Families Take the Challenge on Vermont’s Highest Mountain

The Fleisher Jacobs Group (FJG) Race to the Top of Vermont is a much anticipated event for hundreds of people across the country and this year it’s happening on Sunday, August 28th in Stowe, Vermont. In its fourth year, the race is going to be bigger and better than ever, with 800 participants running, mountain biking and hiking up Mount Mansfield’s famous toll road. In an effort to boost camaraderie and promote team spirit, the race will have two team categories, which will allow racers to compete as individuals and as part of a three-person team. Teams must comprise of three racers in the same discipline (running or biking), with at least one woman on each team. Race times will be combined and counted in either the “Open category” for friends and family or the “Corporate category” for businesses and non-profits.

While the race’s hill climb is a particularly challenging one, the Race to the Top is a great event for families. The hiking category is non-competitive and offers families the opportunity to experience the collective high-energy of the event without the pressure of racing. Hiking is also a great option for families that have one or more participants running or biking. New this year, the CTA will award the family who has the most participants with a special prize. Families may enter in the Open Team category, which includes immediate families, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, etc – proof of family tree not required.

Some families, like the Kingsbauers of North Chittenden, are opting to run the race as a family. Matt Kingsbauer, who ran the Vermont City Marathon earlier this year, and his 8-year old son, Griffin, will be racing together in August. “The race is 2 days after Matt’s birthday, and Griffin has told him that running the race together is his present to him,” Matt’s wife Trish says of Griffin’s motivation. Griffin has started training by running laps up his road and then running up the backyard mountain. “He runs more for fun than competing,” Trish adds. Look for Matt and Griffin on race day!

Hosted by the Catamount Trail Association (CTA), the race is a significant fundraiser for the backcountry skiing organization, which manages and protects the 300-mile public access ski trail, which runs the length of Vermont. Committed to helping strengthen Vermont’s future, CTA has chosen two non-profits to be co-beneficiaries for this year’s race, Mobius and Vermont Works for Women/Girls Move Mountains. Mobius is dedicated to finding caring adults to mentor youth while VWW/Girls Move Mountains’ mission is to help women and girls recognize their potential and explore, pursue and excel in work and play that leads to economic independence and self confidence.

All would be participants are urged to enter early since registration will be full at 800 people. For more information, please visit: www.catamounttrail.org for race details and entry form or call (802) 864-5794.