Leaf Peepers Half Marathon
Waterbury, Vermont
Sunday, October 2, 2011

The Leaf Peeper Half Marathon held in Waterbury, Vermont on Sunday, October 2, 2011 was the 48th state in which I have completed a half marathon. The temperature remained near 53 degrees throughout the entire race which began at 11:00 AM, a wonderful temperature for a race. Also there was very little wind, which was another plus. It rained intermittently the entire event and the course was 70% gravel and dirt roads, which was a definite minus. The event was very well organized and the people were friendly. The water stations were located every two miles and served only water. The volunteers were numerous and wonderful and they remained at their post in spite of the miserable weather, taking care of the needs of the 600 participants who started the event out of the 900 who entered. There were no finisher medals and age group awards consisted of jars of pasta sauce, bags of Green Mountain Coffee, and jugs of maple syrup. There were no trophies, medals, plaques, or ribbons. I am not complaining; however, as this whole area, where the race was held, was flooded by Hurricane Irene at the end of August. The start/finish area was under at least 8 feet of water approximately one month prior to the event. Most of the buildings in the area are still being cleaned and refurbished. I am extremely grateful that the event occurred and that I was able to finish the half marathon. There are not many half marathons in Vermont. My left knee is still bothering me quite a lot. I had to wear a knee brace in order to do the event.
I though that my wife, Gerda and I would get to view the fall colors as the first week in October is normally a peak time for the foliage; however, due to all the fall rain and lack of sunshine, most of the leaves were still green. We still enjoyed ourselves, despite the fact that it rained intermittently there entire time. We toured Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory and Lake Champlain Chocolate Factory as well as viewing many covered bridges.