Vermont City Marathon vs Buffalo Marathon — Marathon Comparison

GC's review of 2025 race.   

Review

I rather enjoyed this mid-sized race. The town and the course were interesting and I would go back just to vacation there. Plenty of aid stations, well-organized, and people offering up maple syrup shots.

Definitely liked the free race photos! There's no half marathon, but there's a heavy focus on relay teams. The upside of this is there are even more people cheering (runners who finished their legs) than there might otherwise be, but the downside is you'll often get passed by fresh runners. (Note: relay runners have to wear an additional relay bib on their backs, so you can easily identify them. Nice.)

Race Tips

I would describe the course as rolling hills. There's the one long one just past the start, which you end up doing four times, but there was great support there. There are also a few sections which are narrow and could be congested until runners spread out.

The current course layout is two laps of a figure-eight-ish layout. They made it very clear where to turn, so no issues with the course itself. This layout also made it very easy for spectators to see their runners multiple times along the race, and in general since it's two laps, it makes it feel like there's always people around versus if they were spread out over a single 26.2 loop.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

The race is held on Memorial Day weekend, so travel might be harder.

In 2025, race day weather was perfect, Being held in the end of May, I could easily imagine it being rainy or hot in other years.

LM's review of 2025 race.   

Review

The course is a good balance of a couple of gentle climbs, smooth downhills, and nice flats. The support for a small town race is quite good. Very well organized with water/gatorade stops every 2ish miles. Easy logistics.

Race Tips

Great opportunities for running the tangents. Kept my watch distance quite close to race distance.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Hotel Champlain (Hilton property) was perfect for walking down to the start line and back after. Highly recommend staying near the waterfront as this makes the logistics super easy. Also, an easy walk to the skinny pancake (crepe place that knocks it out of the park).

WB's review of 2024 race.   

Review

Large marathon with tons of people both competing and watching.The course has some long, unshaded sections, so if it's projected to be sunny & warm (like it was this year, 2024), be aware & adjust pace accordingly.

Race Tips

A lot of folks seemed to be hurrying to the start line as the race was going. Thousands of people run in this race, so get to the starting line early!

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

wer's review of 2023 race.   

Review

The course is not flat, but its not hilly either. Its a double loop, and the only real hill is right at the start (and the half) up from the lake in downtown Burlington. It's not long at all though. Other than that, the course is slight downhill or uphill with a downhill finish. Lots of shade even on a sunny day as it runs on some narrow trails, not just city streets.

Race Tips

The course is quite narrow in spots, and congested at the start. I think it easily could be a BQ course, though.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

I stayed at the Champlain college dorm which is utilitarian but just fine. Small single room with a locking door and shared shower and bathroom. I didn't even see my suite mates until after the race. Very affordable, too. About a mile uphill from the start/finish, which is fine if you take it slowly.

TR's review of 2023 race.   

Review

VCM is a great race. I've run it 6 times over the past 10 years with a few course changes recently. It's a big deal for the town and there is usually a great turnout. It's also well supported from an aid station perspective. The start is a little cramped but it's easy to get as far as you need forward. They do a great job having pacers available for the standard 3:30 and up goal times.

I would argue it's a tough course to PR. It's not flat and the elevation profile doesn't show just how many little ups and downs there are throughout the entire race. There are lots of turns, and overall the pavement is super choppy. Temperature and shade along the route is also now an issue. Expect temps averaging close to 80 now by mid-day over the last few years. Enjoy the route but temper your goal time expectations due to course and weather.

Race Tips

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Still can't beat Oprah's time 's review of 2026 race.   

Review

Well it's a great race I'll say that much. But once the new race director took over it went down hill.

The race shirt and medal were horrible and not well thought out. It's almost like they didn't care much about it. The shirt was the worst out of it all. Imagine having your friend run his first half and the shirt doesn't say half marathon.

Oh not to mention the race announcer was horrible. I mean show some energy bro make me feel good to finish. Buffalo had a race announcer a few years ago that made this race special.

I'm coming back for 2027 but at this rate this will be my last Buffalo.

Race Tips

Be prepared the weather can vary. It got really hot and humid the last few years but the last 2 it was great weather.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

There's parking ramps near the start line.

J.K.'s review of 2024 race.   

Review

The race starts with a bang (fireworks). The marathon and half marathon start and run the first half (of the marathon) together. The course is run exclusively on pavement through Buffalo. There is a a lot variety along the course (downtown business district, residential neighborhoods, waterfront, parks). Weather in Buffalo in late May can be a toss up. In 2024, it was quite humid.

The race does a great job communicating information to participants.

Aid stations were organized and well stocked, and the crowd support was excellent along the course. There were a number of musical performers along the course as well.

Race Tips

Use caution on the first mile. The race starts on a subtle incline, and the opening ceremony creates a lot of excitement causing some people to go out fast.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

There is ample parking and bathroom facilities. There is a bag check at the convention center by the start/finish line. There was a robust after-party.

Craig's review of 2018 race.   

Review

PRO: Race expo is pretty good. I like the early start (6:30am). Plenty of parking and hotel nearby for those who do not live in the area. Well organized, great volunteer help and plenty of local support for the first half of the race. Post race party can be rough for us slower runners as the mood in the Convention Center is mellow, but there are plenty of places to sit and relax.

CON: Second half of the race after mile 14 is pretty desolate until you get to Delaware Avenue again, fewer people cheering and very little shade. The course is a bit redundant running on the same section of Delaware Avenue three times. Usually pretty warm/humid in late May. It can be somewhat crushing at mile 13 at the Convention Center as you get diverted and run behind it while the others are finishing.

Overall, it is an interesting run through notable parts of Buffalo. The volunteers are great and community support is wonderful. I have run the half twice and the marathon twice, still debating on 2019.

Race Tips

The past few races have been warm and sunny, which makes things rough when you spend all winter training, so plan on hydrating well before the race. Watch out for some smaller craters in the pavement, winters can be tough on the roads and you don't want any foot/ankle injuries.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Plenty of free parking on at Mohawk Parking Ramp (between Washington and Ellicott Street), but the walks provide a fair warmup - arrive at least an hour before the race as you never know what roads will be closed for roadwork or due to the race. Check the website for hotel discounts.

Craig's review of 2018 race.   

Review

PRO: Race expo is pretty good. I like the early start (6:30am). Plenty of parking and hotel nearby for those who do not live in the area. Well organized, great volunteer help and plenty of local support for the first half of the race. Post race party can be rough for us slower runners as the mood in the Convention Center is mellow, but there are plenty of places to sit and relax.

CON: Second half of the race after mile 14 is pretty desolate until you get to Delaware Avenue again, fewer people cheering and very little shade. The course is a bit redundant running on the same section of Delaware Avenue three times. Usually pretty warm/humid in late May. It can be somewhat crushing at mile 13 at the Convention Center as you get diverted and run behind it while the others are finishing.

Overall, it is an interesting run through notable parts of Buffalo. The volunteers are great and community support is wonderful. I have run the half twice and the marathon twice, still debating on 2019.

Race Tips

The past few races have been warm and sunny, which makes things rough when you spend all winter training, so plan on hydrating well before the race. Watch out for some smaller craters in the pavement, winters can be tough on the roads and you don't want any foot/ankle injuries.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Plenty of free parking on at Mohawk Parking Ramp (between Washington and Ellicott Street), but the walks provide a fair warmup - arrive at least an hour before the race as you never know what roads will be closed for roadwork or due to the race. Check the website for hotel discounts.

Hjk's review of 2016 race.   

Review

Great course, great events, awesome speakers. Volunteers do a great job!

Race Tips

Arrive early for parking.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)