I was so excited to run another Under Armour Mountain race, and on the East Coast! So I jumped at the chance, and registered for the 25k, I had seriously thought of the 50k, but happy with my decision. OMG! How could there possibly be so much uphill? Well you get that on this course.
I arrived Friday around 6pm and had no line at packet pickup. We received the same shirt as Copper Mountain and a plastic UA bag to use for a drop bag. I was a little disappointed with getting the same exact color and shirt as Copper, it would be nice to have the name of the State, or different color, or something? But, it is a nice quality long sleeve shirt.
I arrived race morning about 45 minutes before the start and had no problem parking minutes away from the start line. I didn't use the drop bag being so close.
We had a nice group at the start, and a nice easy downhill start, which didn't last long. The climbs were beautiful and relentless at the same time. The aid stations were amazing and fully stocked with all my favorite Honey Stinger products, so all I carried with me was my small handheld. The volunteers and aid stations were so awesome!
The course was epic! If you know Vermont, you know there's no flats... LOL I have to say this 25k was tougher than Copper Mountain, as you could run all the way back down, this was more climbing and the mud and roots on the way down, slowed you down.
Finish Line: I had a nice dance going on, as I was excited about no more climbing for the day! It was entertaining and fun. The medal was the same as Copper Mountain, and everyone's medals were the same, 5k, 10k, 25k, and 50k. I'm not huge on the bling, but feel the 5k and 50k should have different finishers medals, I mean.... If I ran 50k I want one that says so :) Sometimes people also run the longer distance for that special (medal, shirt or something).
Post Party and Location was Awesome! I had altitude issues at Copper Mountain, but think the very loud speakers right at the finish line made it worse. I couldn't wait to get away from the finish line there. Killington I sat at the finish line with another BIbRavePro for about 1.5 hours cheering and watching the other runners come in. It was such a nice spot, without loud speakers. Then we walked over to the Recovery Tent. OMG! I LOVE the Normatec compression boots! Simply Awesome!
We bought some amazing veggie burgers and enjoyed live music which was so relaxing and fun! The weather was just perfect after a period of high heat and humidity. The 25k had 4, 250 feet of climbing, but worth every step. Your Quads will talk to you, but what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right?
Sunday I actually hiked up the Beast again, and a few other hikes as my legs felt pretty good, and I love the mountain. I have a 3 hour drive back to MA, so enjoyed stopping at a few local places, Quechee Gorge, Woodstock Farmers Market, Sugar & Spice for breakfast and Maple Syrup.
Killington, is such a great place to go for the weekend with family and friends, there's so much to do. They have a big adventure park, mountain biking, camping, and so much more.
I highly recommend this race and the series.
Next year I hope to attend Bachelor Mountain.