took place this past Sunday, June 7th.  This was the 18th annual race and 2300 participants ran the 13.1 miles from South Pomfret to Quechee, VT.  This USAT&F certified half-marathon was first run in 1992.  Race founder, David Chioffi, and a group of community members got together to create a half marathon that followed some of the best running routes around Woodstock, Vermont.  This course is unique due to the four covered bridges along the route.  The race is organized and staffed by over 400 volunteers.  The popularity of this race continues to rise and this year on-line reservations filled up in only 60 minutes.  I believe that one of the many reasons this half marathon is so popular is due to the enthusiastic support and warm welcoming by the volunteer residents of Quechee, Woodstock, Pomfret and surrounding towns.  The course begins at Suicide Six Ski Area in Pomfret and runs through beautiful farmland into the quintessential village of Woodstock.  It then follows the Ottauquechee River to the historic hamlet of Taftsville and continues towards the scenic Quechee Village, ending at the Quechee Polo Field.  The course drops over 200 feet in elevation from start to finish.  The Men's Winner this year was Nathaniel Freese of Tunbridge, VT.  Nathaniel finished at 1:11:18 and paced at 5:27.  The Woman's Winner was Susan Nuzum of Boulder, CO, running at a pace of 6:43 and finishing at 1:28:01.  Registration for the 2010 Race opens up on December 14, 2009. The Inn at Clearwater Pond was proud to have 6 runners stay here - congratulations to John, Lauren, Ashley, Charlotte, Erica and Traci for running a great race.  Special congratulations to the winners, Nathaniel and Susan and all other 2,292 runners!  The Inn at Clearwater Pond is looking forward to hosting runners again in 2010!