On overall toughness I have to give it to the Covered Bridge 10K for the steepest hill, the grade was/seemed like it put you on your toes and worked you harder. I would give it an 8.5mostly for the grade but that day got pretty hot too, even though there was more shade along the race course and more runners to make it interesting (considering my late start).

Pottle Hill was as long a hill but climbed in three stages, so it did not seem as intense. I would give it an 8 but the lack of shade along the course made it seem harder than it was from a physical challenge. The last 1.5 miles of flat, sunny, no water or hoses, made it harder than necessary, but was not really course related (or maybe they planned it not to have shade? bastards).

Scenery was better at the Bridges too. They did have the one covered bridge, a shady course, rustic rural views, and a finish around the pond on the green. They even had town folk out cheering and enjoying the event!

I give it a 9 for ambiance. In comparison, Pottle had what I was informed as the largest shade tree at the starting line (got that straight from a local) that we huddled under waiting for the start. The sweat dripped just bending over to stretch! It was hot and humid... The course lacked the views of Jackson and the course had few spectators (even less than runners). The town just didn't have the same feel and enthusiasm of Jackson, so I give it a 7. It was quaint, but not a place you would rush back to.

Post race activities, there was no contest. Jackson had kiddy races, sandwiches, drinks, and a brook to cool off in. Everyone was very friendly and helpful both at the finish and along the course. The sandwiches and pizza really hit the spot. Sandwiches and potato salad seemed home made.Both had plenty of cold drinks.

Jackson was hard on the legs because it was steep to climb and to run down. It is hard to say based on soreness because Mt. Washington was sandwiched between them. My legs were still sore from that so it was no big surprise when they started talking to me on the third section of the Pottle climb. They were fresh going into Jackson and had some hard miles heading into Pottle.

I have not run either race before and would like to run Jackson again next year. I'm sure I will not have any trouble finding it again. It was a fun time. Pottle seems to be on the brink of extinction? I hate to see a race stop but if they can not draw a bigger crowd, it will not survive. Maybe they should consider changing the finish by ending in a better place. A school field (a pub) or some place for better post race activities. The time dragged by waiting for race results, where Jackson had a well orchestrated and organized finish group.

Overall I rate Covered Bridges a 9 and Pottle Hill a 7.5 taking the course and race organization into account. Both were tough, tougher than any around here but as a whole I give the best race to Jackson so far.