Sugarloaf Marathon 2010 Preview, Part 1

For the remainder of the week I'll be posting a 4-part breakdown of the Sugarloaf Marathon course. The first part covers the first 6+ miles of the course, nestled deep in the woods of upper western Maine, from the Cathedral Pines Campground to the departure from Stratton village.

The Eustis Ridge Road site in perfect view of the start line, accompanied by a sign that lets you know how close you are to Canada. It's quite a remote spot to be at (provided you're not a camper). The peacefulness and serenity of an early sunday morning is broken significantly by the preparation of runners, the announcer, and finally the boom of the starting cannon (yes, seriously).



The first two miles consist of perfectly flat pavement surrounded on both sides by deep forest. Aside from the runners, the air and sound for that first bit is quite peaceful, at least until the traffic opens up once again. Aside from the people gathered at the beginning, don't expect anyone on the side of the road cheering you on. The only spectator at this point is mother nature.


The next two miles approach and enter the small village of Stratton. The course remains flat but the trees give way to water and the scenery completely opens up.  The first water station is seen just after mile 3 along with many of the first spectators.  Quite a few villagers come out in the early morning to cheer the Marathoners as they make their way through the heart of the town.  If you like the spectator part of running, it will at least satiate you until the next crowd at mile 12.

At the end of the village, the forest starts to surround the road once again and the level road starts taking on elevation.  Small rolling hills litter the course at miles 5, 6, and 7, a prelude to what's next...