New England Green River Marathon
Marlboro, VT
- Marathon
- Road (Paved), Trail (Unpaved)
- Official race website
The New England Green River Marathon is one of the most beautiful races in New England. This is one of the most beautiful marathon routes in New England. The course starts at Marlboro College in the Green Mountains of Vermont, follows the Green River as it flows down toward the … MORE
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Great low key event!
If you thrive in an environment where spectators line the streets, cheering stations and race posters and counting dogs keeps you going, then this is NOT your race. But if … MORE
If you thrive in an environment where spectators line the streets, cheering stations and race posters and counting dogs keeps you going, then this is NOT your race. But if you enjoy a peaceful run through the trees by the river that feels more like a long run with the benefits of aid stations and a fully loaded finish, I highly recommend this race! For someone who trains adequately this could absolutely be a PR and/or BQ course; for me, some personal things and poor weather got in the way of summer training so I was just looking for a finish to check Vermont off my list. I was pleasantly surprised to find that relying solely on the on-course fuel and hydration options and running at a comfortable pace gave me a pretty average finish without needing to walk during the race. It was a great experience and my accommodations (Green River Bridge Inn) made this a racecation I’d repeat in a heartbeat.
Notes:
-Skip the pre-race day bib pickup. It’s literally JUST a bib and the field isn’t big enough to need to worry about having enough time to get it race morning without a long wait.
-Finisher shirts are at a table post-race. I made the mistake of going to my car to change into dry clothes and leaving my bib behind – they need to mark it to give you your shirt.
-Post-race fuel was some of the best I’ve seen: you get bib tear away coupons for ice cream, food, and beer. They had multiple local food trucks to choose from and of course the staples were available right at the finish (bagels, water, bananas, and also watermelon and some other options).
-Port a potties on course are scarce! Make note of what miles they’re at ahead of time.
-Free race photos included!
-Very convenient bag drop, parking, transportation, and waiting area at the start.
My 49th State
Lovely course with wonderful race director and committee and volunteers. Well supported. I came into the race on an ouchy foot and toes so I noticed potholes and rough spots … MORE
Lovely course with wonderful race director and committee and volunteers. Well supported.
I came into the race on an ouchy foot and toes so I noticed potholes and rough spots on the unpaved road. But the course details were well communicated.
A marathon for runners
If you need big crowds this race is not for you. If you just want to enjoy a good run and set a PR, you've found the perfect race. - … MORE
If you need big crowds this race is not for you. If you just want to enjoy a good run and set a PR, you’ve found the perfect race.
– The course is evenly sloped downhill, with a just right grade and therefore is super PR friendly. Compared to my last marathon three months ago, I PR’ed by 27 minutes.
– Although it’s in August, due to start being in the mountains (I think) and plenty of shade on the course, it didn’t feel hot.
– Plenty of aid stations.
– As the course is point to point, they offer bus from finish to start before the race.
– A lot of food at finish. Other than the typical bagel, banana, and watermelon, you also get one voucher for food truck, one ice cream, and one beer.
– Love the wood medal and cotton T-shirt.
– Bib pickup available at start on race day morning.
Fast course for VT or MA
The course follows the Green River from Marlboro, VT, to Greenfield, MA, offering a fast, mostly shaded route. The first 7 miles are significantly downhill, with a few small rollers, … MORE
The course follows the Green River from Marlboro, VT, to Greenfield, MA, offering a fast, mostly shaded route. The first 7 miles are significantly downhill, with a few small rollers, while more challenging hills appear around miles 17 and 20. The terrain alternates between packed dirt roads and pavement throughout the race.
You can pick up your race number on the morning of the event at the starting line. Check-in is straightforward, involving just number assignment and bib collection—no additional swag, aside from the wooden medal. Apparently there is a T-shirt pick-up at the finish, but it was not well marked as I missed it. Pre-race communication could have been better regarding the post-race procedures. There’s no need to visit the registration the day before.
The 2024 race enjoyed excellent weather conditions, with temperatures ranging from 50°F at the start to the mid-70s by the finish under cloudy skies. Aid stations are spaced 3 miles apart for the first 15 miles, then every 2 miles or less as you approach the finish. The stations were well-stocked, also easy to refill water bottles.
It’s an easy drive to the finish (bus pickup to the start) – from anywhere north of Springfield, MA.
Beautiful and scenic course
This small race, with around 325 runners, offers a beautifully scenic course that runs mostly downhill with some rolling hills alongside the Green River. The support crew was fantastic, making … MORE
This small race, with around 325 runners, offers a beautifully scenic course that runs mostly downhill with some rolling hills alongside the Green River. The support crew was fantastic, making the experience even more enjoyable. Since I was traveling from California, I couldn’t attend the expo, but I appreciated the smooth and efficient bib pickup on race morning.
For gear check, you’re allowed to bring your own bags, and they provide labels and markers to write your bib number. Post-race, runners are treated to free beer, snacks, ice cream, and a high-quality cotton t-shirt, which I found well-designed and comfortable. There were also plenty of chairs available for runners to relax after the race.
One of the unique aspects of this race is that it starts in Vermont and ends in Massachusetts, making it a great option for 50 Staters who need to check off either state. Overall, I loved this race and highly recommend it, whether you’re a local or traveling to run this scenic marathon!
One of the good ones
I went to this race with my husband and girlfriend as we are all in different stages in our quest for 50 states. This race was so organized and ran … MORE
I went to this race with my husband and girlfriend as we are all in different stages in our quest for 50 states. This race was so organized and ran so well. As a back of packer, I’m fairly used to having a sad finish line and no food (even though I’ve always finished under the time limit). Not this race. We had a food ticket where we were able to choose our meal from 3 different food trucks! Then we also had a beer ticket and an ice cream ticket, where we received 3 scoops of ice cream AND they had a myriad of flavors. In addition to this, they still had the usual table of fruit, bagels, etc. Then everybody sat around in a beautiful park and talked to other runners. It was a lovely experience.
The race was mostly down hill and you definitely want to train for that – your quads will thank you! The volunteers were top notch and the last aid station with the Girl Scouts had ice in the drinks, along with a much-needed power poster! 😊 The bib pick-up was straight forward and easy. You don’t receive your t-shirt until the finish line. It was a soft cotton tee in a color (army green) that is very attractive and is sure to be a favorite. The medal was also an attractive engraved wooden medal, although the ribbon was just green and plain.
As my final endorsement, as the race is about 13 miles in each state, we are thinking of doing this race for Massachusetts too!
Favorite race by far
- Point to point race from Vermont to Mass. - Incredibly beautiful course, most of it along a river with tall trees on either side that provide plenty of shade. … MORE
– Point to point race from Vermont to Mass.
– Incredibly beautiful course, most of it along a river with tall trees on either side that provide plenty of shade. Even though this is in August, was not too hot.
– Net downhill.
– Excellent finisher shirt. Comfy, cotton shirt that I wear all the time.
– Wooden medal (not so great).
Things to note:
– Hotel options are limited; book early
– The race sells out early in the year, so don’t wait to register
– There is often a harvest festival going on the same weekend in downtown Greenfield where they give out free food from the local farms that has been beautifully cooked by a local chef, have live music, etc. Great community, make sure to check it out.
Nice downhill course in New England
Packet was mailed, so no expo. Course was all on road, although a good portion of it was dirt/gravel road. I was impressed that the party was still happening and … MORE
Packet was mailed, so no expo. Course was all on road, although a good portion of it was dirt/gravel road. I was impressed that the party was still happening and all of the special treats still available even for the back of the pack. Swag was a cotton t-shirt and a smaller wooden medal. Can count for either Vermont or Massachusetts for 50 Staters!
Over the river & through the woods
BOTTOM LINE: The New England Green River Marathon is clearly a marathon created for runners and by runners, with no other distance offered and with the stunning beauty of the New England countryside in … MORE
BOTTOM LINE: The New England Green River Marathon is clearly a marathon created for runners and by runners, with no other distance offered and with the stunning beauty of the New England countryside in the starring role. The course runs point to point from Marlboro, VT to Greenfield, MA on ~40% paved roads and ~60% unpaved gravel roads, traveling alongside its namesake river for much of the race. Registration opens early in the year (Jan/Feb) and sells out its ~550 slots quickly with no waitlist. So this is very much a “you snooze, you lose” affair.
As road races go, NEGRM is a decidedly low-frills affair with no pre-race expo (bib numbers were mailed several weeks before race day), no pre-race pasta dinner, and a small but sufficient post-race party that included three food trucks plus a beer station, none of which I sampled because my stomach is a post-race buzzkill. If you thrive on spectator support and on-course entertainment, this may not be your ideal marathon. But if you favor low-key, picturesque gems that play to their strengths and let Nature do the talking, then do yourself a favor and check out NEGRM. In comparison to a very similar marathon, the Clarence DeMar Marathon in nearby New Hampshire, I liked Clarence DeMar a bit more for its diverse scenery and compelling pre-race speaker (Dick Beardsley in 2019). That said, either race comes highly recommended, and do keep in mind that 50 Staters can count NEGRM for either Vermont (where it starts) or Massachusetts (where it finishes). Double your pleasure!
Two key factors combine to make NEGRM a deceptively challenging course. The first is its steady downhill trajectory (net elevation loss of ~1,400 ft), which you really don’t appreciate until your overworked quads cry “uncle” late in the race. And the second is the insidious humidity, which wreaks havoc on your body’s ability to cool itself efficiently. In fact, Race Director Tom Raffensperger reported that if the race had been scheduled for three days earlier, given the combination of high heat & humidity he would have been forced to cancel.
So a word of warning to prospective runners: while the New England Green River Marathon is a beautifully memorable run in the woods, it’s definitely not a walk in the park.
PRODUCTION: Race production was streamlined in scope—as noted above there was no pre-race expo or pasta dinner and no on-course entertainment, while the modest post-race festival consisted of three food trucks and a live local band. When it came to the details that mattered most, however, the New England Green River Marathon team did a spot-on job of setting expectations and delivering a seamless experience as far as timing, aid station support, course markings, mile markers, volunteers in all the right places, etc. And I know that fellow 50 Stater @slowjuan was surprised and delighted to discover UnTapped energy gel for the first time, which apparently infuses pure Vermont maple syrup with real coffee for a sweet surge of energy.
SWAG: Not surprisingly, race swag comprised the basics: bib number, shirt and medal. Given that only the latter of the three matters to me, I appreciate the wooden medallion that’s tastefully rendered and smartly designed to convey a classic Vermont vibe, even if the green ribbon feels like an afterthought. The short-sleeve cotton shirt, on the other hand, fits nicely enough but features dark green & red lettering on a royal blue background for a visually cacophonous ensemble that—unfortunately for the sponsors—renders all but the largest lettering unreadable.
WONDERFUL RACE!!!
This is an absolute GEM of a marathon. The course is stunning, it is lush and private and beautiful - 26.2 miles of woods and river and waterfalls and quaint … MORE
This is an absolute GEM of a marathon. The course is stunning, it is lush and private and beautiful – 26.2 miles of woods and river and waterfalls and quaint VT/MA architecture, it was just such a pleasure to take it all in.
The race started on time with little hoopla, and the weather was absolutely perfect for late August in New England. I was dropped off at the start so didn’t experience the buses, but there were plenty of portapotties and an easy bag check.
The course description on the website is so detailed and accurate I won’t go into much here. If you are looking for a BQ or a PR this is an ideal race. The three hills are not too tough, and you are essentially running downhill the entire time unless you are climbing one of those hills. The descent in the first two miles is pretty steep! There were abundant, well-staffed aid stations with friendly volunteers. This was a very, very small race. I think fewer than 300 runners? I am a middle-of-the-pack runner, and from about mile 9 onwards I ran completely alone. If you are looking for the dense pack of runners and crowds you get in a city marathon this is not the race for you. With that said, there were several crews of locals out cheering along the course and one woman even set up an unofficial aid station in her yard which was lovely.
I love that there was a photographer at two different spots on the course and the pictures were amazing (and free!).
The finish area celebration was lovely – several different food trucks, snacks/beer/ice cream for free with registration, plus music and a massage tent.
I love that your registration fees are in support of the CT river conservancy, love supporting a good cause.
A few nit-picks: there was a fork in the course between mile 11 and 12 that was not marked. Because it’s such a small field I was running completely alone and spent about 0.8 miles guessing/hoping I picked the right direction. Would love a sign for that spot. Also, they offered Untapped gels at the aid stations but only communicated that about 1.5 weeks before the race so I wasn’t able to practice with that brand. Would have appreciated much more advanced notice about that.
Honestly, if it worked for my schedule and life I would/will probably run this race every single year. It was such a blast.
Scenic rolling, mostly downhill course
Gorgeous scenery with a wonderful small town environment, friendly and helpful volunteers, great t shirts! Really enjoyed sitting at the greenfield community college after to enjoy music, food and beverage! MORE
Gorgeous scenery with a wonderful small town environment, friendly and helpful volunteers, great t shirts! Really enjoyed sitting at the greenfield community college after to enjoy music, food and beverage!
"Cool and Green and Shady....."
Hard not to think about John Denver’s soothing hit from the ‘70s when you run the Green River Marathon. Touted as one of the most scenic marathon courses in the … MORE
Hard not to think about John Denver’s soothing hit from the ‘70s when you run the Green River Marathon. Touted as one of the most scenic marathon courses in the nation, it does not disappoint. The first 20 miles of the course run alongside the beautiful Green River where runners are never far from the sound of water tumbling down the steep, rocky course of the stream or cascading in from small waterfalls. (The constant susurration of the River made frequent “biological breaks” a necessity. Pretty sure my bladder could hear all that flowing water.)
The first mile of the race is the absolute steepest. Expect a wide-eyed, adrenaline-fueled, downhill stampede from the Starting Line ….. but consider tapping-the-brakes and conserving your shock absorbers for what is yet to come. The race course has a net downhill drop of more than 1,400 feet, which would appear to be an invitation for a PR or BQ, but there’s also 650 feet of uphill elevation hidden deceptively along the course. Watch for grinder-grades at M17 and M21, which can be soul breakers at that stage of the race.
Highlights? There are many: Corridors of trees that canopy the course for miles, like a long green tunnel. Glimpses of the scenic Berkshires through the leaves. The forest floor of moss-covered logs and dense ferns. Quiet stretches of peaceful, cool silence to find your Zen-rhythm. An historic covered bridge at Mile 10. (Don’t run across too many of those in Oklahoma.) And my new favorite discovery?!? The aid stations handed-out “Untapped” energy packets of coffee-infused maple syrup!!! This rivals the revelation of the chocolate/peanut butter marriage. How can you NOT love two individually awesome items crashed together?
Brew Reviews: Depending on how you travel to Greenfield, check out Connecticut Valley Brewing in South Windsor, CT, Fort Hill Brewing in Easthampton, MA, Berkshire Brewing in Deerfield, MA and don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy a post-race burger and beer on the scenic deck of Whetstone Craft Beers in Brattleboro, VT overlooking the Connecticut River with the Berkshire Mountains in nearby repose.
Every marathon deserves its own reward.
“Find yourself and maybe lose yourself,
While your free spirit flies.”
– Cool and Green and Shady –
John Denver
1943 – 1997
Rest in Peace
Beautiful Riverview Course!
I loved this as my 1st marathon; unfortunately I was injured so I didn't do as well as I hoped. But this course is one I would definitely consider running … MORE
I loved this as my 1st marathon; unfortunately I was injured so I didn’t do as well as I hoped. But this course is one I would definitely consider running again. Small, well organized and supported point to point race. I loved running along the packed dirt road along the Green River and over a few bridges. It’s also a net downhill course, so I think alot of people usually PR it. Very scenic! The weather was great on race day, if maybe a bit warm, but with the tree-cover, it was perfect.
Fabulous inaugural race
This was Marathon #61 and I was coming off a tough, slow, hot, hilly race in Vermont in July. This was just what the doctor ordered. It was the first … MORE
This was Marathon #61 and I was coming off a tough, slow, hot, hilly race in Vermont in July. This was just what the doctor ordered. It was the first year of the race but hopefully they’ll put it on again next year!
First, it’s very small. The race was capped at 350 runners and there was a waitlist if you didn’t jump on it quickly. It’s only a marathon, no half or 10k. I met some runners who did make it off the list to run though. They have a nice informative website and good communication before the race. Also good pics of the course on Facebook. This race does something unusual (that I love, personally): they mail your bib and some race info ahead of time and there is no expo. Not being a fan of expos, I was happy with that!
The pre-race situation is easy. Park at Greenfield Community College in MA (plenty of parking) and ride the bus up to Marlboro Community College in VT. They recognized that they need more portojohns so I’ll leave that alone. I had no issue. The start line was very pretty and quiet; there was a trio from the college playing Zydeco music on guitar, violin, and accordion which was cool.
The start went off without a hitch. You run through the woods on a dirt/gravel path most of the race. It was a great surface and the trees made it shady and soooo refreshingly cool. You’re by the river the majority of the time and it’s just beautiful!! I didn’t take many pictures since I was feeling so good (and set a PR by a few seconds) but it’s gorgeous. It was a semi-warm day overall at the end but I didn’t feel it until the last four or five miles out in the open and even then, not anything compared to Virginia!
There were a handful of aid stations and cheering spectators, but don’t run this race for crowds. It’s a beautiful run on a nice surface through the woods, not a city race.
The RD was blowing a funny horn at the finish as runners crossed the finish line and the medal you receive is a really pretty wooden medallion which fits the theme. The shirt is really good too, a nice forest green tech with the logo.
Overall opinion is this is a great event. Well marked and well organized, I’d do it again. The weather really cooperated, having been rainy prior to the race week (and washing out part of a bridge that they still somehow managed to finagle getting runners across!). Just an overall well done event put on by runners, for runners. Great race!