength from P90x3 improved my running mechanics, and I aimed to break 3:50 while enjoying Burlington’s lakeside charm. My neuroscience studies at the University of New Hampshire kept me busy, but online summer classes gave me the flexibility to train.
Pre-Race
I drove 90 minutes from New Hampshire, arriving in Burlington mid-morning on Saturday. I skipped the pricey DoubleTree hotel ($400/night) and camped in my truck with a futon and a sleeping bag—a budget-friendly routine I’ve come to enjoy. Packet pickup at the DoubleTree’s expo was chaotic with crowded lines, and I got a V-neck shirt instead of my medium T, destined for my closet of unworn race swag. I scoped out Waterfront Park, the race’s start and finish, but struggled to pinpoint the starting line. Parking was tricky; I opted for street parking near Battery Street over the cramped Waterfront lot. That evening, I relaxed in the hotel’s atrium with a good book and felt excited but concerned about my sore legs and the looming Battery Street hill.
Race
Miles 1-5: Slow Start and Southside Vibes
The race began at 7:15 AM in Waterfront Park, but a critical error—skipping a bathroom break before arriving at the race—left me stuck in a massive porta-potty line. I barely made the crowded corral, starting near the 5-hour pacers, far behind my 3:45 goal pace. The first 0.25 miles were a 12-minute crawl through the bottleneck. The course followed Lake Street south, past restaurants and the train station, then up a hill toward downtown. Crowds cheered from residential sidewalks, and by mile 4, we hit Oak Ledge Park, buzzing with spectators. My sore legs felt stiff, but I settled into an 8:40-8:50 pace by mile 5 on the Island Line Trail.
Miles 6-13: Northbound and Maple Syrup Magic
The trail headed north along Lake Champlain, a paved path parallel to old train tracks. Volunteers at Waterfront Park guided us through the figure-8 course’s twists, avoiding confusion as faster runners lapped. At mile 8, the infamous Battery Street hill loomed. Despite my sore legs, I powered up, thanks to P90X3’s strength benefits. By mile 9, we entered a residential neighborhood off North Avenue, where the crowd support was unreal—residents handed out juice, popsicles, and Vermont maple syrup in tiny cups. I downed two, feeling an instant energy surge, and sped through sprinklers and cheering crowds, hitting the halfway mark at 1:54:30.
Miles 14-20: Second Loop and Heating Up
The second loop retraced the southbound route through Burlington’s neighborhoods and Oak Ledge Park. The heat climbed to 74°F, and my heavy sweating had me worried about dehydration. I stopped at the mile 15 water station near the train station, chugging water and Gatorade. My energy stayed high, fueled by crowd cheers and the May vibrancy—green leaves, blooming flowers, and summer’s promise. At mile 20, the Battery Street hill reappeared. Surprisingly, I surged up it, passing walkers, my legs holding strong despite earlier soreness.
Miles 21-26.2: Syrup Salvation and Strong Finish
The sun scorched North Avenue’s open stretch, and my hamstrings tightened. I fixated on the Mile 22 neighborhood, craving more maple syrup. The crowds were even louder, with sprinklers and hoses cooling us down. The syrup tent was still stocked, and two more cups reignited my energy. I laughed through the chaos of cheers and water sprays, a memory etched forever. By mile 24, the Island Line Trail offered quiet, but the heat was intense. At mile 26, hearing the finish line crowd, I sprinted across the grass, crossing at 3:49:46—a new PR.
Post-Race
The Waterfront Park after-party was lively, with vendors and grassy areas for recovery. I grabbed water, skipped the Gatorade, and lay in the sun, wishing I had my phone to check family messages (left in the truck with my forgotten running belt). The finisher’s medal, with M&T Bank’s logo, felt overly branded but well-crafted. I hobbled back to my truck, elated and not noticing a foot pain that later revealed a toe injury. Driving home to New Hampshire, I reflected on my strongest marathon yet and planned to ramp up training to 70 miles per week for future races.
Reflections
The Vermont City Marathon’s crowd support was unmatched, with maple syrup shots and sprinklers stealing the show. The figure-8, double-loop course was well-marked but challenging in the heat, especially the Battery Street hill at mile 20. Organization was solid, though porta-potty shortages and expo chaos were drawbacks. Forgetting my running belt was a rookie mistake, but the course’s nutrition offerings saved me. This race, my fourth of 50 states, was a memorable step in my journey, blending Burlington’s charm with small-town hospitality. I’d recommend it for its vibrant atmosphere and lakeside views, but watch out for the heat and arrive early for facilities!
What’s Next?
The toe injury post-race paused my running, but I’m recovering and will hopefully heal up in time for a fall marathon. Vermont’s community spirit and scenic course make it a top pick for a 50-state quest.
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