So you’ve decided to run the length of Vermont – a 219 mile adventure and we’ve selected a very scenic route for your virtual course. With a few miles on the north end and a few on the south end of the state, your route will parallel the spine of the Green Mountains, affording you breathtaking sights, quintessential Vermont towns and some classic New England meandering – “you can’t get thare from heah.” The majority of the adventure will transit VT Route 100, otherwise known as the Skiers Highway. And it might also be called the “Beerdrinkers Highway.” You’ll see why as you move along.

Starting at the Canadian border, your first miles will take you through the beauty of the Northeast Kingdom. Starting at the US/Canada border you’re going to run through some of the most remote countryside in all of Vermont as you make your way to the bustling metropolis of North Troy and then you’ll continue heading south, in the shadows of Jay Peak. If you need a refreshing break, take a side jaunt into the heart of Newport for a quick dip in Lake Memphremagog, and you might also want to check out Kingdom Brewing as well. Both are minor diversions from Rte 105 as you make your way to Rte 100.

Once you hit Rte 100 you’ll start heading south through the towns of Troy, Lowell and Eden. Lake Eden is along your way and another great place to take a VT dip or even wet a line – some nice trout in Lake Eden. Eventually, you’ll make your way through North Hyde Park and finally find yourself in Hyde Park proper. These miles will allow you plenty of time to sort out your innermost thoughts as the miles are remote, you’ll appreciate how the state got its name in this corridor of your adventure.

In Hyde Park, you’ll proceed into the town of Morrisville and then head south towards Stowe, the Ski Capital of the East. Keep a sharp eye out for Ten Bends Brewery, Lost Nation Brewing and Rock Art Brewery, all just a stones’ throw from your running route. Heading out of Morrisville and moving towards Stowe you’ll enjoy some of the best views of this adventure. Mt. Mansfield and the Sterling Range will dominate your skyline for several memorable miles. A short side trip or two might result in finding some tasty suds at Idyletime Brewery or the Von Trapp Brewery, where the hills come alive with the sound of ales.

Heading south from Stowe you’ll find some additional refreshments and delights along your way. The Cold Hollow Cider Mill is definitely worth investigation and cider doughnuts are a great way to add some calories to the adventure. Be sure to save some room though as it’s just a few miles down the road to Ben & Jerry’s. While you’re enjoying a quick cone be sure to check out their “flavor graveyard” to see where flavors past are still memorialized.

From Ben & Jerry’s it’s on to Waterbury, home to Prohibition Pig and the world famous Heddy Topper. Careful with the double IPA’s, they’re not likely to improve your pace, but they do offer an alternative source of carbs. At this point, are you starting to wonder if there’s a theme with this adventure?

After passing through Waterbury it’s on to Waitsfield, Warren and the Sugarbush/Mad River Valley. Here you’ll find great skiing, Great American Flatbread, great vistas and more great fishing along the

Mad River (please note that the trout in the Mad are especially wily). In Waitsfield you’ll find some great refreshments at the Cousins Brewery. For those in need of some spiritual support, be sure to stop by Our Lady of the Snows Church to put a divine spring back in your step.

Moving further south, you’ll enjoy some more remote miles as you skirt the eastern slopes of the Green Mountains and the Green Mountain National Forest. In the small town of Granville you’ll pick up a stream corridor that will accompany you for several miles as you enjoy the meanderings of the White River. Passing through the towns of Rochester, Stockbridge and Pittsfield, you’ll soon find yourself in the shadows of Killington, one of the largest ski areas in VT. There’s plenty of tasty distractions in this area including the Killington Brewery and after a quick side trip to the Long Trail Brewery, you’ll be ready to move on further south.

In the immediate miles after saying farewell to Killington you’ll experience a lovely valley road for several miles as you pass the Woodward Reservoir, Black Pond, the Coolidge National Forest and soon find your way into Plymouth Notch, not too far from the final resting place of former President Calvin Coolidge.

From there you’ll head south past Amherst Lake, Echo Lake and Lake Rescue, great vistas to keep you engaged and perfect opportunities to take a dip to cool off when needed. Before you know it you’ll be passing the Okemo Ski Resort and moving through the town of Ludlow. Like Killington, Waitsfield, Waterbury and Stowe, you can find lots of ways to refuel in the many offerings around Ludlow. Outer Limits Brewery and the Backacre Beermakers will be sure to quench your thirst in this area.

Still further south you’ll find some more remote miles, eventually passing through the shadows of Magic Mountain and on towards Londonderry, the sites of Stratton Mountain and Bromley before heading into the cool town of Jamaica (some great paddling in the area if you’re inclined) .

By this time you might be getting a bit weary, but soldier on, you’re getting close. As you keep on keeping on, you’ll find yourself in the Mt Snow valley and the towns of Dover, Wilmington, Whitingham and Readsboro. Take advantage of some last opportunities to add some calories as there won’t be many options after passing through Wilmington. And to stay with the theme of beerdrinkers with a running problem, you’ll find some relief at the Snow Republic Brewery, the Beer Naked Brewery (how do you not stop there?) and the J’Ville Brewery, perhaps your last stop before you find your finish line.

Upon entering Whitingham, your route will veer to the west for the final miles of Route 100. At the terminus of this road you’ll take a left, heading south on VT Route 8, where in a few short miles, you’ll find yourself at the Vermont/Massachusetts border. Congratulations, you’ve just run the length of Vermont!

To register for The RunVermont Virtual Adventure go here: https://runsignup.com/Race/VT/AnywhereYoudLike/TheRunVermontVirtualAdventure