Participation:

The majority of entrants are relative newcomers - 35% first timers and 42% having run the Series 5 years or less. 41% ran all 4 races, with another 26% making it to 3. More than 2/3 were men (although 2% had no response to the gender question - what's up with that?). 82% live within an hour of the races, with the remainder split between in and out of state runners.

The reasons for running were varied, with "motivation to train through the winter" being cited by 66% of the respondents. "Training for a spring marathon" was checked by 48% (multiple responses were allowed), followed by "socializing" and "competition" by about 1/4 of those who responded.

Registration:

The percentage of those who signed up for the full 4-race Series was the same, 82%, and 92% registered online. 38 % registered or checked in at Runner's Roost the week before the race. More than 90% felt the Series and single-race entry fee was fair.

Courses:

This is where the biggest surprise showed up. The 15k opened an early lead as the "favorite course," then was eclipsed by the 25k, and finally staged a late comeback to almost catch the longest race, 30 to 31%.

The 4-town, 2-state route from Silvermine somewhat paradoxically ran away with the other two categories. A third if the respondents selected it as the course they most dreaded, with the other three courses splitting the responses evenly. And the 25k was the hands-down winner as "hardest course," with 45% giving it that honor, although when only first-timers were counted, the 20k was a dead-even tie with it.

Some comments:

"This is a tough one to call. The 20k used to be my favorite, but the 25k is starting to grow on me. There is also something very special about the 15k. The 10k does not really thrill me, but it is still good. They are all tough, but I do love the challenge of them. They are also very pretty and scenic."

"The 15k course is a necessary evil. The out-and-back mental and physical suffer-fest is a good reminder of how much work is left to be done before you are marathon ready."

"I have a love/hate relationship with the 25K... There is certainly no course that I 'dread,' but sometimes while running I must remind myself that it was MY IDEA to do it. :)"

"Love and dread them all! Love these races--old school about running and comraderie, not bells and whistles. Except for that one guy who whistles... thanks!"

Communication:

The email communications were almost universally appreciated (95%), while only 27% followed the Buildup page on Facebook. That was a new addition this year, and might grow in popularity next year, or might fade if Facebook does likewise. In any case, it will always remain an adjucnt to the Series website and emails, rather than a replacement.

Repeat/Recommend:

More than 90% said they would run the Series again, and/or recommend it to other runners.

Comments/Suggestions:

Most respondents were fairly satisfied with the scheduling of the races and the start times. Some preferred an earlier start, with an equal amount wanting a later time. Several runners from New York noted they would not be able to make it to the races with an earlier start, so this aspect will probably remain unchanged.

Results posting, online registration, driving directions and the Series website all received Good to Excellent ratings.

Course marking got slightly lower marks, but we suspect this might have been colored by the 25k, where wet roads made marking problematic. It's probably impossible to overmark a course, and we'll try to do a better job in the future - let's hope the weather cooperates.

The two areas that got the lowest marks were post-race refreshments and course water stops, specifically the 20k. In the past, that race has had as many as 3 stations; this year, the usual midway worker couldn't make it, so we juggled limited personnel. In the future we will make sure there are 2 and preferably 3 stations.

There were a few comments that slower runners were discriminated against by imposing finishing time limits. As the races have gotten larger over the years, it is hard to ask volunteers to stand in sub-freezing temperatures at water stations and the finish line for an infinite time, which is the reason for the limits. Also, slowers runner are accomodated by the early start option, which is fairly unique to the Buildup.

All in all, the survey was a great source of information for us, and we want to thank everyone who participated. We look forward to seeing you at the races next winter!