By summer, things heat up with RunVermont’ s summer series, with dates set to be announced in the late spring. Run- Vermont offers a casual set of summertime races that give runners a chance to stay active and social without the pressure of peak-season competition. Whether participants are pushing for a new personal best or just enjoying the sunshine with friends, the series emphasizes fun and consistency.
When fall arrives, Island Vines 10K / 5K takes center stage. Held at the picturesque Snow Farm Vineyard in South Hero, the event invites runners and walkers to wind through scenic country roads, followed by local wine and Vermont fare.“ It’ s one of the most beautiful races we do,” says Dexter-Cooper.“ You run through rows of grapevines, and then you celebrate with your friends and family at a working vineyard. It’ s a perfect blend of health and hospitality.”
Winter doesn’ t mean slowing down— it means layering up for the beloved Freezy Cheeks 5K Series. Originally developed as a COVID-safe solution with a one-hour rolling start, the model stuck for its flexibility.“ Some people like to race hard and track their chip times. Others prefer to show up and jog with friends without the big crowd energy,” says Dexter-Cooper.“ It’ s a winter race that really adapts to you.”
In addition to being chip-timed, the Freezy Cheeks Series offers age-graded awards, beverages( both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and themed race experiences. Miller recalls a particularly snowy Freezy Cheeks that ended with a hot chocolate toast— and a family crossing the finish line together in costume.
Adding to the seasonal charm are fan-favorite youth events like the
March Maple Mudder, a free kids’ fun run held during Vermont’ s sugaring season, and the Halloween Hustle, where children race in full costume with self-decorated bibs.“ We want kids to associate running with joy,” says Lauren Miller, Youth Director.“ These events are about celebration, not competition.”
Participants are encouraged to reach out with questions, accessibility needs, or ideas.“ We’ re a small team,” says Dexter-Cooper,“ but if you contact us, you’ re going to get someone who genuinely cares and wants to help you find your place here.”
First Steps
At the heart of RunVermont’ s mission is a belief that movement is for everyone— and that starts with the youngest members of the community. For Youth Director and Race Operations Manager Lauren Miller, this is more than just a job. With a background in public health and wellness science, she brings a deep understanding of how running can positively shape a child’ s physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
“ Running supports so much more than physical fitness,” says Miller.“ Our programs teach kids about goal-setting, confidence, mental health, and resilience. It’ s about giving them tools they’ ll use long after the finish line.” RunVermont’ s youth programming is structured to provide a pathway for children of all ages to engage in healthy, joyful movement. The Mini Milers program, designed for elementary school students, introduces running in a playful and inclusive way. It’ s far more than just a weekly jog— it’ s a holistic wellness program that includes lessons on nutrition,
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