Joanie Winborne's Staging Area

Small race, but LOVELY! First 8.5 are super FAST except for the Madison Parkway Bridge/Hoy Rd. between mile 2 and 3, which is a decent incline. Between mile 8 and 10.5 the course is on wooded, paved trails along the Natchez Trace Parkway. This section was a little hillier than I expected, but the shade and scenery was helpful! Miles 11-13 were also surprisingly hilly, but pretty doable! Very cute long sleeved t-shirt, medal, bag and koozie. Not a ton of swag, but I don’t keep much of the “swag” most races claim as perks ( i.e. sponsor samples and stuff). After party was fun/small – good band and free food ( even for family members). Jambalaya w/ rice, hotdogs , drinks, & chips. And of COURSE, the obligatory granola bar and banana!!
PLENTY of parking at the finish line too! I hope folks will consider this race to complete Mississippi. I know that The Mississippi Blues 1/2 and full (Jackson, MS) are popular, as is Biloxi, MS. Madison, MS is a great community – give it a try!!

If you are NOT a local, RESEARCH your travel options. DO NOT fly into Lebanon, NH. However you manage to get here , there are NO UBERS, TAXIS, and FEW rental cars. There is only ONE covered bridge to run under , medal is pretty crappy( doesn’t even acknowledge the state of VT) race swag is less than a 2; post race food is NOTHING!!! Unless you finish sub 2:00– forget it. Too difficult to travel to… just really bummed . Not sure why this race is SO HYPED! Maybe it’s the only one in Vermont? The race website says NO airbuds/ etc- or you will be DISQUALIFIED. Ha! Half the folks had earbuds & Dummy me / rule follower… dint even bring my phone !!! This was one of the MOST disappointing races I’ve done in a while. All I can surmise, is that if you are a local you will have no problem. GOOD LUCK!!!