RaceVermont seems to have some issues with communication (emails sent to incorrect recipients, emails with incorrect information, changed start date that was not communicated to registered runners until the week before the race), but on the whole, they did a great job on race day.

Half marathon finishers received a medal, and there was an option to purchase a long sleeve tech shirt for $25 on top of the $50 registration fee. Post-race food was provided by Moe's Southwest Grill.

Pre-Race: "Packet" pick-up was at local Fleet Feet store in the days before the race--fast and easy. There was plenty of parking close to the race start/finish at Shelburne Athletic Field House. There were two port-o-lets outside and a few bathrooms inside, but there were still runners waiting in line when the race director was getting ready to start the pre-race meeting. 5k and 10k racers started first, and half marathon racers started en masse shortly after--no corrals or pacers.

Race: In spite of the mass start, things moved pretty quickly at the beginning, and I did a minimum of bobbing and weaving. The course is very scenic, first winding through local neighborhoods, down through Shelburne Bay, and along the Shelburne Bay Path and Ti Path for the last couple of miles. This course is VERY hilly, and it was a windy, cold day, so it was challenging, but not impossible. The mix of road and trail was nice, and while the roads weren't totally closed to traffic, there were enough volunteers and enough of a police presence that I felt safe throughout. There were 3 water stops, one of which you passed twice, for a total of 4, and one portable toilet at about the halfway mark.

Post-Race: Having access to the field house and being out of the cold and wind was a huge bonus. The food (chili and tortilla chips) from Moe's was delicious and there was more than enough if you wanted seconds. The age group awards and raffle prizes were very generous--pint glasses, Vermont Teddy Bears, bottles of wine, earbuds, Balega socks, polarized sunglasses and two pairs of Saucony shoes. The medal was very nice, but I was disappointed that t-shirts were not included in the registration fee.

I would definitely run this race again, and would recommend it to anyone looking for a challenging, scenic fall half marathon.