This extremely well-organized event brought 1,200 runners plus their families and supporters to The Valley for two to four days, filling local lodges, shops and restaurants to capacity.
Vigilant attention to detail on the part of organizers meant that the race went off with very few glitches, leaving the host communities as well as the runners psyched about the event.
Beyond the efforts of the organizers, the host communities took pains to make sure the course and The Valley were in top condition on race day. Sunny blue skies didn’t hurt matters at all.
The help of dozens and dozens of community volunteers added the final touch to the event, plus people who showed up to cheer or just marvel at the spectacle. Runners offered high marks to The Valley for the friendly reception they received as well.
In post-race euphoria, people were overheard wishing for a similar event to take place in The Valley every week during the summer months – and we don’t disagree.
Although perhaps a significant first step might be for The Valley to host a similar event monthly from May through the start of the Vermont Festival of the Arts, which leads into foliage, which leads into ski season.
This type of business is exactly what The Valley needs. Athletic tourism brings people and money into the community, exposes visitors to the beauty of The Valley and creates the kind of name brand recognition and buzz that marketing dollars can’t necessarily purchase.
There is no doubt Valley businesses need the type of a shot in the arm that an event such as this brings. There is no doubt that many, many of those marathoners will be back to The Valley and Vermont again, whether to ski, admire foliage, buy a house or run in next year’s Mad Marathon.
Hat’s (and sneakers) off to all involved in the Mad Marathon.
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