Ashley C's Staging Area

First of all, I will say the scenery involved in this race was the best part! Very green and beautiful next to the river. There are hilly areas, but not the worst. The spectators and entertainment were fun in some areas. Not a horrible morning for beginning of the race, but heat and humidity made it quite warm by the end of it. Really, no surprise there. I will say that their production to keep this race going as they have it, does work fairly well, but its not really an enjoyable or unique experience.
I would not consider doing this race again. It’s unreasonably expensive to sign up for right away. Their swag is boring and has not changed in YEARS. Not creative or unique. They did make a mistake on their medals this year, but its not a big deal. No apologies anyway for it even though the gesture is appreciated. No expo – only race day pick up and you have to be there incredibly early to pick it up, then sit and wait too long for the race to start (sat for two hours). They were not wrong warning you about their traffic, but it was quite BS when it took 50 MINUTES to get out of the designated parking lot only to drive one mile down the road to my hotel. I was told not to walk there according to the locals, because there was not enough space allotted for pedestrians (and can be dangerous during high traffic times). They were correct. A lot of people in a small place, understandable, but this was just ridiculous. Line for post race beer was entirely too long to wait, also considering the traffic line you have to wait in to get out. Post race snacks were provided, but nothing individually wrapped to grab and go. They were cheap enough to provide majority of large tubs where everybody sticks their nasty, sweaty hands in them for grabs. People are disgusting! No thanks! There are much better races to sign up for in Vermont that are much more worth the money and time spent being there.

REVEL puts on an amazing race and this was their first go for this one in NH! It was downhill, which makes it so much easier to tolerate. I just wish we could have ran down the famous Kancamagus Highway during the changing of the colors in the trees in the fall. This was one of my better times even though I was not putting in much effort. The marathon went on during the half, as well. Some of them got to witness wildlife involving a moose! The scenery was beautiful even though it was gloomy. Before start time, it was a bit cold having to wait, BUT… It made for a very nice, cool temp for running. Having the best company during the race made the time go very quickly, including my running bestie and other fellow runners. Hydration stations were perfectly placed along the route. After party was fun, exciting, comfortable and was able to have conversations with several out of state runners. Swag was awesome and their expo was not bad. Loved this race!

Believe when you hear that this race is a great half marathon to run. The production was phenomenal. They make each and every year as unique as possible, as themes for it change every time. Swag is awesome. Medals are HUGE. After party is huge, with food and drinks being plentiful. I was quite impressed with everything they had to offer compared to other races. They were concerned with it being too hot for the marathon and for participants of the half marathon, as well. So, they moved the race to 2 hours earlier to be safe. I had no complaint about that, as it meant being able to get done earlier and my time recovering afterward before having to checkout and head to the airport. There was a lot of support and entertainment along the race. A lot of spectators. Not the prettiest views everywhere in town, but some areas were nice. Especially, some of the neighborhoods. I may do this race again in the future if I can. It was well worth a visit!

I thoroughly enjoyed this race. I did it in Nov 2023 during a double state weekend. The energy I felt from all of the spectators made me want to come back again one day. They were the reason I did so well mentally and physically. I even did better during this race compared to the half marathon I did the day before. Some hills. It was through the city, so it wasnt very scenic. They had AMAZING swag at the expo and an awesomely huge finisher medal. They had free cooked samples of food at the expo, and music and activities to go with it. Post race party was epic. You get a choice of your free beer if you choose to have one. Lots of music and excitement. Shuttles take you back to your car at the start line and ran very smoothly.

I did this race back in 2022. It was a lot of fun even though I did roll my ankle while running it, and dealing with the occasional wet, muddy mess. VR did well in forewarning us and keeping us updated with potential weather. They had our safety as priority and had to change the route due to this. It was on trail-based terrain, provided by tracks made from a tractor. That did make it more difficult to run on and had to pay attention to where I was running. It was beautiful running on this pathway surrounded by trees and around rivers. Mountain scenery off in the distance. It is bear country, but none were seen and not worried about them at all. It was open enough to see through at a distance. Enough people around to make it comfortable and safe. The morning was nice and cool for the race. I would do this race again.

This was the first time running this race in my own town. While it is a small race, the directors put on a good production for it. They dont have an expo, but you pick up your race bib and shirt at the local rec center. Its quick and smooth. You do get to see the mountains in the distance and run through part of the neighborhoods. Hydration stations are enough. It was warm that morning, but more so closer to finishing time. They had music and a small after party with a beer garden, as well, in the park. I enjoy doing this race occasionally.