They don't even attempt to hide that this will be a challenging course - the hills are unrelenting and it was humid and hot on top of that. The pasta … MORE
They don’t even attempt to hide that this will be a challenging course – the hills are unrelenting and it was humid and hot on top of that. The pasta dinner the day before was enjoyable and the race morning logistics were easy with close by parking.
The good: Pacers, generous cut off (not sure what they advertise, but they have a sweeper to stay with the last runner), easy parking, food at the finish line.
The bad: Tough course, and the way they handled the storm. At about hour 6.5 it began to rain and there were a few lightning strikes – they “called off” the race and tried to pull the last few runners of course, all of which were 50 staters and had put immense effort to get here and get that far. I believe all refused and just continued on without their bib, all did get results and they made it right in the end but if they would’ve just properly communicated that it would’ve been smoother and not seemed as though only the “back of the pack” was getting screwed over.
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Tough Course - Prepare!
They don't even attempt to hide that this will be a challenging course - the hills are unrelenting and it was humid and hot on top of that. The pasta … MORE
They don’t even attempt to hide that this will be a challenging course – the hills are unrelenting and it was humid and hot on top of that. The pasta dinner the day before was enjoyable and the race morning logistics were easy with close by parking.
The good: Pacers, generous cut off (not sure what they advertise, but they have a sweeper to stay with the last runner), easy parking, food at the finish line.
The bad: Tough course, and the way they handled the storm. At about hour 6.5 it began to rain and there were a few lightning strikes – they “called off” the race and tried to pull the last few runners of course, all of which were 50 staters and had put immense effort to get here and get that far. I believe all refused and just continued on without their bib, all did get results and they made it right in the end but if they would’ve just properly communicated that it would’ve been smoother and not seemed as though only the “back of the pack” was getting screwed over.
hilly and scenic
its rolling hills all the way ,be prepared mentally and physically ! This is a small town race , no big crowd, but they make it up with enthusiasm. MORE
its rolling hills all the way ,be prepared mentally and physically ! This is a small town race , no big crowd, but they make it up with enthusiasm.
Mad Hills and Mad Scenery!
This was my first time trip to Vermont and it did not disappoint. The Mad Half is a challenging course with a total of 1,300 feet of elevation gain but … MORE
This was my first time trip to Vermont and it did not disappoint. The Mad Half is a challenging course with a total of 1,300 feet of elevation gain but gorgeous views of countryside and two covered bridges. A small race field but still a good amount of spectators to cheer you up the hills. There were lots of water stations on the course, pacers for the marathon, and bike riders checking on runners. The 2023 run was humid and foggy which covered some of the views through mile 6. Once the fog lifted, the run was really peaceful and scenic. The pre-race events were fun in the town of Waitsfield. My family ate at Lawson’s Finest Liquids which was an awesome restaurant. Parking was easy on race morning although I usually arrive an hour early. We stayed at an Airbnb in Barre, visited Montpelier, Bragg Farm, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory, Cold Hollow Cider Mill, and the shops in Waitsfield. Great vacation destination for a race. The T-shirt is super comfortable and the medal is large. Post race food was good for a small race. Overall, I highly recommend the Mad Half Marathon and visit to Vermont.
Mad Hills & Mad Humidity
This is the third half marathon I have done in Vermont. I chose this race because I am now back living in New England and this was one of the … MORE
This is the third half marathon I have done in Vermont. I chose this race because I am now back living in New England and this was one of the closer half marathons for me this weekend. Pre-race communication was pretty good for a smaller, local race. I loved the RD sent a more personal welcome email when you sign up. There were regular updates and the website was pretty updated but a few minor details such as detailed parking instructions weren’t quite as clear. This is a little over a 2 hour drive for me. Since it started at 7am I decided to stay in a hotel. There are numerous bed and breakfasts in Waitsfield but they are a bit pricey. Definitely not crazy expensive if you are looking for a vacation but a bit more than I want to pay for what’s supposed to be a cheap weekend. Waitsfield is about 30 minutes from Montpelier and 45 minutes from Burlington if you want cheaper and more traditional options and don’t mind driving a bit. I stayed in Montpelier since it was on the way from NH. If you want the true Vermont experience stay at a B&B in town. If you want to save money stay in Montpelier. This year they had a pasta dinner before the race at a nearby B&B. I got my packet and went to the dinner. Packet pick-up was easy. I loved the shirt design. It is a polyblend shirt with an adorable chicken. Nice brick red color. You also got bib and drawstring bag. The pasta dinner was a bit pricey at $35 but I was very impressed they had 3 vegan protein options, vegan cheese, and tons of delicious fresh veggies. I’d recommend going and don’t worry if you are vegan or gluten-free everything was labeled and there were tons of options. Race morning went smooth. As I said I was a little unsure about parking so I got to the race early and parked literally a few feet away from the finish line. The race staging area was set up well. The finish line is an adorable barn design. So Vermont and really cute. There were announcement and the anthem. The start was on the road next to the finish. This short section of the road was closed off There was just a starting flag. There were pacers and a timing mat and it was a generally organized start. I started with the 3 hour pacers though I knew I had no chance at finishing close to 3 hours. The first part of the course is a bit downhill and flat and I wanted to make sure I didn’t go out way too fast. I planned to lose the pacers as soon as we reached the killer over 1 mile long hill at around mile 2. The hills in this race are killer and steep. There was well over 1000 feet of elevation gain. I think it was hillier than the Amish Country Running Festival. On top of the hills today was super, super humid and very hot. This was rough and it was definitely the hardest road half I have done. I don’t really want to penalize a race for weather but the difficulty is one of the main reasons I gave this four and not five sneakers as it was just not an enjoyable run. Even the downhills were quite steep and hard to do fast. However the views are spectacular. There are views of mountains and farmland. You even go under 2 covered bridges. And you see cows and horses. There aren’t a ton of spectators but there were some. I was impressed with the amount of spectators and volunteers for a small town race. Although you will go long stretches without spectators. There were aid stations about every 1 to 2 miles. Enough for most races. Today I needed more and was glad I was carrying water but expecting an aid stations every 1/2 mile in such a small town is a little unreasonable and I was happy with the number of aid stations there were. I believe they all had water and gatorade. I thought course was pretty well marked. There was the occasional section I thought could have been a bit clearer but I never got lost. There were also mile markers. A few of them seemed off by about 0.1 miles but then they started to line up again. Roads are open but it is on very quiet streets so not an issue. The only busy street near the start was closed off for the start and a small section closed off for the finish. It was a mix of paved roads and some dirt roads. The dirt roads were very smooth and had almost no rocks. Not an issue from a technical standpoint although I tend to be slower on dirt but no one is PR’ing this course. The finish line as I said had an adorable arch. My finishing time was super slow but I survived. I was not worried about my time at all given the heat, humidity and hills. The good news is the half and full marathons have the same time limit (I think 6.5 hours?) so there is essentially no time concern on the half. So even if you have no hill training don’t worry just walk the hills and soak in the views. The medal is also adorable with a chicken and a barn and is nice sized. It is the best of my Vermont medals. I will admit the finish line festivities were a bit underwhelming. Some of my more recent races had whole meals at the finish. This just had some basic snacks. I did like that they had some more Vermont themed snacks like apple cider donuts, vermont cheddar cheese and some apple cider. Overall this was a well produced and beautiful race with nice swag but it was not a very enjoyable run with the hills, heat and humidity. If I compare this race to the other 2 Vermont races I’ve done (Shelbourne Half and Maple Leaf Half) I do think this had the best production and swag but the other 2 were much less hilly (though still quite hilly) and had better weather and are at times of the year with generally better weather. As long as having a slow race doesn’t bother you, I would recommend this one for Vermont and I would also definitely recommend it for walkers and back of the packers. I would absolutely never consider running this full marathon but I may come back for the half again since it’s nearby and just hope for better weather and hope they keep the cute farm animal swag.
Heat. Humidity. HILLS!
Wow. Out of the 29 marathons I've done so far, this is by far the hardest. The hills are no joke. I went into the race knowing it would be … MORE
Wow. Out of the 29 marathons I’ve done so far, this is by far the hardest. The hills are no joke. I went into the race knowing it would be hilly, but I did not expect there to be so many and so steep. Also, it was very hot and humid this year, which made it even more difficult. On the positive side, it really is a beautiful course and there were plenty of water/Gatorade stations. I would recommend this race. Just be prepared for the hills.
Vermont in July
This course is hilly! I think another reviewer mentioned that they had done Big Sur prior and said that this course is hillier. That is 100% true. It's also July, … MORE
This course is hilly! I think another reviewer mentioned that they had done Big Sur prior and said that this course is hillier. That is 100% true. It’s also July, so expect heat. I did not count on the high dew points and all those things together made this race super hard, but rewarding. Vermont and the Green Mountains are a pretty place to visit, so make a vacation out of it. PRs will be tough on this one.
Hilly, humid and wholesome
I’m so glad I didn’t let the hills intimidate me from doing the Mad Half! The race really has the nicest vibe to it and the scenery can’t be beat. … MORE
I’m so glad I didn’t let the hills intimidate me from doing the Mad Half! The race really has the nicest vibe to it and the scenery can’t be beat. I did NOT hill train and walked plenty of times, but then enjoyed some super speedy downhill stretches as well, and felt like a million bucks upon hearing the incredible announcer say my name as a I crossed and received my hug from Dori, the race organizer. 💗
This part of Vermont is especially gorgeous and offers many a watering hole to plunge in to rinse off after- which I’ve never needed quite so badly after a race. 😆🥵
If you’re running in all 50 states, I say this is the one to do in Vermont. 🤙🏻
Challenging Course with Beautifu scenery
Its good hilly race with beautiful scenery. The hotels around are pricy on race day so stayed 7 miles away to the race. the expo is simple tent to collect … MORE
Its good hilly race with beautiful scenery. The hotels around are pricy on race day so stayed 7 miles away to the race. the expo is simple tent to collect the bib and they have normal cotton shirt for the race.
Parking available on start line
Good water stations through out the course. Save some energy for last 10 miles as initial miles have more hills specially 2nd mile.
Yes it is as hill as they say
I was expecting hilly and it did not disappoint. After 40+ marathons I can say that this was the hilliest road marathon that I’ve done. Much more challenging than Big … MORE
I was expecting hilly and it did not disappoint. After 40+ marathons I can say that this was the hilliest road marathon that I’ve done. Much more challenging than Big Sur, IMO.
It takes place in a small town on rural roads in VT and is surrounded by hills of trees. Being the first time in VT the beauty and lushness of it all blew me away. For lodging be sure to book early at one of the many B&Bs or Inns nearby. They may cost you a little more than your normal hotel but s very much worth it. Having just run Grandmas marathon where the prices of hotels are way overpriced for the value, the prices of the lodging here is appropriate. The production of the race is A+. Not much swag but the RD and support people are sooo nice, and the aid stations are top notch. In fact I’d suggest that the people that organize and support the race are a major factor that makes this race special. Let’s hope it remains the gem that it is.
Beautiful but hilly
Wowzer! The hills were definitely challenging for me. The weather was hotter and more humid than I am accustom to. But other than my personal challenges, this race location and … MORE
Wowzer! The hills were definitely challenging for me. The weather was hotter and more humid than I am accustom to. But other than my personal challenges, this race location and course are spectacular. The scenery is absolutely beautiful. The race production is super supportive and allows sufficient time for all to finish the race. This is a great do again race…. only next time, I will be more prepared for hill work.
Hardest half that I ran so far!
Small race with a bigtime feel. Beautiful scenery and covered bridges are part of the course. Generous cut off time. Great support before, during and after. The hills , oh … MORE
Small race with a bigtime feel. Beautiful scenery and covered bridges are part of the course. Generous cut off time. Great support before, during and after. The hills , oh my! Would highly recommend!
Hills? Hills would be easier!
Great organization and super volunteers.Definitely a race for the BOP. Party in the back. Unless you run in the mountains you will not come close to the mile-long steep climbs. … MORE
Great organization and super volunteers.Definitely a race for the BOP. Party in the back. Unless you run in the mountains you will not come close to the mile-long steep climbs. The downhills are rewarding for those with good knees. There are no shoulders to run on until the last 10k and not much of it. I walked backward at the famous dip to stop the knee pain. Bad race decisions make for better stories. Go for lt.
A LOT of walking… Beautiful course
Packet pick was easy with no vendors; race shirt is ok. Race morning start was on time. The hills came early on and continue all of this race. Ate me … MORE
Packet pick was easy with no vendors; race shirt is ok. Race morning start was on time. The hills came early on and continue all of this race. Ate me alive! So much beauty to pass the time. Well stocked stations pretty frequent with multiple out and backs so hit them both ways. Watermelon with salt on the course this year was yummy. Not much of an after party; however, I was one of the last few to finish so maybe we missed it. Ice cold pool to wade or soak in after is a plus!
beautiful and hilly
- great destination run through the mad river valley - run through green foliage, mountain views, farmland, red barns, covered bridges - lots of aid stations and volunteers cheering you … MORE
– great destination run through the mad river valley
– run through green foliage, mountain views, farmland, red barns, covered bridges
– lots of aid stations and volunteers cheering you on
– very hilly. not even just rolling hills, but some are quite an incline
– book early, as race is in and near small towns. mostly small hotels and bed and breakfast types. downtown burlington is only about 40 mins away. even Vermont’s biggest city has a small town feel to it (which is great!)
Beautiful place, beautiful race
This is a surprisingly tough course of mostly rolling hills but some steep stuff too. The landscape is charming and the volunteers at start/finish and all aid station were so … MORE
This is a surprisingly tough course of mostly rolling hills but some steep stuff too. The landscape is charming and the volunteers at start/finish and all aid station were so friendly! Even plenty of watermelon for us back of the pack runners. LOVED IT!
Run this race!
This was a gorgeous race, well run, amazing communication, and lovely area. While a challenging course, it was very worth it. The support and volunteers were so friendly! I’d definitely … MORE
This was a gorgeous race, well run, amazing communication, and lovely area. While a challenging course, it was very worth it. The support and volunteers were so friendly! I’d definitely do this one again!
A remarkable marathon, but tough
If anyone is looking for an amazing race experience, run the Mad Marathon – or the half. I really cannot say enough great things about this marathon. Is it hilly? … MORE
If anyone is looking for an amazing race experience, run the Mad Marathon – or the half. I really cannot say enough great things about this marathon. Is it hilly? YES! It is beautiful? Absolutely! It’s the laid back and relaxed feeling of this smaller marathon tucked away in central Vermont that I enjoyed so much, and everyone was so friendly and helpful. The old covered bridges, gems of the engineering past and iconic symbols of Vermont, provide a unique and distinctive touch to this event.
A huge thank you to the race director Dori and all her staff and volunteers for making all the runners feel so welcome. She really knows how to throw a party.
If you have never visited the Mad River Valley, I highly recommend it. While there, visit the Mad Taco for some succulent tacos, burritos, locally produced ciders or craft beers, but beware, some of the hot sauces can set your mouth on fire. Lastly, if you have the legs for it, sign up for the Mad Marathon and hope that, like me, you manage to wake up on race morning with an autumnal chill so that hills are the only wrenches thrown into your running gears.
This is a place where one can kick back, relax and digest the hills of the Green Mountain State. While some runners may see serial marathoning as a fool’s errand, there’s no mistaking a race’s ability to bring people together, runners and non-runners alike. As long as there are marathons I have yet to run, there’s still the potential of returning for yet another round of food, laughter, and of course, many long miles.
Nice small rural race!
The race was simple and straight forward. EVERYONE was nice and you even get a hug at the end! There were 2 medium hills and lots of rolling ones, road … MORE
The race was simple and straight forward. EVERYONE was nice and you even get a hug at the end! There were 2 medium hills and lots of rolling ones, road was half paved and half gravel, with very few cars to deal with. Water/aid stations were more than enough and volunteers were on their game. Scenery was nice; farm fields, woods and views of mountains.
Brutal But Scenic Course
Course: Mix of paved road and hard gravel road up and down hills. Hills start at Mile 2 and go up and down for most of the race, causing most … MORE
Course: Mix of paved road and hard gravel road up and down hills. Hills start at Mile 2 and go up and down for most of the race, causing most runners to walk a substantial portion of the course. (Make sure that you warm up before the race. You’ll need it.) Lots of farms and roadside creeks line the course. Last three miles were mostly downhill, which made finishing somewhat tolerable. This was my personal worst course. The weather was tolerable on race day but would have been oppressive if we had the weather from the day before.
Location: Great place for a destination race with tons of things to do nearby. Lots of hiking and mountain biking trails and waterfalls nearby.
Waitsfield has Sugarbush ski resort and Lawson’s Finest Liquids. Nearby Stowe has Stowe Mountain Ski Resort and Von Trapp and Alchemist Breweries. Halfway in between is Waterbury, which has Ben & Jerry’s, Cabot Cheese and Green Mountain Coffee visitor centers. It was not too hard to get a hotel room as the area hotels are really in their off season.
Swag: Basic cotton t-shirt and sack pack. Finisher medal was pretty nice.
Race Support: Water stops about every mile or so with a fair amount of supporters throughout the course for such a remote area. RDs need to organize the water station volunteers better though. GUs were left on tables after the water stops.
Post-Race: Finisher support was pretty basic for a marathon, but the free Lawson’s beer afterwards was much appreciated.
KILLER hills & gorgeous views!
This is the hilliest race I’ve ever run. Do not expect a PR, but expect a feeling of accomplishment like none other! Packet pickup was low key and easy, and … MORE
This is the hilliest race I’ve ever run. Do not expect a PR, but expect a feeling of accomplishment like none other!
Packet pickup was low key and easy, and the shirts are fitted, soft and cute! Highlights of the weekend were the live concert two days before on the Mad River green, and the farmers market the morning before the race.
The race was small enough to feel intimate, but large enough to be a really great experience. The marathon and half run together on the same course for the first 5 miles or so, and then meet up a little later.
The community feel of the race made the endless and steep hills much more bearable! Everyone was incredibly nice and supportive.
Most amazing part? The last few miles were almost completely downhill. I’d really recommend this race, especially for the views and the amazingly challenging course!