This fall we were planning for the 25th anniversary of the Mad Dash, but the pandemic has taken its toll on all summer and fall events. Knowing how much the community enjoys the event, we decided to push back the 25th Mad Dash to 2021 and instead host a 24 ½ “Virtual” version. Making the health of our runners/walkers a priority, the Mad River Path Association made the difficult decision to not have 1,000 people gathered together celebrating the labyrinth of trails here in the valley. This led to the plan of a virtual event. We’re offering the opportunity to social distance by running or walking at a time and location of their choosing.
When you register, print your race number as a memento of this unusual and unique Mad Dash year. Run or walk your distance then enter your time at the Mad Dash website to receive your official Mad Dash participation certificate. Even more fun; if you are in the valley, try our trails course at Harwood Union High School.
Set up on their cross-country trails, it is a spectacular competition course that was to host our 2020 event. The trail is well-marked and you can run (or walk) 10k, 5k or your children can try the 1K course. It is a beautiful location right off of route 100 that goes by streams and beaver ponds, all painted with fall colors. And as part of your registration you have the opportunity to order our 2020 Mad Dash shirt featuring a new logo. The shirt was meant for our 25th anniversary celebration, but we thought it was too cool to pass up this year. For more event registration and information on participation check our Mad Dash signup.
Of course, managing and maintaining these trails requires a lot of hard work and finances. The Mad Dash is one of the leading fundraising events providing needed resources for our local trails system. The summer brought lots of visitors to the valley, and our area trails received some of the highest traffic ever. Best of all, the miles of trails are open to the public free of charge. It’s a great time to visit the Mad River Valley, but virtually participating is a great substitute. Either way, we ask for your support by registering or making a donation.
The Mad Dash is a benefit for the Mad River Path Association. For more information on the Mad River Path Association go to: www.madriverpath.org.
*Sponsored by Sugarbush Resort, BlueCross BlueShield of Vermont and Lawson’s Finest Liquids.