8 Ways to Send it into Labor Day Weekend
From epic trail running festivals, wild relay races to Stratton’s Mountain Bike Park Grand Opening and a foot or bike race to the top of Vermont’s highest peak, there’s a lot of good stuff coming up in Vermont. Here are our picks for this week and next.
24-25 | The Race to the Top of Vermont and 2nd Annual Vermont Running Festival, Stowe
On Saturday, head to Trapp Family Lodge and Outdoor Center for a day of clinics, demos, group runs, lessons, coaching, speakers and more. Then, on Sunday, run or bike the 4.3 miles up the Toll Road to the summit of Mt. Mansfield, gaining 2,564 feet as you climb.
24 | Magic Mountain Disc Golf Biathlon Charity Tournament, Londonderry
Fiddlehead presents this epically fun event, where participants challenge themselves to perform in a 9-hole round of disc golf on Magic Mountain’s rugged and beautiful course and a 9-hole round of golf at Tater Hill. Proceeds benefit the UVM Children’s Hospital.
25 | The 3rd Annual CLIF Enduro Lite, Burke Mountain Resort
Presented by the MAXXIS Eastern States Cup and CLIF, this kid and family-friendly race festival offers new mountain bike riders and racers the opportunity to try enduro racing in a stress-free, fun environment on some of the Northeast’s best terrain.
Aug. 31-Sept. 1 | Hops for Hope 5K and 15th Annual Mount Snow Brewers’ Festival, West Dover
A beginner-friendly multi-terrain walk or run leading up to the 15th Annual Mount Snow Brewers Festival, featuring over 50 breweries and more than 100 beers. The top fundraiser for this year’s 5K will win a season’s pass for 2019-2020, with all proceeds from the race/walk donated to the American Cancer Society.
As always, there will be tons of great food options on the festival grounds with a huge BBQ on Cuzzins deck along with vendors whipping up waffles, pizza, tacos, and a few other surprises to satiate your appetite.
Live music will be on-stage throughout the event featuring Jeff Tuohy Band and DJ Randy Boyer on Saturday, and then Wyld Nightz and DJ Bay 6 on Sunday. There will also be solo acoustic sets at the summit featuring Rob Hubert on Saturday from 12-3PM and Jill Sachs on Sunday from 1-4PM.
Aug. 30-Sept. 1 | Jay Peak Trail Running Festival, Jay Peak
With 7 races for all abilities, there is something for every runner at this unique trail festival. Whether you’re a kid (or have one) who likes being outdoors, someone looking to try your first trail race or a seasoned trail runner that loves long, relentless days in the mountains, there’s an event here for you. Distances range from a 53.1K ultramarathon to a 22-miler, a 5K, an 11-miler, a kids’ trail race and a series of fun 5Ks.
Aug. 31 | Stratton Mountain Bike Park Grand Opening, Stratton
Head to Stratton Mountain over Labor Day Weekend for a grand opening of their new lift-served mountain bike park and celebration. Serviced by the American Express six-passenger lift to mid-mountain, the terrain in Phase one will be family-friendly, offering 4.6 miles of beginner, intermediate and advanced trails. Join us on Labor Day Weekend for a grand opening celebration with Red Bull, and other vendors and participate in beginner clinics and enjoy the fun. See stratton.com for more details.
Sept. 1 | Heels to Paws 5K, Stratton
A 5K fun run to benefit the Second Chance Animal Shelter on the ski area grounds. Walk, jog or run but be sure to bring a leash for your furry companion.
Sept. 1 | North Face Doggie and Me Hike, Stratton
Enjoy a private guided hike with your dog on Stratton Mountain. Repeats October 12.
Featured Photo Caption: As many as 800 race up Mt. Mansfield’s Toll road each year (on foot or by bike). Photo by Grant Wieler.
