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@DanForward

Brookline, MA Raving since 2017 Active 6 years, 9 months ago

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Personal Bests (1)

Race Distance Location Date Result
Marathon Carrabassett Valley, ME May 21, 2017 2:50:08

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Race Distance Location Date Paid

Past Races (1)

Race Distance Location Date Result My Raves My Performance
Marathon Carrabassett Valley, ME May 21, 2017 2:50:08

My Raves

Sugarloaf is a net-downhill course in an average temperature in the 50s Fahrenheit (~12 degrees Celsius). In 2017, a little over 700 people finished the marathon. The course is flat … MORE

Sugarloaf is a net-downhill course in an average temperature in the 50s Fahrenheit (~12 degrees Celsius). In 2017, a little over 700 people finished the marathon. The course is flat for about 5 miles, rises over the next 5 with two challenging hills coming at about mile 8 and 9.5 (my slowest mile was mile 9, a 7:01, 29 seconds slower than my overall average), then descends for the final 16. The drop is steep at first (6:15 and 6:05 miles for 11 and 12), but then becomes gradual, with an especially good stretch between miles 14 and 20. There are some very slight inclines in the last 6 miles, but all of them are paired with accompanying downhills right afterward. It’s a great course–it’s rated something like the 30th fastest marathon in the US.

Depending on your speed, it may be tough to find people to run with. I was alone from mile 12 onward (2:50 got me 6th place). If you’re hunting for a BQ, though, there should be a good pack to settle in with. I would definitely recommend running with someone else if it all possible, because it’s a lonely road from the start to the finish–you’re on the shoulder of a major route in Maine the entire time. I never ever felt unsafe (and I didn’t find the camber too much trouble), but it can get monotonous, even though you’re amid a lot of natural beauty.

Organization is great–the packet pick-up is very simple with no unnecessary frills, and the staging area at the start is perfect. Room to jog around, plenty of restrooms, and buses to sit in that will keep you warm. I highly recommend staying at the Sugarloaf Mountain Resort because the shuttle buses to the start leave from there, and the buses at the finish will bring you back. Don’t procrastinate on reserving a room or you’ll be out of luck.

Sugarloaf is definitely a wintertime area, so not a lot of stuff is open at the time of the race. There’s a market at the finish line, and I suggest bringing your own food. If you’re inclined to go out, eat at the Looney Moose cafe or the tavern at the resort.

I loved this race. I’m sure that my view is biased because I ran a good race, but I’ve also run enough marathons to know what makes one a positive experience. There is no stress associated with getting to the start line of this one. Head up to Maine on Friday, stretch out your legs, drive the course, and relax until you have to make your way to the shuttle buses. When you cross the finish line, relax in the field at the end and watch everyone else come in. I desperately want to go back next year to give the 15k a shot.

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