Latest reviews by John

(2013)
"The best trail race ever!"
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This is a Halloween themed race, so be prepared to run in costume and to see all the course workers dressed up as well.

It's a very difficult race that attracts some of the best trail runners from all over the country. The scenery and views are spectacular. As is the post-race picnic. Hot dogs, hamburgers, salads, cookies, cakes... You name it, it's there!

An amazingly entertaining day!!!

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(2013)
"Beautiful Scenery!"
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This surprisingly fast Half-Marathon starts at the Lake George Elementary School and runs along the scenic east shore of Lake George, before finishing at Camp Chingachgook.

Parking is very easy at either the start of finish line, with shuttle buses going between the two locations.

The views of Lake George are breath taking. And the course volunteers (all CITs at the camp) as wonderfully enthusiastic.

The post race picture is unrivaled! Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, BBQ Chicken, vegi-burgers! Yummy!!!

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(2013)
"Mile for mile, the hardest race in the world!"
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No expo, no shirt, no finisher medal, no awards. Yet there is a waiting list to get into this race!

This is a treacherous hiking trail. There won't be a vehicle to fetch you if you if you should decide to quit and it is your responsibility to get to the finish line.This is not a Run-For-All and we are not trying to hype it or make it something it is not. There won't be people telling you where the trail goes, doctors to wipe your blisters, or a bus to give you a ride to the finish if you decide you can't continue. This is a wonderful run across wonderful country, a run in which we will share the experience and the friendship with those qualified runners who choose to participate.

This is a 30k trail race. During this excruciating 18.6 miles, you will endure 3 MAJOR climbs, and downhills so steep that you'll wonder how you're going to navigate a safe route.

The Escarpment Trail is a very remote, rugged hiking trail in the Northern Catskill Mountains in New York State. This single track trail crosses no roads, has total elevation changes of nearly 10,000.

Sub-2:20 marathons have trouble breaking 3 hours on this course. And the rule of thumb for estimating your finishing time is to take your average marathon time and add 1 hour!

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(2013)
"All the perks of a big city race, in a small city"
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Burlington, Vermont is a great city. It has amazing restaurants, a few museums, lots of cute shops, and a world class marathon!

This is a very fair course, with two real uphills to deal with. But you're done with those by mile 16. Great crowd support the whole way, and one of the best post race parties you'll ever find!

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(2013)
"Not the best race location"
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A nightmare getting to the start -- all the roads were closed for their half-marathon. I had to park a couple miles away and walk to the start. The race itself was okay.

The waterstops were great, but the course itself was too narrow at times. Even well into the race.

The course needed to be changed slightly, due to damage from Super Storm Sandy. But I was surprised how little of the course was near the ocean.

Overall, I wouldn't recommend this race.

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