Boston vs Vermont

I run Boston every year because it's very convenient for me (I live 25 minutes form the start), but I like Vermont better. Less hassle getting to/from the start/finish, less crowded but not so small you run alone, a nicer and easier course, and a really good post-race scene.

Regarding the course, it does have some ups and downs, but I find Boston's long downhill beginning very hard to run. Vermont's hills are just your basic New England hills, which I'm used to from my training.

It's not so hard to do both, as the spacing gives you time for recovery.

Well, Thanks for the good words re: VCM. Full disclosure, I work for that race. I have also run both. I found VCM to be a little faster, but that could be due to it being about 6 weeks after Boston which gave me 6 more weeks of training after ski season. I ran Boston and VCM in the same year twice and ran a pr at VCM one of those years, so as long as you don't trash yourself at Boston its not inconceivable to race both.

The VCM course is a net downhill of about 100', and it all comes in the last 11 miles because at 15.2 you are right next to the start line. 2 hills of note at VCM, both about +90'. The first is at mile 7.5, about 3/4 of a mile long. The second is at mile 15 and is about 1/4 mile long. Otherwise some rollers but a lot of flat sections too. Big downhill at 21.3.

We had our deepest field in our 22 year history this year. John Crews won in 2:17:51, 8 at 2:27:36 or faster, 14 sub 2:35, 67 sub 3 hours out of about 2750 marathon finishers. You'll also have some relays to run with, although not a ton on the faster side (only about 30 relay teams under 3 hours). So if you're running fast, the relay runners don't get in your way but they do provide a little more depth for people to run with. Back in the bulk of the pack, the 3:30-4:30 runners, the presence of the relays can be more of a challenge but as long as you know what to expect...

We added bonus money for runners who achieve the Olympic Trials standards in 2010 and I expect we'll retain that for 2011 in the $750-$1000 range. It's not a done deal, we won't have our prize money package finalized until later this year, but I'd say it's 99% that we retain this added incentive for 2011.

Feel free to contact me off the board with any questions I can help with.

I have run both. It all depends on what you want. Obviously, both are not superfast courses. Boston is definitely harder. The hills are constant in Boston and the stretch of hills up to heartbreak are pretty brutal. The hills in VT are more intermittent, though there are a few signficant ones. The big difference is the last 5-6 miles. In VT, it is on a bike path that is a very gradual downhill back to town. In Boston, it is not all downhill to the finish. There are still a few smaller ups and downs mixed in.

VT has a pretty big relay. I ran a low 2:50 and had the occassional relayer come and go during the race. Not too bad. Probably more of a hassle if you are 3:30+ runner.

Boston is wall to wall people both in terms of spectators and participants. VT is much smaller and there are long stretches with no spectators, especially the last 4-5 mi on the bike path. But, I liked that. I prefer to suffer alone.

VT feels like running your local 5k. You can just walk up to the front a few minutes before the start. But it is a very well managed event. Hotels are cheap. Good food and things to do in town. Weather is about as unpredictable as Boston.

If you need a big event and can deal with all the hassles of a big city marathon, run Boston. Otherwise, VT is a great race in a great town. I have run Boston, Chicago, NY, Houston, DC, and I think VT is my favorite.

These are my two favorite marathons.

Boston is a great overall experience. The course is fun to run on, especially if you grew up watching it every year like I did. If you enjoy being a part of a massive event, I would recommend it, but some people find it overwhelming. It's well organized but there's a lot going on. You can run a PR (I did) but you have to be very conscious of not getting wound up and blasting the first five miles because you're so excited. There are some really cool memories for a running dork, provided you're running a good race - running through Wellesley, running through the BC crowd, seeing the Citgo sign for the first time, the start, the finish, etc.

Vermont is a pretty big race but with a low key vibe. The weather is awesome. It's right by the lake. There are plenty of people to run with. It's a small town and you could do a really fun three-day weekend without having to deal with crowds. (I usually do the marathon relay with my family.) The race itself is a blast. It's lovely for 21 out of the 26 miles (the beltway kinda blows, but it's early on in the race), there are tons of crowds, and your family and friends will be able to see you several times without having to move much. It's not very hilly and you can run a fast time there.

Run one this year and the other next year, they are both really fun. Good luck!