This was the first year for the Catamount Half, and I hope they improve for next year.

Pre-race: Packet pick-up was simple and easy--available at a local sporting goods store prior to race day. There were not really enough port-a-potties at the start, which led to a delayed start as runners tried to get through the lines before start time. Also, I really wish the start time had been earlier--9 am is a bit too late for a mid-summer half marathon. There was plenty of parking very close to the start/finish, and parking options were made very clear through emails. Pre-race announcements were clearly audible thanks to a sound system.

Course: The course is a nearly flat out and back along Route 30 in Brattleboro. The route is fairly scenic, as it runs next to the West River, and across the historic Rice Farm Bridge and Dummerston Covered Bridge. Unfortunately, it was incredibly hot and there is almost no shade available, so runners were in full heat and sun for about 10 out of 13.1 miles. Route 30 was also open to traffic the whole time, and even though it has a wide shoulder, cars whipping by at 50+ miles an hour was scary. There were aid stations approximately every 2 miles that had both plain water and Gatorade, but both beverages were warm to hot in temperature, especially by the end. Volunteers were kind, supportive, and enthusiastic, which was a huge bonus on such a hot day.

Post-race: The water that was available was once again warm, which was really disappointing after such a hot run. I'm a solid middle-of-the-pack runner, but by the time I finished, all of the Gatorade was gone. The post-race snacks were typical fare--bananas, cupcakes, bagels etc. "Top-notch, make your own goodie bags" had been advertised, but what was there just looked like leftover pharmacy samples--athlete's foot powder, body lotion, and granola. The t-shirts and medals, however, were beautiful. There was a race photographer, but only for start/finish, and as usual, prints were stupid expensive.

Overall, this race has promise. Organizers were very enthusiastic and helpful, but the course really ought to be changed. Running alongside an open highway (even with a wide shoulder and traffic cones) was scary, and the lack of shade was punishing. There also should have been more porta-potties at the start/finish, and some attempt to keep the water cool for finishers. I don't think I'd run this race again unless they changed the course to include more shade.