Hello friends and family!
On July 19–20, 2025, I’ll be running the Vermont 100 Mile Endurance Race. It’s a challenge that has been on my mind since I crossed the finish line of the VT 100km version in 2024. My journey into the ultramarathon trail running began with a birthday gift I gave myself in 2023, running a 50km trail race in beautiful Vermont.
I run not because I have to like you, but because I truly enjoy running. Besides a life with a full-time job, a family with two young kids, and everything life throws at me, having the time to run feels like a luxury. There were times I wanted to run but couldn’t find the time or had to use the time for other things with more priority. And there were times I wanted to run but I wasn’t physically comfortable or ready, because of illness or injury. Those moments can well remind me of the importance of health, both physically and mentally.
I’m incredibly grateful for being able to move free and do what I love! However, there are so many others don’t have that privilege to enjoy what sports can bring us. There are people out there for whom just getting out to walk can be a challenge
During my long run in the Fells in a weekend of late June, I realized there is a chance to help in a small way when I was thinking about what the VT100 race director Amy Rusiecki and the committee have been doing besides organizing the race.
The Vermont 100 isn’t just a race, it’s indeed a celebration of community, which deeply impressed me during my 100km experience. With about 450 runners (and 70 horses), there were 500+ volunteers including those have disabilities in the race weekend. The Vermont 100 Endurance Race was firstly held in 1989. It was started by the same woman, Laura Farrell, who founded Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports www.vermontadaptive.org, a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers people of all ages with a variety of disabilities through inclusive sports and recreational programming regardless of ability to pay. Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports 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. Vermont Adaptive offers financial support for anyone who needs it to participate.
The VT100 is one of Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports biggest fund raisers every year.
If you’ve read this far and want to join me to support access to sports, joy, and freedom for those who need a little extra help, here’s my fundraising page: https://www.pledgereg.com/465539 We can help those youth and adults who are living with disabilities, just a little. Please consider donating what you can to help me reach my goal and help Vermont Adaptive meet their goal too!
Thank you for your donation, any amount is appreciated, and your encouragement! I’m hopeful that the weeks, actually over two years with all being considered, of training will help me to reach the finish line. Your kindness will bring more strength and courage on the trail.
Thanks,
-Yanbo
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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.