Maple Leaf Marathon (New England Challenge)
Fairlee, VT
- Marathon, Half Marathon
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
Course InformationHalf Marathon: 2 full laps + 1.52559 miles out and backFull Marathon: 5 full laps + .5663 miles out and backOne full lap is 5.092911 milesThere will be two aid stations on the course. The main one at the start/finish line with hydration and nourishment and secondary at the … MORE
Local Historical Weather (May 08):
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| H (°F) | 53 | 61 | 58 | 64 | 64 |
| L (°F) | 31 | 50 | 43 | 43 | 33 |
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Amazing
This race was very low-key and local. It was a beautiful route, but it was very hilly throughout the There were There were rolling hills. The race Director was super … MORE
This race was very low-key and local. It was a beautiful route, but it was very hilly throughout the There were There were rolling hills. The race Director was super nice and explained the route and he was very understanding with all our concerns. The crowd was supportive and everyone was nice.
Good race for State chaser's
Be ready to run 3 laps around a huge inlet. After every lap there is much food and plenty of hydration. I earned 3rd Place overall in this race. MORE
Be ready to run 3 laps around a huge inlet. After every lap there is much food and plenty of hydration. I earned 3rd Place overall in this race.
Rolling Hills
The scenery was very nice.. 5 Times around Lake Morey , plus a little out and back at the beginning. It was a bit challenging because of the rolling hills … MORE
The scenery was very nice.. 5 Times around Lake Morey , plus a little out and back at the beginning. It was a bit challenging because of the rolling hills on most of the course and we shared the road with traffice.
We stayed at the Resort and the raced started right out the front door.
The organizer and his family are very nice people and they are great support throughout the race.
Scenic 5 loop course with hills
This is one of those series races with no cutoffs. It was well managed, the race director is personable and he goes out on the course 2x to check in … MORE
This is one of those series races with no cutoffs. It was well managed, the race director is personable and he goes out on the course 2x to check in the runners. The aid station has trail race kind of nutrition along with water, Gatorade and gels. The course is a 5 mile loop and is hilly. There is little traffic but the road isn’t closed, the shoulder is narrow and some cars come over the hills fast. I found the course a little challenging because it was my 3rd marathon in 8 days and I had just finished 80 miles at 3 Days at the Fair the day before. I do recommend this entire race series. It was very well done. The medal is small but that didn’t matter to me.
Gorgeous View, lots of hills
Day 1 : It was a cool and chilly morning. The race parking is in a reservoir park. Then walk for 0.25 mile to start and finish. The course was … MORE
Day 1 : It was a cool and chilly morning. The race parking is in a reservoir park. Then walk for 0.25 mile to start and finish. The course was to run 1.25 mile out and 1.25 mile back to one side and then run about 2 miles out and 2 miles back the other side. There are multiple hills on this course, so you are basically going to run them 8 times. One aid station was set up at the start/finish where there was fresh cooked food and water to fuel up with. A nice t shirt and a small medal in the shape of the state of Vermont.
Hard, hilly, and fun
This course has a number of very large, difficult hills and is a bit technical in parts. It was an enjoyable experience overall and great for a good challenge. The … MORE
This course has a number of very large, difficult hills and is a bit technical in parts. It was an enjoyable experience overall and great for a good challenge. The scenery was very pretty. Starting in the morning, we were able to watch the fog lift over the lake. Course was mixture of dirt and crushed limestone.
Great course terrain and scenery
The whole New England Challenge Race series is incredibly well produced and managed. The course allows for adequate aid station availability. The aid stations are EXTREMELY well stocked....I felt like … MORE
The whole New England Challenge Race series is incredibly well produced and managed. The course allows for adequate aid station availability. The aid stations are EXTREMELY well stocked….I felt like I was running an ultra. Homemade food on the spot ! Very friendly race series and everyone gets to know one another over the course of the week. I highly recommend you run these.
Another good loop course
Overall Rating: Really good. Course Difficulty: Really challenging. This was my 5th marathon in 5 days, and was a 3.3ish mile loop. We did 2-1 intervals to try and save … MORE
Overall Rating: Really good.
Course Difficulty: Really challenging. This was my 5th marathon in 5 days, and was a 3.3ish mile loop. We did 2-1 intervals to try and save some steam for the rest of the week, but it wore us out anyway. Constantly rolling hills, and a dirt/gravel path. Loving the dirt paths, they are really gentle on the feet.
Course Scenery: Excellent. Good representation of VT and some nice views along the way.
Race Production: Good, JC and team are doing a great job.
Race Swag: Good. Nice state shaped medal, and a dry blend t shirt.
My Performance: Wasn’t sure what to expect, as this was the first time I had done 5 back to back marathons. All in all it was ok. I didn’t push really hard, but I didn’t walk the whole thing either. Definitely a little tender in the knees. (same as yesterday)
Met a friend that I’ve been running with on Monday, and today she got her 50th marathon. JC and crew had a cake, plaque, and balloon waiting for her. Very nice gesture.