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 … MORE
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.
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Not worth the hype!
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 … MORE
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.
Billed as the Best 13.1 miles in NE
Billed as the best 13.1 miles in New England, the Covered Bridges Half Marathon in Woodstock, VT. Without a doubt it was the most scenic course I ever ran, which … MORE
Billed as the best 13.1 miles in New England, the Covered Bridges Half Marathon in Woodstock, VT. Without a doubt it was the most scenic course I ever ran, which says a lot since this was my 50th half marathon in 12 states. I understand why runners from all over the country (3 from Delaware) sold out the registration for this race faster than a Taylor Swift concert. Well organized. Friendly staff and runners.
Well-run race
Mostly downhill course. Only ran through one covered bridge but ran by a few others. Communication pre-race was good. Organization to get everyone to the start location was excellent. Plenty … MORE
Mostly downhill course. Only ran through one covered bridge but ran by a few others. Communication pre-race was good. Organization to get everyone to the start location was excellent. Plenty of water/gatorade stops along the route. The post-race food and activities were good. I liked that they had a results tent where you could print out your individual result.
Beautiful scenery, boring second half
If you want a race with beautiful scenery, this is a good one. Vermont is a beautiful state in general, and this took you through the heart of the countryside. … MORE
If you want a race with beautiful scenery, this is a good one. Vermont is a beautiful state in general, and this took you through the heart of the countryside. That being said, after the first 10K, it got boring real quick. There are three covered bridges but you only get to cross one of them. The course has rolling hills, with one major hill.
My main issues had to do with runner drop off and pick up. We got stuck in the runner parking traffic, but once we got past that it was fine. There wasn’t any information about runner pick up after the race. My ride had to park before 10:00 and wait for well over an hour for me to finish. I would have rather just finished then jump in the car without my ride having to wait for me.
The highlight of the race was a dog named Hank that we met in Woodstock around mile 4 and he was a very good boy!
Beautiful, well organized race
This was my second time running it, and I’m a huge fan. The race was super well organized, really pretty, and great after party. The shirt was nice, and tons … MORE
This was my second time running it, and I’m a huge fan. The race was super well organized, really pretty, and great after party. The shirt was nice, and tons of post race snacks.
Yes, it’s not the easiest race to get to or lots of hotel options but you’re going up to small towns in VT / NH – not really sure what else you’d expect…
Over hyped - not travel friendly
I was so excited to do this race mainly because it was hyped as being so hard to get registered for (you have about 5 minutes on a specific day … MORE
I was so excited to do this race mainly because it was hyped as being so hard to get registered for (you have about 5 minutes on a specific day to register before it sells out) but was disappointed overall. First – it’s very hard to get to this area if you are flying. Also – hotel choices and pre-race restaurants are very limited. The race offered a pre-race dinner but it was a 30 minute drive from the town with all the hotels. There is no pre-race pickup or expo – everything is done the morning of the race. Also you must provide your own gear check bag (how cheap) I must admit the scenery was beautiful but note that you only run across one covered bridge. Two major hills. Plenty of water stations. Great crowd support and volunteers. I’m a slow runner so by the time I finished – there was not much of an after party. The transportation system to the start line and finish parking lot was good and timely. The medal and shirt were just ok – I didn’t get the size I ordered because they ran out. This race is for local runners who can get there by driving. If you need Vermont – this is probably the race to do – just don’t expect too much.
Over rated . So sad to say- overhyped
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 … MORE
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!!!
Beautiful but hilly
This is a really nice race through the hills, very pretty. The hill at mile 8 is a tough one though. Great support, nice after race. Space is limited so … MORE
This is a really nice race through the hills, very pretty. The hill at mile 8 is a tough one though. Great support, nice after race. Space is limited so make sure you sign up when entries open. Otherwise there is an option to get sponsorship and run as a member of a fundraising team. But the hat? (No T shirt). Not a fan as I would rather have the T shirt.
The most beautiful, scenic 1/2...
From start to finish this race was impeccably organized. My goal was just to enjoy this course, the scenery, and to run with friends! That is exactly what i did. … MORE
From start to finish this race was impeccably organized. My goal was just to enjoy this course, the scenery, and to run with friends! That is exactly what i did. Plenty of water stops, course support and great crowds. Although you only “run” through one covered bridge, you do see at least 2 more…however, the course is just beautiful!
Great Race and well run
I recommend this race to anyone who wants to run a point to point run in the county side. It is named Covered Bridges and it would be more accurately … MORE
I recommend this race to anyone who wants to run a point to point run in the county side. It is named Covered Bridges and it would be more accurately named covered Bridge as we only ran though one bridge.
Lives up to the hype
This race has been on my bucket list for a couple of years now. You have to register within a few minutes of the registration opening or you won't get … MORE
This race has been on my bucket list for a couple of years now. You have to register within a few minutes of the registration opening or you won’t get a spot. I didn’t, and had to go through one of the charities (which requires raising $500). Rarely do races I find on “must do” or “best of…” lists live up to the hype. This one does. It’s a pretty course, the race organization is superb, the post-race recovery snacks and drinks are varied and plentiful, and the aid stations were also good. The only thing I didn’t like about this race – and it’s something that simply cannot be changed due to the location of the start line – is having to take a shuttle up to the start. This means you have to get up an hour or two earlier than you normally would (or at least earlier than I normally would) to get to the race on time.
The course itself is very pretty. I think we only ran on one covered bridge, and maybe saw or passed two or three more. But that doesn’t take away from the quality of this race. I’ve done 40+ half marathons and this was the best one so far and it wasn’t even close.
Perhaps the best part for me personally was that I ran my second best time ever. I’d read about the beauty of this course, but don’t recall reading that it’s a PR course. There are a few rolling hills, and one short and steep hill on mile 8 (that I walked), but other than that it’s a very fast course. Although I’ve had a single race time that is faster, by four minutes, this is the only race where all of my miles were under 9 minutes. And it’s also the only race I’ve ever done where my fastest mile was my final mile.
The swag. The typical t-shirt of course, finishers medal, and also a snapback mesh trucker’s hat. Highly recommend this race. I’ll be going back.
Beautiful course, but no expo
This was a very nice and small (2000 runner) race. The race was more difficult than I expected with rolling hills. The scenery was very nice. Although this was not … MORE
This was a very nice and small (2000 runner) race. The race was more difficult than I expected with rolling hills. The scenery was very nice. Although this was not really a problem, it does seem odd that they do not have an expo (I needed to buy a forgotten armband) the day before. The bibs are given out at the start of the race and you get your t shirt at the finish line.
Beautiful race in Vermont
This is a beautiful course, the trees, grass so very green and so nice when you get to run by the water. You will go through one covered bridge and … MORE
This is a beautiful course, the trees, grass so very green and so nice when you get to run by the water. You will go through one covered bridge and pass two others. Amazing volunteer and police support, the community really comes out to help make the half marathon a success. Quite a few inclines, but, what goes up must come down. I would say it’s more downhill than uphills. The most significant being Mile 5 is a gradual uphill and mile 8 a short but steep incline.
I’m a slower runner and was supported till the very end, which is always a bonus!!! Thanks to the covered bridges race committee for assuring all runners have a good race. I would recommend.
Good to know information: It sells out fast, so if you don’t get in, you can register through one of the charities.
More bridges!!
Ok, so my biggest complaint with this race was the fact that we saw only three covered bridges?!?! And ran over only one. Maybe my expectations were just wildly off … MORE
Ok, so my biggest complaint with this race was the fact that we saw only three covered bridges?!?! And ran over only one. Maybe my expectations were just wildly off base, but I left super disappointed. The countryside was very pretty, at least. VT is gorgeous and my friends and I really enjoyed our weekend, so overall it was a fun experience, the race just left something to be desired.
Course itself is hilly and there aren’t a ton of spectators in some spots, but on the whole, I’m glad I did this for my VT race (just wish I’d tempered my expectations a bit).
Gorgeous Run (I just ran too slow)
This race is known as the best half marathon in New England, and having run it I can see why! The course is beautiful (even in absurd humidity), and the … MORE
This race is known as the best half marathon in New England, and having run it I can see why! The course is beautiful (even in absurd humidity), and the race organizers have their logistics down to a science. There is almost no way to bandit this race, since you have to take a bus to the starting line, where you pick up your bib. I think my only complaint about the start was that runners (including me) started lining up before the pacers jumped in, so I started with a pacer that was going too fast for the beginning of my race, and blew up my race plan at Mile 4. The course was beautiful, and while it described as net downhill, it did not feel it (especially at the hill at Mile 8 that needed stairs, it was so steep). The spectators were congregated in certain areas, so you did run through a lot of quiet areas too. Like the rest of the race, the finish was well organized and nicely stocked with recovery treats. Another bonus to the organization- pick-up of your finisher shirt after your medal in the finisher chute.
Special thinks to the race directors for putting my newly-pregnant friend’s mind at ease the day before!
Halfway there!
I ended up making this my 25th state on my 50 state mission. I literally watched the countdown delaying a business dinner so I could register for this race as … MORE
I ended up making this my 25th state on my 50 state mission. I literally watched the countdown delaying a business dinner so I could register for this race as I’ve heard it’s a do not miss race.
Leading up to the race, it’s pretty quiet but about the month before you receive constant updates.
In the morning, you need to take a shuttle to the race location. Seemed to be a rather long ride to the start however, Vermont is just so beautiful, you don’t mind.
Packet pick up is the morning of the race. When you arrive at the start, they provide your race bib, shirts at the end.
It was warm and sunny on race day-finally as my last 3 races, it has rained!
The race course is just stunning. A lot of spectators at certain spots though you only go through one covered bridge and run by another. I thought there would be more!
There is a really tough hill at mile 8 but the rest of the course is rolling hills with lush green scenery.
The finishers shoot is very long where you receive water, your shirt (choice of 2 colors) and your medal. The after party had food trucks, a free beer and a band in a large field.
Overall, I really loved this race. I am so happy it was my 25th!