This is the second year in a row I've run this race, and I still love it. My only complaint is that the parking situation was not great this year--there was a lacrosse tournament happening at the school at the same time, so parking was tight, especially if, like me, you arrived 15 minutes before the start. Registration is only $20, and in addition to the timed 5k, there is a 5k "fun run" option, which allows dogs, strollers, bikes, hula hoops... anything you want. Bib pickup is only offered on race day. This is an annual fundraising event for the Vermont Respite House, so you have the option to use a fundraising website, but you don't have to raise funds in order to participate. All proceeds go directly to the Vermont Respite House, providing end-of-life care to terminally ill Vermonters.

Pros:
- Friendly, enthusiastic volunteers
- Party atmosphere pre-race--DJ'd music, face painting etc
- Access to real toilets
- Indoor space pre- and post-race in case of inclement weather
- Mostly flat course that measured pretty true with my Garmin
- Multiple water stations
- Generous, varied post-race spread--fruit, bagels, granola bars, coffee, juice, water and more
- 1st and 2nd place medals for each 10 year age group
- Free folding water bottle
- Supports a great organization

Cons:
- Parking was pretty full
- Cotton t-shirt

This is definitely a race worth running, and I plan to keep the tradition alive as long as I live nearby.