Hello friends and family!
I am honored and thrilled to be running the Vermont 100 this July. I will be putting in lots of miles training for this event (hopefully with lots of you who are reading this!) but I can't help but think about how lucky I am that I can go for a run, walk, or hike without thinking too much about it. The VT100 is not just a race - it's also a great fundraiser for Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports which provides sports and recreational programs as well as wellness and environmental retreats to people with disabilities. Programs include skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and Nordic in the winter; and sailing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, cycling, rock climbing, horseback riding, and more in the warmer months. I'm lucky enough to have become friends with some local runners/athletes who are visually impaired and therefore require assistance from a sighted guide when doing these activities that they love. Sharing the roads and trails with these runners is truly an inspiration and I want to do my part in helping Vermont Adaptive provide opportunities to people who will not let a disability limit what they can do!
Please consider donating what you can to help me reach my goal and help Vermont Adaptive meet their goal too!
Thanks,
Melissa
MORE INFO ABOUT VERMONT ADAPTIVE SKI AND SPORTS:
Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that empowers people of all disabilities through inclusive sports and recreational programming regardless of ability to pay. In addition to sports, year round programming options integrate environmental, holistic wellness, and competitive training philosophies for people of all ages with cognitive, developmental, physical and emotional/behavioral disabilities. The organization believes sports and recreation provide a physical, mental and social experience that is immeasurable in promoting self-confidence and independence in an individual.
With nearly 400 active volunteer instructors, plus generous partners and sponsors, and an amazing base of clients and friends, Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports has been at the forefront of sports and recreation for those with disabilities in New England for over 30 years. Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports is committed to empowering individuals with disabilities. We promote independence and further equality through access and instruction to sports and recreational activities.
The VT 100 is one of Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports biggest fund raisers every year. For more information about Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports: www.vermontadaptive.org.
Vermont 100 Endurance Race - VT 100 Fundraising
The Vermont 100 Endurance Race is celebrating its 32nd year! While the Vermont 100 Endurance Ride is much older, the run portion was started by the same woman, Laura Farrell, who founded Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports. The VT 100 is put on every year by a committee of 30 dedicated volunteers who work year round, 500+ volunteers who come out for race weekend, more than 30 private land owners and many donors of funds, products or services. Monies raised from the event support the year-round programs offered by Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports.
The 100 mile course is a "shamrock" loop, consisting of 70% dirt or jeep roads with the rest on woods trails with just a couple miles of pavement. The course both climbs and descends 17,000 feet. Participants have 30 hours to complete the race and many strive to finish in less than 24 hours. In 2008 we added a 100 K course that uses almost all of the same trail, just cutting out the first of the shamrocks leaves. The ride event offers a 100 mile course concurrent with the 100 mile run, as well as a 50 mile and 75 mile event that uses much of the same course.
All 100 Mile run participants must have completed a 50 mile race in 12 hours or less to qualify and every runner is required to volunteer for 8 hours at a running event or trail work to enter.
Helping athletes achieve their goals