I took the early start for the 2014 Maine Marathon. I have done this marathon in the past. The marathon is a tradition in Portland, and the local community really supports it. If you're into swag, it's one of the largest swag bags you will get (with products and samples you can really use). The out and back course has some minor hills and some beautiful flat sections by the water. The weather can differ greatly every year (some have been beautiful sunshine and cool weather, others torrential downpours). I would definitely recommend this race (the half or the full) for your Maine race if you are going after states.

I have done the Hartford Half Marathon three times and will gladly do it again. The race organizers really listen to the feedback of participants and works to make this race better every year. The race shirts and medals are great, and the course really shows some of the great architecture and beauty of New England. The course support is incredible, with excellent water stations, numerous bathrooms and countless volunteers. The course has some minor rolling hills and just one steep long uphill. What also makes this course great is the local residents really come out and support the event. You'll often find locals set up cheering sections in their driveways or front yards, and may even set up a food table for runners.

The expo is decent. Packet pick is actually very quick. Race shirts are located at the other end of the expo (so you walk by the booths). There's a decent number of vendors and charity booths there.

Tips:
1) there is no race-day pick up. The expo offers very convenient hours and there is parking available nearby. If you can't make the expo, there is an option to have your bib and shirt mailed to you (for a fee). Check the website for info and the mail cutoff date.

2) The half and full marathon start together, then separate quickly. Follow the signs and course marshals carefully. The half and full don't join back together until the end and share the beautiful finish line.

3) I have not done the full, but friends who I know who have done both say they like the half better.

4) Do not do the full marathon if you cannot make their posted time limits. The course needs to shut down on pace to reopen the streets of Hartford. While in the past they have kept the finish lines open until the last person comes in, know that the course signs, directions and aide stations will shut down on you if you fall behind pace.

5) If you are staying in the area, definitely make dinner reservations as restaurants fill up fast.

This race has moved to September in 2015 (was previously held in July). Jamestown is the small island that many only see on their way to Newport. The Jamestown Half Marathon takes you around the island, past beautiful water views and the sight of the Newport Bridge and through local neighborhoods.

The trickiest part of the race is the logistics- participants actually have to park in Newport and be bused over the Newport Bridge to the start and finish, since there is no place for all the runners and walkers to park on the island itself. This means you need to give yourself ample time to get to the parking area (traffic can back up), and make sure you bring anything you need with you while waiting in the pre-race area. There will be porta potties in the bus waiting area and in the start area.

Expect a lot of hills- short rolling and long uphills. Even people that live in the state say they had no idea that Jamestown had so many hills. While the race does have an early start, humidity can still strike.

I think this is the fastest half marathon course in Connecticut. I have done this half marathon three times. The course starts outside the entrance to Gulf Beach, and takes you past beautiful waterfront views. Portions of the course run on the actual boardwalk, which is actually very soft on your knees and feet. The course is an out and back with just two minor hills each way, and is otherwise flat. The roads are open to traffic, but there is little road traffic on the course until you come back to finish. The last .1 is on the beach, which can either be packed down or very loose depending upon the weather and when you finish.

The race is typically pirate themed. Why? Look out at the small island you'll see from the beach. That's Charles Island. There's historical speculation that Captain William Kidd may have buried some of his treasure there when he visited Milford in 1699. The medals and shirts have changed each year so far, and are always really cool.

The race is organized by a local club called the Shoreline Sharks, and their members put on excellent events. Post-race food is typically cookies and sandwiches provided by a local Subway. With a 3:30 time limit, the race is also walker-friendly (and those at back of the pack will be supported).

Advice: get there early for parking. There's only one main road in and out to get to the beach (start/finish area), and traffic can back up. Also, although they have both beach bathrooms and porta potties, the lines get long.

The course is mostly flat until you head to the Watch hill area, and then you head for some rolling hills (and one steep uphill around mile 9.5-10). The parking can back up (there are really only two major roads in and out of the area) so definitely get there early. The course is scenic and beautiful, showing off the beaches of Westerly and part of the Watch Hill area. The race typically has a beautiful surfboard medal. You start on a flat section for the first part of the course, and then head on the right of the finish line out to the second part of the course. The first four miles can be pretty crowded and then it spreads out more. Beware of lots of potholes and cracks in the roads.