The Northeast's Coolest Non-Profit–The Catamount Trail Association–Prepares for Vermont's Premiere Mountain Running Event, the 9th Annual North Face Race to the Top to Vermont at Stowe Mountain Resort.
On Sunday August 28, 2016, the North Face Race To The Top Of Vermont will draw as many as 800 hikers, mountain bikers, and runners from across the U.S. and Canada to climb Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak located in Stowe, Vermont. Presented by The North Face Store @ KL Sport and the Catamount Trail Association (CTA), the course climbs up the historic Toll Road for 4.3 miles and 2564 feet of up! For some it’s all about trying to achieve a fast time up this tough 4.3 mile course. For others… they come to challenge themselves and to enjoy the spectacular views.
Regardless of each participant’s motivation, the North Face Race To The Top Of Vermont is about supporting the CTA and all of the good work they do. This event is their largest fundraiser of the year and while enthusiasts test their limits, they should also know that 100% of the money raised at this event goes to support backcountry skiing and riding here in Vermont!
For 2016 there have been some significant changes and additions to the event in order to make the event more inclusive, and to recognize some of the significant efforts that are put in by some of our competitors.
First up, the bike restrictions for the cycling portion of the competition have been relaxed. We've eliminated the need for a 2 inch or wider tire, and now the the only requirements are a tire with knobs, and disc or v-type brakes. This will open up the cycling competition to cyclocross and gravel-grider type bikes in addition to mountain bikes increasing the level of competition.
We've also added a special awards category for participants competing on fatbikes, and during the awards ceremony the fastest woman and man competing bikes of the fat variety will be recognized with custom race mugs, socks from Darn T
ough, and $100 gift certificate provided by Onion River Sports.
In case running or riding up the mountain isn't enough of a challenge, we've added the option to do it twice! Last year race regular and international mountain running phenom Joshua Ferenc decided that running the course just couldn't provide the amount of suffering he was seeking. So, he signed up for both the run and the bike. This wasn't the first time someone has done attempted a double, but last year Josh walked away with the overall win in the run, and 3rd place in his age group for the bike!
Afterwards a variety of people expressed interest in competing this way, and so for 2016 we have officially added the Double as an option for our participants! If you're looking for a challenge and enjoy suffering... We've got you covered!
In addition we have reduced the group registration requirements from 10 or more persons, to 5+. Despite the continued success of this event we have noticed less people are taking advantage of the group registration option, and we want people to be able to share this experience with their friends. We realize that finding 9 additional people to run or bike up a mountain with you might be tough, but 4... That should be easy! Our special group pricing does end on August 1st... So get those entries in!
Lastly, if cheering and watching are more your style, the CTA always needs volunteers to help out at this event. Every volunteer will receive the same benefits as our racers... free tech shirt, BBQ, and raffle ticket!
Visit www.rtttovt.com to sign up and for more information, or call or email: 802-864-5794, [email protected].
The Catamount Trail Association (CTA) is a Vermont non-profit that manages and conserves the Catamount Trail, a public-access backcountry ski trail that runs the length of Vermont from Massachusetts to Canada. We're advocates of backcountry and cross-country skiing for the quality of life, recreational, health, economic and educational benefits they provide. And, in conjunction with our partners, we are working tirelessly to create new opportunities and expand the available self-serve skiable terrain available here in Vermont. You can think of the CTA as a younger, cooler (literally) Green Mountain Club/Long Trail.
Links
Catamount Trail Association: http://catamounttrail.org/
North Face Race to the Top of Vermont: http://www.rtttovt.com/
The North Face Store @ KL Sport: http://www.klmountainshop.com/brands/the-north-face.html
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