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.

This is a large event (4000+ registered participants). Companies throughout Vermont sign up their employees in teams of 3, and there is a walking option in addition to the run. Walkers are NOT allowed to run at any point, and will be disqualified if they do.

Parking was an issue--we carpooled pretty well and left at a decent time pre-race, but still ended up parking about half a mile away from the start, and traffic coming into Montpelier was ridiculous. I also felt like there weren't enough portable toilets--the lines were really long and I ended up choosing not to wait in line and just running with a full bladder.

I will continue to run this race each year as long as I can get free registration through work. It's probably not the best course to attempt a PR on due to the crowds, but it's really fun. Pretty much the entire city of Montpelier is out cheering you on.

Pros:
- Fun team building event
- Lots of community participation--people with hoses, cheering, one guy had a karaoke machine and was serenading runners
- Party atmosphere post-race. People hang out, there are bagels, cheese sticks, and other snacks, music, announcements etc
- Race clocks on course so you can check your pace/time
- Water stop at the halfway point
- Mostly flat course

Cons:
- Race t-shirt is cotton, and shrank like crazy when I washed it
- Poor parking/traffic management
- Not enough portable toilets
- Crowded, and poor race etiquette. No corrals, just self-seeding. I started mid-pack, and spent the first mile dodging walkers, or people who were running/walking in huge groups

This is an annual fundraiser for the Vermont Respite House, and it's hands down the best race experience I've ever had.

Pre-Race: Plenty of parking, real bathrooms (hosted by an elementary school), great music and DJ from Top Hot Entertainment, Lake Monsters mascot Champ was available for high fives and pictures. Pick-up was totally streamlined, easy and efficient. Volunteers were incredibly thankful and kind. 5k fun run started a few minutes before the Jiggety Jog (walk, bike, whatever) for safety.

Course: The course winds out behind an elementary school through a pretty field, and then through local neighborhoods. There were at least 2 separate water stations, which for a 5k is almost unheard of. There were volunteers at every intersection to make sure runners went the right way. Lots of community support through the neighborhoods. Only a couple of small hills.

Post-Race: Amazing refreshments--granola bars, cheese sticks, bagels, muffins, coffee, fruit and more. Plenty of cold water. Music was still playing. There were awards for overall male and female finishers, as well as 1st and 2nd place in 10 year male/female age groups. Since this is mainly a fundraiser, top fundraisers were also recognized.

Overall, this race was a wonderful experience. It's certainly not competitive, but the volunteer support is great, race organizers are truly grateful for your participation, and pre- and post-race it's very much a party atmosphere. I will be participating in this race every year.

My husband and I ran this race together. Online registration was a breeze, and for the $25 registration fee, we received very nice v-neck tech t-shirts.

Before the Race: The morning of the race, we actually had someone drop us off at the start to avoid traffic--many of the streets around the start/finish area were being closed off, and there were about 2,500 participants, so it was pretty crowded. Packet pick-up was inside the elementary school gym, so we were able to wait inside out of the cold. There was a live band on a flat-bed truck outside providing entertainment, and there were already lots of refreshments laid out. Pre-race announcements and the national anthem were nicely audible due to a powerful sound system.

The Race: The course is a relatively flat loop through the town of Woodstock. Only one notable incline. It's quite scenic, and it felt like pretty much the whole town was out cheering us on. There were no aid stations on course, but since it was only a 5k, this wasn't unreasonable.

Post-Race: The band was still playing, and there was tons of food available: water, fruit, coffee, hot chocolate, granola bars, and baked goods. Chip-timing results were available later that day online. Runners continued to have access to the elementary school for protection from the cold and bathroom use. Volunteers were friendly and knowledgeable.

Overall, this is a great, scenic race with a lot of bang for your buck. To get a tech t-shirt and chip timing with only a $25 registration fee is almost unheard of. I actually registered to run this race again in 2014, but had to skip it due to a foot injury. I highly recommend this race.