Covered Bridges Half Marathon
South Pomfret, VT
- Half Marathon
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
Covered Bridges Half Marathon is a community based road race, run on the first Sunday in June. The Best 13.1 miles in New England. Experience some of Vermont’s Covered Bridges and support local charities. The Covered Bridges Half Marathon was first run in 1992. Each year CBHM runners give back … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Jun 07):
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| H (°F) | 70 | 68 | 77 | 60 | 80 |
| L (°F) | 54 | 58 | 59 | 53 | 54 |
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One of the most beautiful races
The scenery was absolutely gorgeous. The race started off in a ski resort, and everywhere we ran was extremely scenic. There were some rolling hills, but not painful. The race … MORE
The scenery was absolutely gorgeous. The race started off in a ski resort, and everywhere we ran was extremely scenic. There were some rolling hills, but not painful. The race was also very well organized. I regret that I had to catch a flight right after the race, I would have enjoyed the after party. It looked like a blast. The town was also incredibly cute and friendly. I stayed at a bed-and-breakfast in town and met several other runners at breakfast the day before and we carpool together.
Good race run by community
Overall, it was great. They had many pacers and I got my PR. The route was mostly dry, but the parking was muddy because of rain the day before. The … MORE
Overall, it was great. They had many pacers and I got my PR. The route was mostly dry, but the parking was muddy because of rain the day before. The organiser warned us the night before, suggesting to bring rain boots. Of course, I didn’t it travel with them, so I covered my shoes with plastic bags. It worked out well.
The course was beautiful with nature. They say it’s one of the best time of the year. The only thing I would prefer a change is we only receive the shirt after the race. I always run with the event shirt, but I missed it this time.
For logistics, I flew into Burlington and drove down. I enjoyed staying at Align Inn. Unfortunately we were not allowed to walk to the bus pickup, but it’s probably the closest to the finish line. It’s different from big races, but it has a charm of community-run event with nice local cheer squads and some bands.
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.