WEST WINDSOR, Vt. – More than 70 Massachusetts ultrarunners are headed north this weekend to take part in the 29^th running of the Vermont 100, and MassUltra is going on the road to cover the action as the race unfolds.

Around 350 runners will take part in the 100-mile distance, which begins at 4 a.m. Saturday, July 15, and around 75 more will compete in the 100K race that starts five hours later.

One of the sport’s original 100-milers, Vermont is notorious for testing runners with early-summer heat, humidity, and oftentimes – as was the case during the overnight hours of the 2016 race – heavy thunderstorms. Vermont is also one of the biggest 100-milers in North America. According to the run100s.com listing of total finishers, only three North American 100-milers had more finishers in 2016 than Vermont. Leadville had 332, Javelina had 285 and Western States had 280, followed by Vermont with 256.

While the event draws a large mass of humanity between runners, crews and volunteers, it has proven challenging to provide information about the race to fans online in real time. The course winds through mountains, valleys and forests, and most of that area gets little – if any – cell phone service. That includes the start/finish area in Silver Hill Meadow.

We’re attempting to help improve information accessibility this year. MassUltra is partnering with the Vermont 100 to provide live coverage of the 2017 race on Twitter at @MassUltra_MA, as well as on the MassUltra Facebook page when possible. We will follow the race, bouncing from aid station to aid station, and scour the area to find areas with cell phone reception to provide updates in as timely a fashion as is possible to bring you closer to the race as it happens – even if you are in another state or country.

After the race, look for an article on MassUltra.com and a photo gallery on our Facebook page. Additionally, we will provide content to irunfar.com and UltraRunning Magazine, so be sure to check out those media outlets, too.

SUPPORT

MassUltra provides coverage free of charge, and all expenses are paid out-of-pocket. If you enjoy our coverage this weekend, however, please consider showing your appreciation by supporting the following causes:

Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports – The Vermont 100 raises money for Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports, an organization that provides youth and adults with disabilities the opportunity to participate in sports programs and other activities year-round. Whether one has a cognitive, developmental, physical or emotional disability, Vermont Adaptive provides instruction, specialized equipment, and support to make sports such as skiing, snowboarding, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, sailing, cycling, hiking, rock climbing, tennis, horseback riding, and long-distance running accessible.

Trail Animal Linda Fitzpatrick-Claveau’s Medical Recovery Fund – Linda Fitzpatrick-Claveau is a familiar face at Trail Animals Running Club events. The 66-year-old resident of Georgetown, Mass., has been a regular presence at trail races for at least the past five years with numerous ultramarathon finishes to her credit – most recently at the TARC Spring Classic 50K in April 2017. On June 15, she suffered a medical emergency and became paralyzed from the waist down, according to a gofundme site established by her children. The gofundme campaign will help cover expenses for major renovations to her home to accommodate a wheelchair. Please consider showing some extra love to Linda and her family by helping push the gofundme campaign to its goal and beyond.