June 3, 2012 was the running of the 21st Annual Woodstock-Quechee Covered Bridges Half-Marathon.  There are only 2000 slots available and the demand is high.  Registration is done online each December and sells out in under 20 minutes.  "Runners World Race Finder" calls the Covered Bridges Half-Marathon the best 13.1 miles in New England.  The course is impressive.  It begins in Pomfret and meanders by flowered meadows, grazing horses and cows in hillside fields and lush banks of ferns.  The course continues past cheering crowds in Woodstock Village, then follows the peaceful waters of the Ottaquechee River, passing graves of Revolutionary War soldiers.  The course then winds its way to the Hamlet of Taftsville, after passing by or crossing four of Vermont's well-known covered bridges, then ends at the Polo Field in Quechee.  Twelve bands, one at each mile marker, play for the runners as they jog along and the cheering support from local Vermont residents is encouraging and inspiring.  Each year the Inn at Clearwater Pond welcomes runners into our home and each year we are honored to host these talented runners. Congratulations to this year's winner, Rich Smith of Enfield, New Hampshire.  Rich ran the race in 1:15:17.  Second place congratulations go to Bernat Olle of Cambridge, MA., who ran it in 1:15:41.  Third place honors go to John Hall of Bow, New Hampshire.  John ran the race in 1:16:23.  This year Mother Nature was very kind to the runners and spectators.  The weather was race-perfect, with mild temperatures and only a gentle breeze.  Again, congratulations to all runners and we're looking forward to seeing you all back here in the Quechee/Woodstock area in 2013!