Vermont Travel Notes

Peak Adventures is a Vermont company that puts on extreme races several times a year. Their snowshoe marathon is coming up next weekend on Saturday March 8 starting at 8:00 am in Pittsfield VT.

The course is a 6.5 mile loop with 7,200 feet of elevation change along ungroomed and snowmobile trails. See the topo map on the website for more detail. The marathon runs four loops, the half marathon runs two loops, and there is a one loop fun run for those who just want to give snowshoeing a try. There is a ten hour time limit for all racers.

For beginners: I can tell you from personal experience that running in snowshoes takes twice the exertion of road running so plan accordingly! It's not enough to be in good shape. You have to be in great shape.

You can register online at peakraces.com and click the link to runrace.net or register that morning at the General Store in Pittsfield from 5:30 to 7:30 am. Registration costs $75 and includes a beanie hat and the post race meal.

The post race celebration begins at 6:30 pm and includes lobster and shrimp dinner, "plenty" of Long Trail beer, the awards ceremony ($1200 for the marathon only to the top three men and women - $300 for 1st place, $200 for 2nd place, and $100 for third place; plus unique finishers awards for everyone and a special award for top three male and top three female in the marathon and half marathon).

(c) 2008 [except the photo from Peak Adventures] Jeff Connor