The North Face Race To The Top Of VT - Aug 26, 2012
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Race Overview
The North Face is the new title sponsor for the 5th Annual Race to the Top of Vermont
The Catamount Trail Association (CTA) is excited to announce The North Face as the title sponsor of the 5th Annual Race To The Top Of Vermont on August 26, 2012. The 40 year-old company based in California, is well known for delivering an extensive line of performance apparel, equipment, and footwear. The North Face brand pushes the boundaries of innovation with the help of the world's most accomplished climbers, mountaineers, extreme skiers, snowboarders, endurance runners, and explorers. The North Face is pleased to partner with an organization that shares many of the same ideals concerning the conservation of land for outdoor recreation.
The event is organized as a fundraiser for the Catamount Trail Association, the non-profit organization that manages, maintains, and protects the 300-mile backcountry ski trail that spans the length of Vermont. This year, the Vermont Land Trust (VLT) will also be a beneficiary of the event. A current goal of the VLT is to buy and conserve a large tract of forested land in Bolton Valley used by backcountry skiers, hikers, and the home to many species of animals. The Catamount Trail, which runs through this property, is protected with an easement. Participants may fund raise on behalf of the Vermont Land Trust and their conservation efforts.
Each August, the RTTOVT draws as many as 800 hikers, mountain bikers and runners from over twenty-three states and Canada to climb Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, in Stowe, Vermont. If you don't want to race 4.3 miles yourself, join us for the non-competitive hike while taking part in a vital fundraiser for the Catamount Trail and the Vermont Land Trust. All hikers will be eligible to win raffle prizes. The event will be limited to the first 800 registered participants. Register early for great savings since entry fees increase as the race day approaches.
New to 2012 is the MVP Health Care Run For Fun youth event, which will take place at Midway Lodge at 12:00 noon on August 26th. This event is a one kilometer mini hill climb for children 4-14 years of age and serves as an introduction into the life long sport of running. Everyone is a winner and all children will receive medals for this fun event. See details below.
MVP Health Care Run For Fun youth event
The MVP Health Care Run For Fun youth event is designed to give youth ages 4-14 the opportunity to experience running in a fun event with other kids in their own age group. There will be three separate mass starts for ages 4-7, 8-10, and 12-14. The run will be one kilometer in length and have both gradual up and downhill terrain on this non-paved course. Participants will also have some fun obstacles to negotiate along the course. Hundreds of spectators will be on hand to cheer the youth as they challenge themselves on this fun course during the BBQ/Awards party. The event will not be timed but every participant will receive a special MVP Health Care Run For Fun medal with ribbon at the finish.
Race Entry Fee: $10.00 includes a MVP Health Care medal, one raffle ticket, and a commemorative race bib. BBQ tickets are not included and must be purchased by 8/23/2012 via registration or calling 802-864-5794. BBQ tickets are $10.00
Pre-Registration: By downloading entry form or on-line registration up to 8/23/2012. You may also call the CTA at 802-864-5794
Late Registration: Saturday 4:00-6:00pm at Midway Lodge or race day from 8:00-11:30am at Midway Lodge.
Race Location: Midway Lodge (located above the base of the gondola lift)
Race Start: 12:00 noon
Race Course Details
The Course: The course is 4.3 miles long and climbs 2,564 vertical feet on the famous Mt. Mansfield Toll Road to the summit parking lot. The racecourse starts on pavement for .3 miles before changing to gravel for 4 miles. The starting elevation is 1,279 feet and the course climbs to the summit parking lot at 3,843 ft. Racers will experience a steady incline throughout the course with a 10-degree average incline. Participants will be rewarded with one of the most spectacular views in the east overlooking three states and Canada. Click Here To Download Map Image
Sunday, AUGUST 26, 2012
Start Format: There will be two mass starts.
9:00 am start for walkers and non-competitive hikers
9:00 am for runners
10:00 am for mountain bikers
12:00 noon - Catamount Cubs Run For Fun Event (Midway Lodge)
Important Summit Weather Conditions: The summit parking lot finish area can often be quite gusty and 10-15 degrees cooler than the starting area temperatures. Please make sure you have the proper clothing for the descent. Participant’s warm-down clothing will be transported to the finish prior to the start of the race. We will provide heat shields at the finish area upon request. Please make sure you return to the Midway Lodge post race activities for proper disposal of the heat shields. Please do not litter the natural landscape.
Mt. Bike Restrictions: In an effort to keep the cycling portion of the race fair for all participants, Mt bikes will be restricted to no less than 2.0 width tires. All cyclists must wear a helmet and Mt. bikes must have two working brakes.
Racer Support and Parking: Remember that your ride down from the top is your own responsibility. Racers may descend the mountain by pre-arranged vehicle, on foot, or by Mt. bike. Mt bikers will be allowed to descend the mountain staying behind an official lead rider throughout the entire descent. An official lead rider will leave 20 minutes after the first finisher and at 20 minute intervals throughout the Mt. bike race. Due to a lack of space at the summit parking lot, a limited amount of personal support vehicles will allowed to drive to the finish area. Vehicles will be charged $20.00 unless the vehicle brings down three or more participants.
Runners who would prefer a ride down the mountain will give their auto pass stub (attached to their race bib) to their support vehicle driver. The driver must show the Toll gate attendant three auto pass stubs prior to driving to the finish area. Vehicles will be allowed to drive up the mountain between 8:00-8:50 am. The gate closes at 8:50 sharp and no other vehicles will be allowed to ascend the Toll Road. All support vehicles must go directly to the finish area prior to race start and will have to wait until racers have finished the course before descending. Drivers may acquire toll road vehicle passes at the Toll Road gate house located at the starting line area. Only twenty-five support vehicle passes will be be allocated.
Hiker Support Vehicles: We will provide bus space for those hikers who wish to have a ride down the mountain. The bus will not depart until the entire race is finished.
Enter the Race
Click here to download race entry
Click here for online entry through Active.com
**The entry fee is non-refundable in the case that the event is cancelled due to unusual circumstances.
Entry Fee Includes:
- RTTOVT high quality men's and women's NorthFace tech shirts
- Post race BBQ party with music at the Midway Lodge
- Hand made stoneware mugs to top three in each age group and discipline
- $14,000 in raffle prizes and awards
- Cash prizes to the top three overall in each discipline (1st=$200, 2nd=$100, 3rd=$50)
- Cash prizes for a Clydesdale/Athena Division (1st=$100, 2nd=$50, 3rd=$25) You may enter this category when picking up race packet.
- Hand made stoneware mugs to the fastest three single discipline Open Teams (non-corporate) and Corporate Teams. All teams are comprised of three people doing the same discipline with at least one woman on each team.
Entry Received by July 1: $45 or $30 for CTA Member
Entry Received by Aug 1: $55 or $45 for CTA Member
Entry Received after Aug 1 - Race Day: $65
Click here to become a Catamount Trail Association Member
Club/Team Rates
For groups of 10 or more people, registration is $35 per person. Groups must mail their registration forms together to the CTA by July 1st to get the discounted rate.
Our mailing address is: 1 Mill St. Suite #350 Burlington, VT 05401
Fundraising For An Important Cause
- Enjoying Bolton Valley's Backcountry in March of 2012.
Race To The Top For Bolton's Backcountry!
In February of 2011 most of the beloved Nordic and Backcountry trail system at Bolton Valley, Vermont came under threat of private sale. Faced with the loss of public access to the land, the community reached out to the Vermont Land Trust, and one year later VLT signed a contract to purchase over 1,161 acres that host most of the trails. The land represents an unparalleled resource for Vermont, offering outstanding outdoor recreational access to individuals, schools and community groups in the most densely populated part of the state as well as a critically important wildlife habitat area. In order to complete the sale and permanently protect the land, the Vermont Land Trust needs to raise $1,050,000 by May 2013. Participants in the 2012 North Face Race to the Top of Vermont can help make this a reality by making a gift in support of the project, or by asking your friends and family to sponsor your race participation with their pledges! Please visit http://www.vlt.org/bolton or email milena@vlt.org to learn more about the Bolton project, make a gift, or get more information about the “Race to the Top for Bolton Backcountry.” Download the pledge form here. Or register for the Race to the Top as a “Friend of Bolton Backcountry”, and we’ll send you more information!
Awards and Raffle Prizes
Voted Vermont's Event With The Best Prizes: The Race To The Top Of Vermont was recently voted by Vermont Sports Magazine in a recent poll as Vermont's Event With The Best Prizes.
Awards: Handmade stoneware RTTOVT mugs and Darn Tough Socks will be presented to the top three racers in each 10-year age category for men and women in both running and Mt. biking. The top three overall men and women for each discipline will also receive cash awards (1st=$200, 2nd=$100, 3rd=$50) and a special prizes for the three fastest Open and Corporate teams. Over $14,000 in prizes and awards.
Team Event: Any person who enters the race can also be on a team at no extra fee and will still be eligible for individual prizes as welll. An official team consists of three people all doing the same discipline (running or Mt Biking), and at least one person on the team must be a woman. Handmade stoneware mugs will be presented to the fastest three single discipline Open Teams (non-corporate) and Corporate Teams.
Clydesdale and Athena Awards: Special awards will be presented to the top three males and females in both the run and mountain bike category for those participants who wish to enter the 200 lbs and over class for the men and the 150 lbs and over class for the women.
Registration and Race Packet Pickup
Online registration: Online registration will close on Tuesday, Aug 21 at 3:00pm EST. (No tech shirts guaranteed after August 15th.)
Late and Day of Race Registration and Race Bib Pickup: The event will be limited to the first 800 participants. Race day entries will be allowed on race day Aug 26th if the event is not full. Race packet pick-up and possible late registration will be at Midway Lodge (located directly above the base of the gondola) on Saturday from 4:00pm-6:00pm. Race day pre-registered bib pickup is from 7:30am-9:30am. Make sure you give yourself 10 minutes to park your car at the race start parking after you pick up your race packet. Important: Race Registration will not happen at the race start area.
Post Race BBQ and Activities
The post race BBQ will start at 11:30 at the Midway Lodge, the same location for registration and race packet pickup. The BBQ will consist of delicious BBQ chicken, new potato salad, a leafy green salad, a roll and a beverage brought to you by Black Diamond BBQ. We will also have live music on hand to accompany your BBQ lunch prior to awards. Extra BBQ lunch tickets can be bought up to one week prior to the event.
The Catamount Cubs Run For Fun will start at 12:00 noon at Midway Lodge for all to spectate. This fun event is open to children 4-14 years of age as an introduction to the life long sport of running. Every child who participates in this mini hill climb will be a winner and receive an event medal. Lunch tickets are not included in this event and may be purchased online or by calling 802-864-5794 by August 20th. Event tech shirts will be available for purchase at site.
Awards and raffle prizes will take place at 12:30pm at Midway Lodge. Every participant will receive a raffle ticket while more can be purchased at a minimal charge to increase your chances of winning. The North Face Race To The Top Of Vermont was voted in a recent poll taken by a Vermont Sports Magazine as the VT Event With The Best Prizes for 2011. Once again we will have over $14,000 in awards and raffle prizes for this year's event.
Course Records and 2010 Results
Click here for the 2011 Results for the FJG Race To The Top Of Vermont
Check out Ken Skier's HD Video documentary page. He runs and shoots photos at the same time.
Running Course Records:
2010 Andrew Gardinar, Wellesley, MA 34:48.6
2011 Kasie Enman, Huntington, VT 39:17.7 (2011 World Champion)
Mountain Bike Course Records:
2011 Jamey Driscoll, Winooski, VT 31:51.6
2011 Marilyn Ruseckas, Warren, VT 41:55.4
Team Course Record:
2011 Kasie Enman, Marc Gilbertson, Ray Webster 1:56:31 (all runners)
Participants' Reviews
Some Accolades From Participants
Below are unsolicited emails from participants following the 2011 event.
· Good morning Jim,
It’s Steve here from the Phoenix Running Club. I’d like to take a moment to thank you & your team again for another great race. Everyone had a great time & we’ll be back again next year. – Steve Davis, Kirkland , Quebec
· It was tons of fun....I’m glad I made it to the top; first “anything” since breaking my wrist, concussion and shoulder separation....slow and steady it goes.... Great event, great people :), great food, great t’s, great raffle....will be back for sure in 2012 and maybe could even run the damn thing vs walking it!! thanks again, - Carol Blattspeiler and Lee Krohn – South Burlington and Manchester, VT
· Thanks so much for the great race. The mugs are a great touch. Really not much to add but if you are looking for more entrants, you may want to consider contacting the folks at BUMPS http://www.hillclimbseries.com/ to become a part of that series. There is a sort of cult following for people who like to climb hills! – Patrick Campbell
· Thanks for putting on a great race and making the necessary adjustments ahead of the storm to get the race in. I had a great time! – Tim Mahoney – Western MA
· Jim - just a quick note to say you and your staff did an outstanding job on pulling the race off against all odds! The last minute shuffle was a home run in my opinion and you guys handled it like seasoned event veterans never seeming to miss a beat. It was my second year or riding but I look forward to many more years of participating - keep up the great work! John Chassard
· Hi Jim- Just wanted to reiterate my appreciation for such a wonderful and seamless job of pulling off a big event, especially with the Irene factor. – Steve Page, Williston, VT
· “Jim and Joanne, you did a fabulous job and pulled off a miracle. The race was wonderful and I know we can’t possible understand all that it took to make it happen a day early. Thank you!” – Faith Terwilliger, Putney, VT
· Jim, 2700 miles biked this year and still over 200 lbs. I must like the recovery food too much :-) Great job pulling together the event, I enjoyed having the food and ceremonies in the evening (no baking under the mid-day sun). See you on the snow.- Chris Ford
· Hi Jim, Gale L. Parmelee also commented on Catamount Trail Association’s link. Gale wrote: “What an amazing job to pull off this event at the last minute in the face of a storm! As a runner I would have never known the event was not originally scheduled for Saturday - it was that smooth! Looking forward to next year!!” – Gale Parmelee,
· Jen Speranzo posted on Catamount Trail Association’s wall. “Great race yesterday! Hoping to return next year!”
· HI Jim, I hope you’re surviving the rain and winds and not having to deal with any flooding garages! I just wanted to let you know that yesterday’s event was perfect! The awards and raffle was long BUT you made it entertaining and pleasant to hang around till the end. Too bad my luck wasn’t with me for getting those Nokia tires!! Keep up the great work and thanks to JoAnne for her terrific work too. Fondly, Lisa Bernardin – Middlebury, VT
· Dear Jim, As one of the Montreal Phoenix club contingent I just wanted to thank you and your team for putting on a great event, all rearranged at the last minute.
We really appreciate the effort that went into doing that rather than just cancelling.
We love any excuse we can get to come down and run in beautiful Vermont.
The ambience from the local folks is always great too, always welcoming.
Til next year! Cheers, Alan Miller – Montreal, Quebec
· Jim - As I sit here waiting for Irene’s wind and rain to the top I thought I would send you a quick email of thanks for another great race yesterday! This was my second year running and I even got my sister (Beth Rawson) involved as a volunteer this year and we loved it and had so much fun! You and the entire crew are to be commended on changing plans so quickly due to this storm. I am amazed, to me it came off like it was already scheduled for Saturday! The group was so well organized! BBQ was delicious as always:) I love to Cross Country Ski and I may just have to make this a year I become a member of Catamount Trail! Looking forward to next years run up Mansfield and hopefully it will not be in the face of a hurricane! But us Vermonters always find a way to “get it done”:) Take care! Gale Parmelee – Sudbury, VT
· Hi Jim, Thanks for your reply. Just got our power back, so couldn’t answer before :) Everybody from Phoenix had a great time, some of us were just talking about it this morning at our recovery run and we want to go back next year, maybe we’ll be an even bigger group! :) We are a fun running club for sure and always enjoy going to races, especially if there is good food and beer... and lots of door prizes!! Haha. Hope to see you next year. Pierre Faucher – Montreal, Quebec
· Hi Jim, Carrie Nourjian also commented on Catamount Trail Association’s link. Carrie wrote: “Thank you so much to Jim, JoAnn and everyone who spent hours of their time in putting together such a great event. It is definitely worth every inch of pain it takes to crawl up to the top of Vermont!”
· Dear Jim, I ran the race to the top of Vermont today for the first time and truly enjoyed the experience. I have skied the mountain several times, but have never run up. I was very pleased with my race and gave it my all (with an injured ankle to booth), and what a surprise to have taken in 1st place in the 50-59 AG, a nice bonus to finish off the day. I plan on going back next year with Phoenix and make a complete weekend of it. Thanks again for putting together a great event with your team, in what I’m sure were very stressful and difficult conditions. All the best - Pierre Faucher, Lachine, QC
· Hi Jim, Ilke Van Genechten also commented on Catamount Trail Association’s link. Ilke wrote: “Very excited, to all that put this together, thank you for making things work out so we can race tomorrow. It’s a lot of work to put a race together and to be forced to change the plans quickly has to be very tough. I know there was talk of the race being canceled all together...so I am very happy everyone who has been working on making this a successful day, put that much more effort to change the plans last minute. Thank you!”
Race Photos
We are happy to announce that SkiPix will be the official photography service for The North Face Race To The Top Of Vermont. Find your photos at www.SkiPix.com. Share your photos with family and friends. Order prints, Puzzles, Magnets and More. Perfect gifts for all! 303-619-2958
Lodging
The following lodges and motels in Stowe, VT are strong supporters of the Catamount Trail and the FJG Race To The Top Of Vermont. They will be offering special rates for participants.
Commodore's Inn
Commodores Inn - 823 South Main Street, Stowe, VT 05672-4656
800-44-STOWE (78693) or (802) 253-7131
Spend your next vacation at our peaceful 30-acre private lakeside setting at the edge of Stowe Village in historic Stowe, Vermont. Featuring modern comfort with country charm, our family-owned and operated inn has all the amenities you need to make your visit to Stowe a memorable one.
The Commodores Inn offers a wide array of year-round activities to suit the outdoor and sporting enthusiast, music, art and theatre for the cultural buff, and an abundance of shops, restaurants, and sightseeing opportunities for all budgets and appetites.
Golden Eagle Resort
Golden Eagle Resort, 511 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT
802-253-4811 or 800-626-1010 info@goldeneagleresort.com
People love our mountain views and deluxe spacious heated indoor pool, huge hot tub, sauna, and children's program. Close to Stowe alpine and nordic ski areas. Charming and comfortable lodging, many with fireplace, all rooms with refrigerator and coffee maker, romantic mini-suites with fireplace and whirlpool bath, 1-2 bedroom suites and apartments.
Stowe Motel and Snowdrift
Stowe Motel and Snowdrift, 2043 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT 05672
802-253-7629 or 800-829-7629 info@stowemotel.com
The Stowe Motel & Snowdrift proudly offers a variety of lodging including rooms, efficiencies, fireplace efficiencies, apartments, suites and houses. Guests can partake in our continental breakfast, mountain bikes, snowshoes, hot tub, heated pools, tennis courts, game room and more. Free wireless is also available!
Nestled between picturesque Stowe Village and the Stowe Mountain Resort, the Stowe Motel & Snowdrift is situated on 16 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, bordered by the pristine Westbranch River. Guests from all over the world enjoy the breathtaking view of Mount Mansfield from our property.
Stowe Mountain's Resort Inn at the Mountain
Stowe Mountain Resort’s Inn at the Mountain: Stay at the base of Mount Mansfield’s Toll Road where the race starts! Save 15% off Standard Inn Rooms and 20% off 1-5 Bedroom condos when you book our Family Stay & Play Special!* In addition you will receive Free Stowe Points Cards which entitles you to discounted Summer Attractions Packages & Golf at the Stowe Country Club. Please mention you are part of the Race to the Top of VT Group when booking your reservation. *Not combinable with any other offers/discounts. Rates subject to change. Subject to availability.
Click here to book your Inn at the Mountain Room today! Or call: (802) 253-3649 and mention group code: 12614.
Town and Country Resort in Stowe
Town and Country Resort, Box 1497 876 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT 05672
Phone: 802-253-7595 Toll free: 800-323-0311
Located in the village of Stowe Vermont. Comfortable guest rooms reasonably priced. We are a family owned and operated 45 room resort located on the edge of Stowe village, just 5 miles from Stowe Mountain Resort in Stowe Vermont. Our facilities include the Carriage Room Restaurant, Fireside Pub, Stowe's largest Outdoor Pool, Indoor Pool, Hot Tub, Sauna, Tennis Court and are adjacent to the award winning Stowe Recreation Path. Free wireless internet access in our guest lobby, pub, meeting room, and now all guest rooms! Complimentary guest computer with high speed internet in lobby.
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