RunVermont, Green Mountain Athletic Association (GMAA), and the City of Burlington Host Historic One-Mile Race on Newly Completed Roadway
Vermont Business Magazine A historic road made for an historic fundraiser. On June 21, 2026, the nearly completed Champlain Parkway served as the venue for The Parkway Mile, a one-mile race that brought together more than 400 runners, walkers, and hand cyclists and drew in hundreds more spectators.
The most visible section of the Parkway, from I-189 at Shelburne Road to Home Avenue is still fully closed and all traffic is strictly prohibited. According to the city, the outbound side headed toward Interstate 1-89 will open June 29. On June 30 inbound lanes headed west will open.
Hosted in partnership by RunVermont, Green Mountain Athletic Association (GMAA), and the City of Burlington, The Parkway Mile gave the public a rare opportunity to run a road not yet open to traffic, a once-in-a-lifetime experience that doubled as a celebration of a project six decades in the making.
"To run a road before it even opens to traffic is something you don't get to do twice," said Anthea Dexter-Cooper, Executive Director of RunVermont. "We're so proud to have partnered with GMAA and the City of Burlington to create this moment of joy and fun for so many, and even prouder that it raised meaningful support for COTS and the people they serve."
"The completion of the Champlain Parkway represents a transformative moment for Burlington, and The Parkway Mile was designed to honor that legacy," said Chapin Spencer, Director of Public Works for the City of Burlington. "More than just a race, the event brought the community together to celebrate progress, perseverance, and the collaborative spirit that defines the City of Burlington."
Thanks to volunteers from GMAA and the donation of staff time and resources by RunVermont and the City of Burlington, The Parkway Mile raised $6,675 for Committee on Temporary Shelter (COTS), with proceeds from race registration fees, donations, and event shirts printed by Amalgamated Culture Works. The donation will help COTS as it advocates for long-term solutions to end homelessness and provides emergency shelter, services, and long-term housing for people who are experiencing homelessness or are marginally housed.
The event was made possible by the generous support and partnership of Vermont Brownie Company, Skirack, Local Motion, Amalgamated Culture Works, 802 Timing, Wasted*, May Day Studio, 208 Flynn Complex, Burton Snowboards, Green Mountain Transit, Petra Cliffs, Jeff Kent Design, National Weather Service, Vermont Maple Creemee Company, Nomad/Brio, Haymaker Bun Company, Switchback Brewing Co. and Green Mountain Transit.
About RunVermont
RunVermont is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting running as a lifelong activity and hosting premier running events in the state of Vermont. In addition to the M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon & Relay, RunVermont also produces a variety of other races and community running programs throughout the year. For more information, please visit www.runvermont.org.
About the Green Mountain Athletic Association (GMAA)
The Green Mountain Athletic Association (GMAA) is Vermont's largest running club, serving runners, walkers, and fitness enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. Founded in 1970, GMAA promotes health, fitness, and community through races, training programs, social events, and volunteer opportunities. GMAA organizes nine races annually and hosts group runs and workouts throughout the year. The club offers competitive events while fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for athletes at every level. Through its races, volunteer efforts, and charitable giving, GMAA supports youth athletics, community organizations, and public health initiatives across Vermont. For more information, visit www.GMAA.run.
About the Champlain Parkway
After decades of work and community engagement, the Champlain Parkway has become a project for everyone: a two lane, 25MPH road with pedestrian and multimodal investments, and stormwater enhancements. The currently closed portion of the Parkway is anticipated to open to the public for outbound travel on Monday June 29th and inbound travel on Tuesday June 30th. The project is managed by the Burlington Department of Public Works in partnership with Federal Highway Administration and the Vermont Agency of Transportation. More information can be found at champlainparkway.com.
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