I can't speak on the NJ Marathon, but I did VT City in 2006 and it's been my favorite marathon (and my PR) by far. My other marathons were all much larger, so I loved the experience of a smaller race. The crowd support was pretty impressive near the park and by the relay stops. The neighborhood you run through around mile 18 was fantastic - everyone was out cheering and handing out food and drinks. The last few miles are a bit rough since you only see people in 1/2 mile intervals, but at least it's flat for those last few. The spread afterwards also puts the larger races to shame, plus they announced me coming through the finish since there were no other runners nearby. That was awesome!

I'm hoping to get back up there in the next few years, but weddings keep getting in the way!

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Erin[/URL" target="_blank">

I have done NJ twice. For my money it is the best organized race in the U.S. This is an extremely spectator friendly course. Your fan club can see you at the start, 5, half way, 18 and finish very, very easily. The course itself is almost pancake flat. Scenic in places, but less so in others. Overall the race course, field size, and support make it nearly ideal for setting a PR.

I've run the NJ Marathon twice and will skip Boston this year to be a pacer at this year's NJ Marathon. This is a two loop flat, fast course that can be a bit boring for some. Organized better than most marathons, the people who volunteer are fantastic. The boardwalk start/finish area is awesome and if you have people who wish to watch, it's just a block and half walk to see the start, 5 mile mark, the half and the finish. The parking isn't as bad as someone said if you get there early enough. I'm a bit biased living so close to this race but I've run many marathons and I really feel this one is worth the trip, enough so that I am skipping the drive to Boston. Good luck deciding!

Edited to add: By the way, they also have a half marathon and a relay. I think the relay can be a 4 person team but you should go to the web site at www.njmarathon.org[/URL" target="_blank"> to find out for sure.



http://This message has been edited by Runaround (edited Nov-27-2007).

quote:<HR>Originally posted by How we Run:
What time group are you pacing?<HR>

I'm pretty sure the 3:20 group. I think that was what they still needed and since that is my age group, I thought I would have more to chat about....LOL.

Glad you posted and enjoyed the comments. I was going to run Tybee Island (GA) on Feb 2nd but have decided to wait and run a spring marathon. My wife and I live in SC, but are debating the Vermont Marathon or the Flying Pig in Cincy. Both got great reviews at MarathonGuide.

Looking for a fun, well organized 1st marathon. VT appeals to me due to scenery and ability to visit with friends. Flying Pig sounds like a blast but Cincy doesn't sound that appealing.

Comments appreciated.

quote:<HR>Originally posted by Runaround:
I'm pretty sure the 3:20 group. I think that was what they still needed and since that is my age group, I thought I would have more to chat about....LOL.

<HR>

Sounds tempting..... I have made 3 unsuccessful tries at 3:20 in the past year. And this one is in my home state.


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My Profile[/URL" target="_blank">

Vermont City is a great choice, I am registered for 2008, which will be my 7th running of VCM. VCM is usually comfortable temperature wise, but it has gotten quite hot a couple of years in the past, being almost June when it is run. Also for VCM, I hear out of towners want to reserve lodging early, as Burlington is a tourist town and VCM is run a holiday weekend. Obviously I think it is worth going back to over & over.

I am not familiar with New Jersey's marathon. I think I looked into before because of the earlier date (higher probability of cool weather plus for me, variety).

Another option I have done for variety if the Sugarloaf (Maine) marathon usually run 1-2 weeks before VCM (mid May). They are not particularly good at advertising, were not even in marathonguide.com for 2008 the last I checked, but it is a high quality, no nonsense marathon with no relay or other hoopla. Just you, the river and the woods (maybe a moose) for 26.2 miles. Well organized and I go back every other year. Very fast course IMHO, but in general I think people put to much stock in whether the course is fast or not. If you are in top shape, you will run a PR, if you are not, you won't, for any of these 3 courses.

Cheers- John