Pre-Race: Registration was easy and packet pickup was available the day before the race at a local Fleet Feet. Each runner received either a white or red Bondi Band headband with the RaceVermont logo, which I was pleasantly surprised by--I was expecting a cheap cotton bandana. Long sleeve tech shirts were available for $25 extra. Parking on race day is plentiful and relatively close to the start line. I actually was running late and arrived about 10 minutes before the start, but didn't have any issues. Runners had access to the Field House, which was a huge benefit as the day was absolutely frigid. Real bathrooms available.

Race: The route is an out and back along Harbor Road in Shelburne, starting and ending at the Field House. The course is nothing to write home about--it's so short that there's really nothing to see. It's a nearly flat route, with a short, small incline right at the turnaround, so it could potentially be a PR course with minimal hill training.

Post-Race: Once again, having access to the Field House was a huge boon--getting inside and out of the cold was wonderful. I was handed a full-sized bottle of water immediately after finishing, which is a must in my book. Post-race fare included hot chocolate and bagels from Bruegger's, bananas, oranges, and chocolate. Each runner received a raffle ticket, and the prizes were very nice--Vermont teddy bears, bottles of wine, and lots of gear and goodies from Fleet Feet. Fleet Feet was also running a separate raffle for a Nathan race vest. There were prizes for top male and female, as well as 1st and 2nd place in 10 year age group categories, and prizes were bottles of wine and pint glasses.

Overall, this is a great local race. Almost all of RaceVermont's races start and end at the Field House, which is wonderful for bathroom access, and in the case of extreme weather. Great raffle prizes, and very enthusiastic and supportive volunteers and organizers.