InterviewFocus on a race

9 questions to discover a race : Middlebury Maple Run

07 Jan, 2010 (Thu)

Sue Hoxie is a member of the committee of seven that organize the Middlebury Maple Run. She has directed several races over the years, most recently the Groton (Mass.) Road Race from 2005-2008 which is one of New England’s largest with 2,000 runners participating in four different events. She has also ran many half marathons, as well as the Boston Marathon on two occasions.

Hello, on April 25th 2010, you’ll be organizing the Middlebury Maple Run . Can you tell us where it is located?

The Middlebury Maple Run – The Sweetest Half is located in Middlebury, Vermont. Middlebury is located halfway between Burlington (north) and Rutland (south). We are located 5 hours from New York City, 4 hours from Boston, and 2-3 hours from Montreal.

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How old is the the race and why was it created in the first place?

The 2010 race will be the second time the race has been held. The race was created by a group of runners from the Middlebury area with an interest in creating a community running event that would bring visitors to the area during a time a year that we don’t see many visitors.

What kind of route have you set up for the runners? How would you describe it?

The route is scenic with views of the Adirondacks to the west and Green Mountains to the east. The course has rolling hills and a few long uphill grades, but no steep inclines. The first mile runs through downtown Middlebury, the early miles run past farm pastures, the middle miles are through the campus of Middlebury College, and the last few miles are an out and back along a scenic dirt road. About 50% of the race is on pavement; 50% on hard packed dirt roads.

Middlebury Maple Run - Mile 2
Credit : Middlebury Maple Run

How many runners do you expect on Sunday morning? What type of runners do you plan to attract?

The first year (2009) we had 220 runners. We are anticipating 500 runners in 2010. Skill level of runners vary and we’ve added a 2-person half marathon relay in 2010 to attract runners who aren’t ready for a 13.1 mile run.

Do you organize other races during the Week-End? If so, on what distances?

There’s a half marathon and 2-person half marathon relay held on the same date (same start time).

At that time of the year, what kind of weather can we expect?

Weather in New England is unpredictable almost any time of the year. Late April could bring temps between 40 and 60 degrees (F). Weather for the 2009 race was cool and windy.

Have you planned festivities around the marathon?

There will be a post-race party held near the finish line. Details are in progress.

The marathon finished, what advice would you give a runner who has never been to Middlebury before? A good restaurant, a fancy sightseeing?

If the post-race party isn’t of interest, Middlebury has a lively downtown with several shops and good restaurants. If a weekend stay is planned, there’s plenty of other sightseeing and activities such as hiking, biking. A website with listings of lodging, dining and activities can be found at www.addisoncounty.com.

In a single sentence, what would you tell the readers of ahotu Marathons to make them register for the Middlebury Maple Run?

A beautiful, scenic run in a quintessential New England town that will challenge any level of runner.

Thank you Sue
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