Bands, music on course, plenty of color and water and post race refreshments. Chip timed for those that want to know how long they lasted

"Having failed to secure a spot in the NYC Marathon (the only marathon I've run -- and only once), I looked for a race that would be close to home, and have good crowd support. I read up on Philly, saw that it was fairly flat, and that there was

This is one of the oldest races in Vermont and has great history and character. It is mostly on dirt roads and there is a gradual uphill toward the turn around making the last half feel easier than the first half. Don't expect a lot of hoopla, but it is pleasant