In this edition of the RunVermont Pulse:
1. Summer Series First Sweat Recap: A Family Affair for All Ages
2. M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon by the Numbers
3. Sustainability Stories: Plastic Benches and Double-Use Cups
5. Vermont City Two Mile and Mini Marathon Recap
6. Sponsor Shoutout: Soulmate Brewing
Lee Krohn Photography
Summer Series First Sweat Recap: A Family Affair fo All Ages
RunVermont produced First Sweat (the first race in a two-race Summer Series) on June 22, 2025, and I continue to be so inspired by the community vibe at what we call our “DIY Races.”
Stemming from COVID-19 social distancing protocols, all the DIY Races—which currently include the three races in the Freezy Cheeks 5K Series and the two races in the Summer Series—are based around an open start window. While we no longer need to stagger starters, I’m so happy that the open-start premise for a race continues to be a draw for participants.
One new and cool thing that we saw with First Sweat, since it offered both a 10K and a 5K option, was family members that were doing different distances intentionally starting at different times to try and align when they finished. A small silver lining from COVID-19 and something that I hope we can continue to offer as part of our summer and winter series.
Another cool thing—and one so integral to RunVermont’s mission of promoting running as a lifelong activity, which applies to so many facets of running other than just being the person who gets from the start to the finish—from First Sweat and all of the DIY races is the amazing age spread in participants and volunteers.
Our top age-graded (76.6) participant, Sam Davis, leading the charge while our oldest and youngest aid station volunteers cheer/provide water
Our oldest participant, Dick Ferno, getting water from one of our youngest volunteers
If you’re looking for more reasons to participate in a race series, check out the blog that we posted earlier this month, (Why You Should Participate in a Running Race Series) and especially this great quote from Linnae O’Neil on one of the best parts of the community vibe at these race series: “The RunVermont events have given me more than finish lines—it’s further integrated me into this vibrant Vermont run community with new friendships and countless joyful miles. From the winter Freezy Cheeks series to the Vermont City Marathon to the summer 5Ks, each race has brought connection, hearty laughter, and the most wonderful memories.”
Linnae O’Neil and Joanna Fortier before a race in a RunVermont summer race series
~ Anthea “bring on the community vibes” Dexter-Cooper
Register for the Second Sweat 5K and 10K on August 10
M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon by the Numbers
Start of the 2025 M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon & Relay
Some fun number statistics for the M&T Bank Vermon City Marathon this year:
Seconds Ryan Eiler was off the event (meaning every iteration of course that has been run) record: Less than one (by the rules of rounding, bumped to a 2:17:04, which is a course record, but not an event record).
States represented in the marathon: 44, plus the District of Columbia
Age of oldest marathon finisher: 76 (two finishers)
Age of youngest marathon finisher: 16 (five finishers)
Number of non-U.S.A. based marathon finishers: 37 (34 Canadians)
Percentage of finishers that had a negative split (second half faster than the first half): more than 20%
Percentage of marathon finishers that met the Boston Qualifying time standards: more than 10%
Temperature at the start: 49° F
Temperature when last official finisher finished: 61° Fr:
Sustainability Stories: Plastic Benches and Double-Use Cups
Nex-Trex Bench and Sign at Hinesburg Community School
One of the most amazing things about long-time runners who are trying to make improvements on their fastest time for a distance (personal record/personal best) is that even a second matters. And the same is true for sustainability initiatives—and something that I’m trying to remind myself of every day. If we can do just a little bit better on our sorting of trash, recycling, and composting at the finish of the M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon & Relay, that’s a win. If we can collect a little bit more of the single use plastic that medals and shirts are shipped in so that it can become part of a bench at a local elementary school, that’s a win. If we can minimize how many cups each person uses at an aid station, that’s a win. They might not be huge wins, but they add up.
They also create opportunities to set an example for the next generation. Two impactful experiences for one of my own kids have been (1) seeing the Nex-Trex bench that his school was able to get made from the 1,157 pounds of plastic that was collected (a portion of which was from RunVermont) and (2) having a participant at First Sweat crumple up the edge of a cup the first time through the aid station and asking him to have it refilled for her when she came back through.
Here’s to the cumulative effects of our small sustainability wins!
~ Anthea
Sports & Fitness Expo Sustainability Panel and Last Call for M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon Thuja Hoodies
Speaking of sustainability, one of RunVermont’s newest partners this year has been Thuja Outdoor Clothing. In addition to being a popular booth at the Sports & Fitness Expo, Thuja’s Founder Henry Sengle was also one of the panelists on the Sustainability Panel that RunVermont hosted at the Sports & Fitness Expo. Henry and the other panelists (Christine Diem, Marketing Manager for UnTapped All Natural Athletic Fuel, Linnae O’Neil, Co-President of Chug Water, and Taylor Zehren, Co-Founder and CEO of Wasted*) told great stories about the learning experiences and challenges they have faced over the years, explained how they approach sustainability, gave (asked for) advice on how consumers can make decisions through a sustainability lens, and shared what they are the most worried about when it comes to the future.
Sustainability Panel (and three Thuja hoodies)
Thuja creates high-quality, durable products that encourage connection with nature and foster positive ecological practices. You can still order one of those high-quality hoodies in two-different styles with the M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon & Relay logo and 30 characters of customization until June 30th here. And a percentage of the purchase price will go to RunVermont's youth programming so there are multiple reasons to feel good (while you're looking good) in your hoodie.
Vermont City Two Mile and Mini Marathon Recap
On May 24th at Waterfront Park, the spirit of youth running came alive with three exciting events: the inaugural Vermont City Two Mile, the beloved Mini Marathon, and the hilarious Mascot Dash. Over 500 youth runners, as well as families and community members, gathered to celebrate health, achievement, and the joy of racing.
Making its debut this year, the Vermont City Two Mile brought a fresh, fast-paced race opportunity for older youth. The Vermont City Two Milers were able to get a feel for what participating in the M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon & Relay would be like. The runner's bibs, medals, and awards closely resembled that of the marathoners and relay participants. The race marks a promising start to what is expected to become a new tradition in Vermont’s youth running scene.
A long-standing favorite for younger runners, the Mini Marathon once again delivered smiles and energy in abundance. Runners aged 4 to 14 (and of all ages as support for the half milers) took to the course with excitement, some participating in their first-ever organized race and others who join us year after year.
For those of you who were able to witness the Mascot Dash, we hope that it brought you joy and laughter. We loved seeing the colorful cast race through the chute in what is not your typical race attire.
RunVermont’s mission is to promote running as a lifelong activity. Through our Youth Programs, we strive to offer meaningful opportunities that encourage youth to participate, grow, and progress. Whether it’s taking part in the Mini Marathon, Vermont City Two Mile, or M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon & Relay (perhaps a leg of a relay), we aim to support each step of their running journey.
All donations that we receive go directly into supporting RunVermont Youth Programs for children as young as four and all the way through high school. We are continuously working on expanding and improving our youth programs to offer fun, year-round events for kids of all ages.
Support RunVermont Youth Programs
Sponsor Shoutout: Soulmate Brewing Company
We would like to extend a huge thank you to Soulmate Brewing Company for generously hosting our first Summer Series 5K and 10K! Your kind hospitality, refreshing brews, and vibrant atmosphere made for an unforgettable event. We are so grateful for your support in bringing the community together in such an awesome space. Cheers to a great partnership and an even greater run!
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