As the Vermont 100 race director, I have had the honor of welcoming so many runners across the finish line - sharing hugs, tears, cheers, and joy. It's an incredible thing to be part of! While each of you has held a place in my heart if you've ever been part of the Vermont 100 family - some of the most incredible performances have come from the incredible adaptive athletes who toe the line.
I know, I'm biased, but I have shared miles (through guiding) for many visually impaired athletes - so I have been able to share their journey and witnessed first hand what incredible athletes they are. For this year's race, I'll again be guiding a VI runner off the starting line of the 100 miler - and have no doubt she'll reach the finish line having accomplished something awesome!
Organizations like Vermont Adpative Ski & Sport provide the support, equipment, and training for adaptive athletes from across the country who travel to recreate in Vermont. It's why I'm proud that the Vermont 100 supports Vermont Adaptive!
[Info on Vermont Adaptive]:
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 - Vermont Adaptive Fundraising
The Vermont 100 Endurance Race is celebrating its 35th edition! 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 a qualifying race and every runner is required to volunteer for 8 hours at a running event or trail work to enter.
Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports is a nationally recognized organization that empowers people of all abilities 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 disabilities.
Vermont Adaptive serves clients of all abilities with physical, cognitive and emotional/behavioral disabilities from all over the world in three locations in Vermont during the winter – Killington Resort and Pico Mountain in Killington; Sugarbush Resort in Warren; and Bolton Valley Ski Area in Bolton. Summer programs are provided state-wide. Many of their programs include environmental education, wellness, and special programs designed specifically for veterans.