GIVING BACK
official cheer zone, Wasted * supplying sustainable porta-potties, or Leonardo’ s Pizza handing out post-race slices, it’ s about community ownership. Even our course monitors receive support sacks provided by sponsors like Chug Water, Garuka Bar, Shrubly, and Stewart’ s Bakery.”
Dexter-Cooper recalls one particularly memorable race year where a sponsor brought a live sheep to the finish line.“ Not every race can say that,” she laughs.“ But that’ s the kind of quirky, wholehearted energy this weekend brings.” At its core, Marathon Weekend is about belonging. Whether you’ re cheering from the curb, running your first mile, or pushing for a personal best, there’ s a place for you at the starting line— and at the heart of the RunVermont community.
Programming with Purpose
While the M & T Bank Vermont City Marathon & Relay may be the crown jewel of RunVermont’ s event calendar, it’ s only one part of a vibrant, year-round ecosystem of races and programs that invite everyone— of all ages, abilities, and experience levels— into the running community.
“ We don’ t just want to host one great event once a year. We want people to feel supported and welcomed in every season,” says Executive Director Anthea Dexter-Cooper.“ That means offering a variety of experiences that meet runners where they are in their journey— whether they’ re just starting out or working toward big goals.” In April, the running season gets a grassroots jumpstart with the Half
Marathon Unplugged, a strippeddown, early-spring race that lives up to its name.“ Fun frills, no hills,” is the unofficial motto of this runner favorite. With minimal signage and no live music or on-course entertainment, it’ s a pure test of early-season endurance that attracts both competitive athletes and recreational runners looking to ease into race season. The race finishes at Switchback Brewing, where the post-race celebration offers craft beer and camaraderie.
Springtime also marks the kickoff of youth programs like Mini Milers and Junior Milers, which build toward the Mini Marathon and Marathon Relay in May. These programs underscore RunVermont’ s long-term investment in running as a lifelong activity, starting with the youngest members of the community.
ERICA ALLEN PHOTOGRAPHY
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66 VERMONT MAGAZINE