In this edition of the RunVermont Pulse:
2. Freezy Cheeks Needs YOU (to volunteer)
3. Highlighting Highlight and Glowstick Fun
4. Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) Eastern Region Marathon Championship
Racing Alongside My Dad
One of my earliest running memories is joining my Dad on his training runs. He would load my two sisters and me into a two-person baby jogger—one child in the front seat, one in the back, and one questionably perched on top. Off we’d go through our wooded Florida neighborhood, shouting “the sky is falling!” as we searched for Chicken Little. Although we never found him, these jogs were a favorite weekend adventure for all of us.
I always loved finding my dad at the finish line of his races. The excitement of weaving through the crowd to spot him felt like a day at Disney World, eyes wide, heart racing, surrounded by magic and movement. The chaos of runners and cheering spectators had an electric energy that I knew I wanted to be part of someday.
In 2015, I signed up for my first half-marathon, the “AthHalf,” held in my college town of Athens, Georgia. My dad flew in from Florida to join me for the race as a surprise, arriving with matching shirts, a gift from my mom.
Even though we hadn’t trained together, running side by side for all 13.1 miles was more meaningful than I ever could have imagined. After years of cheering for him at finish lines, we’ve now run countless events side by side.
Running races with my dad makes each one a more meaningful journey. From those early baby jogger adventures to the races we run today, every mile with him tells the story of our journey. Running side by side with my dad has shown me what it means to persevere and to share every victory and struggle along the way.
Lauren Miller, Director of Youth Programming
Warm Hearts, Cool Volunteers: Freezy Cheeks Needs You!
Joe Connelly & Peter Delaney Timing Freezy Cheeks
Winter is almost upon us, and with it comes the arrival of snowflakes, frosty mornings, and, of course, Freezy Cheeks. More specifically, the RunVermont Freezy Cheeks 5k series. These open start format races provide a great opportunity for runners and walkers of all abilities to stay fit, stay motivated, and have fun through the winter months.
The dates and locations for our 2026 Freezy Cheeks events are:
- January 18th at Black Flannel Brewing in Essex Junction
- February 8th at Zero Gravity in Burlington
- March 15th at Switchback Brewing in Burlington
Every successful event relies on the incredible energy and dedication of its volunteers. It just so happens, we are seeking some! Would you like to be part of the fun and energy without having to lace up your running shoes? We’d love to have you as part of our volunteer team to help make each event a great experience for all involved. We are currently seeking . . .
- Bib Pick Up Volunteers: will provide registrants with their bibs and add-on items, as well as answer questions about the event.
- Timing Volunteers: will help with the backup timing system by calling bib numbers, writing down bib numbers, or operating the timing machine.
- Course Monitors: will help direct participants and the general public and monitor key intersections.
- Even if you plan to be a Freezy Cheeks participant, you can still volunteer, as assistance with Friday and Saturday bib pick up at Skirack is needed. To learn more about each volunteer position or to sign up as a volunteer, visit here.
Want to join the excitement for other races this season? We’d be thrilled to have you contribute your energy and enthusiasm as a volunteer at our spring events as well. We are currently seeking volunteers for the Half Marathon Unplugged and the M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon & Relay, Vermont City Two Mile, and Mini Marathon. You can find all the available roles and sign-up details at the link above. Thank you for being a vital part of our racing community!"
And of course, I don’t want to forget to mention that if you are interested in being a participant in any or all of our 2026 Freezy Cheeks 5k events as a runner or walker, you can get details and register here.
Whether you are running, walking, volunteering, or spectating, we thank you for your support and look forward to seeing you in 2026!
- Moe Brown, Director of Registration
Highlighting Highlight and Glowstick Fun
Running/Walking (and strolling) to Highlight 2024
For the last two years, RunVermont has been a part of Highlight, Burlington City Arts’ annual Vermont-made revelry of art and ideas. And we’re back for year three to support everyone who wants to Run/Walk to Highlight 2025!
This super casual fun run/walk starts at the circle by ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain and goes out and back on the Burlington Bike Path, with turnaround points marked for 1 mile, 5 km, and 5 mile distances. While this event is completely free, we do ask that you register all participants.
Where: Waterfront Park, Burlington (circle by ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain)
When: New Year's Eve, check in at 1:45 pm; mass start at 2:00 pm (rolling start until 2:15 pm)
Why: Ring in the New Year with exercise, fresh air, music, performances, food, and cheer
REGISTER FOR NYE RUN/WALK TO HIGHLIGHT
Speaking of those performances, after you run or walk you can stick around Waterfront Park for music (DJ and live performers), fireworks and annual burning of Champ; or head to any of the other Highlight locations. All events aside from the Run/Walk require a Highlight Button for admission. More details are available on the Highlight website.
Can't wait until New Year's Eve for fun runs, festive cheer, and City of Burlington programming? You're in luck! We've just partnered with the Church Street Marketplace to be a part of Festive Fridays, Light Up the Night on December 19th. Join us for One Fun Mile at the Light Up the Night Fun Run & Walk at 5:30 pm as we take to the streets of Burlington and light up the night. Registration is free and includes a glowstick. More information is on the Church Street Marketplace's website and our registration page.
REGISTER FOR LIGHT UP THE NIGHT FUN RUN & WALK
RRCA Championship Status!
Connelly's Corner
RunVermont is fortunate to have a long-standing relationship with the Road Runners Club of America. The M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon has been privileged to serve as the RRCA Vermont State Marathon Championship for many years, in fact going back into the early 2000s even before we were known as RunVermont. In 2026 we are proud that the RRCA has designated the VCM as their Eastern Region Marathon Championship.
The RRCA is America’s grass roots national organization of runners and clubs. For over 65 years they have helped connect runners with runners and they’ve supported races, provided educational service that helps us all produce better races and be better coaches. We are affiliated with many different running organizations, and I would say that the RRCA is by far the most collaborative. A few times a year we’ll take part in RRCA-led Zoom roundtable sessions that always result in a solid list of ideas that help make our races better. As RunVermont fits into what I’d call the middle of the country’s running infrastructure, it’s hugely beneficial to get ideas from small clubs and races, and also from the very large clubs and races. You never know where the next great idea is going to come from!
Championship status means we will have Gatorade on the course to fuel your miles - their Endurance Formula that is specially designed to benefit distance runners. It also means you’re competing for RRCA Championship medals, which are awarded to the top finishers in Open, Masters, Seniors, and Veterans categories, and this year we’ve added the wheelchair and non-binary winners to the RRCA Championship program.
~ Joe Connelly, Chief of Race Operations
From the Blog
If you’re looking for a little running inspiration (and maybe a nudge to lace up), our latest blog posts have you covered.
Courtesy of Greg MacGowan, Invited Runner Coordinator for the M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon & Relay and New Englander, Our Favorite New England Marathons highlights some of the best races around the region—from iconic city events to scenic small-town courses. Whether you’re chasing a PR or just a great view, it’s a solid guide for planning your next big run. And in the interest of full disclosure, the M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon & Relay definitely made the list.
Participants at the M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon on the Burlington Bike Path
Return to Running offers smart, down-to-earth advice from Moe Brown, RunVermont’s Director of Registration and Certified Medical Exercise Specialist, on getting back on track after time off—perfect for anyone rebuilding fitness or motivation after a break.
Moe Brown Cross Training
And in The Importance of Getting Outside Your Comfort Zone, RunVeront’s Executive Director Anthea Dexter-Cooper shares what she learned from trying something new (spoiler: mountain biking) and how a little discomfort can lead to big growth and a lot of fun.
Proof of Bike
RunVermont Ambassador Program
We’re excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 RunVermont Ambassador Program. We’re looking for individuals who lead with enthusiasm, authenticity, and a love for community. Our Ambassadors represent RunVermont at events, on social media, and in their local circles—sharing stories that inspire others to move, connect, and grow. If interested, please apply by 11:59PM EST on December 5, 2025.