Community Movement
- Benjamin Lerner
- Jun 30
- 8 min read
RunVermont bolsters Vermont’s running and fitness community with a series of events and initiatives
STORY BY BENJAMIN LERNER • PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY RUNVERMONT
Every Memorial Day Weekend, the city of Burlington transforms into a living, breathing celebration of a true community movement. With over 5,000 runners, 20,000 spectators, and 800 volunteers descending upon the waterfront for the M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon & Relay, it’s Vermont’s largest single-day sporting event. But for RunVermont, the organization behind the event, the mission extends far beyond the marathon, relay, cheers, and finish-line celebrations.
“Our goal is to promote running as a lifelong activity,” says Anthea Dexter-Cooper, RunVermont’s Executive Director. “That means creating space not just for elite athletes or marathoners, but for everyone—from a four-year-old lacing up for their first fun run to someone setting a personal best in their seventies.”
Founded in 1989 with just 414 marathoners and 125 relay teams, the Vermont City Marathon helped plant the seeds for what would become RunVermont—a full-fledged nonprofit producing races and programs year-round to support the physical, emotional, and social health of the state. Their commitment to accessibility and community shines through in every literal and figurative milestone they have marked along the way.
Marathon Weekend: A Festival of Movement and Meaning
The M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon & Relay is far more than a race—it’s a community-wide celebration. For one transformative weekend each May, the City of Burlington becomes a hub of athleticism, fitness, joy, and togetherness.
“It feels like the unofficial start of summer,” says Executive Director Anthea Dexter-Cooper. “It’s the kind of event that makes Burlington feel like a big city for a day. It’s electrifying. It’s unifying. And for thousands of people, it’s incredibly meaningful.”
The weekend kicks off with the Sports & Fitness Expo, held at the DoubleTree by Hilton in South Burlington. There, over 20 vendors gather to offer products and services tailored to runners and fitness enthusiasts. Participants pick up race packets, get their bibs, meet fellow runners, explore booths on nutrition, gear, recovery, and attend live programming events on running held by RunVermont’s partners. It’s not just a stop for logistics—it’s the social start to an unforgettable weekend.
Saturday brings the joy of youth to the forefront. Kids ages 4–14 take part in the Mini Marathon, Vermont City Two- Mile, and the hilariously unpredictable Mascot Dash. “There’s nothing better than watching a kid get their first race medal,” says Lauren Miller, Youth Director. “The smiles are contagious. And when the mascots start sprinting down the finish chute, it’s pure chaos in the best way.”
And then comes Sunday.
More than 5,000 runners take to the streets for the M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon & Relay—Vermont’s largest single-day sporting event and the third-largest marathon in New England. The two-loop 13.1- mile course is designed with spectators in mind, threading through Burlington’s most iconic landmarks: Church Street Marketplace, Battery Park, and the scenic Lake Champlain bike path, framed by views of the Adirondack and Green Mountains.
But it’s the people—not just the course—that make it magic.
On-course entertainment includes returning favorites like the pounding Taiko drummers on Battery Street and live bands energizing runners in the New North End. “Even with our course change from the cloverleaf to the double-loop format, these performers adapted and made new traditions in their new spots,” says Dexter-Cooper. “That’s the kind of dedication and spirit that makes this community so special.” The sense of camaraderie and cheer is built into the route, with four official cheer zones, as well as unofficial – but no less enthusiastic – neighborhood celebrations. A prime example is the Lakewood Estates block party, a multiple-time winner of the M&T Bank Community Spirit Award.
Accessibility is at the core of the experience. With relay options for teams of 2 to 5 runners, divisions for wheelchair and handcycle participants, and wide-ranging pacing accommodations, the event welcomes everyone— from highly-accomplished marathoners aiming to qualify for Boston to walkers doing their first 2.8-mile leg.
This approach is not just part of the M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon, but also RunVermont’s other events. “We’ve had people push strollers, walk with canes, and come back to racing after recovering from long COVID,” says Dexter-Cooper. “Every story on our courses matter.”
Behind the scenes, the success of the weekend is powered by a small but mighty team. RunVermont employs just four year-round staff members and three seasonal hires, supported by a 70-person volunteer race committee—some of whom are second-generation members. Hundreds of additional volunteers provide course support, medical care, water stops, traffic control, and more.
And then there are the sponsors, who do more than write checks. “Our partners show up,” says Dexter-Cooper. “Whether it’s M&T Bank staffing an official cheer zone, Wasted* supplying sustainable porta-potties, or Leonardo’s Pizza handing out post-race slices, it’s about community ownership. Even our course monitors receive support sacks provided by sponsors like Chug Water, Garuka Bar, Shrubly, and Stewart’s Bakery.”
Dexter-Cooper recalls one particularly memorable race year where a sponsor brought a live sheep to the finish line. “Not every race can say that,” she laughs. “But that’s the kind of quirky, wholehearted energy this weekend brings.” At its core, Marathon Weekend is about belonging. Whether you’re cheering from the curb, running your first mile, or pushing for a personal best, there’s a place for you at the starting line—and at the heart of the RunVermont community.
Programming with Purpose
While the M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon & Relay may be the crown jewel of RunVermont’s event calendar, it’s only one part of a vibrant, year-round ecosystem of races and programs that invite everyone—of all ages, abilities, and experience levels—into the running community.
“We don’t just want to host one great event once a year. We want people to feel supported and welcomed in every season,” says Executive Director Anthea Dexter-Cooper. “That means offering a variety of experiences that meet runners where they are in their journey—whether they’re just starting out or working toward big goals.”
In April, the running season gets a grassroots jumpstart with the Half Marathon Unplugged, a stripped-down, early-spring race that lives up to its name. “Fun frills, no hills,” is the unofficial motto of this runner favorite. With minimal signage and no live music or on-course entertainment, it’s a pure test of early-season endurance that attracts both competitive athletes and recreational runners looking to ease into race season. The race finishes at Switchback Brewing, where the post-race celebration offers craft beer and camaraderie.
Springtime also marks the kickoff of youth programs like Mini Milers and Junior Milers, which build toward the Mini Marathon and Marathon Relay in May. These programs underscore RunVermont’s long-term investment in running as a lifelong activity, starting with the youngest members of the community.
By summer, things heat up with RunVermont’s summer series, with dates set to be announced in the late spring. RunVermont offers a casual set of summertime races that give runners a chance to stay active and social without the pressure of peak-season competition. Whether participants are pushing for a new personal best or just enjoying the sunshine with friends, the series emphasizes fun and consistency.
When fall arrives, Island Vines 10K/5K takes center stage. Held at the picturesque Snow Farm Vineyard in South Hero, the event invites runners and walkers to wind through scenic country roads, followed by local wine and Vermont fare. “It’s one of the most beautiful races we do,” says Dexter-Cooper. “You run through rows of grapevines, and then you celebrate with your friends and family at a working vineyard. It’s a perfect blend of health and hospitality.”
Winter doesn’t mean slowing down—it means layering up for the beloved Freezy Cheeks 5K Series. Originally developed as a COVID-safe solution with a one-hour rolling start, the model stuck for its flexibility. “Some people like to race hard and track their chip times. Others prefer to show up and jog with friends without the big crowd energy,” says Dexter-Cooper. “It’s a winter race that really adapts to you.”
In addition to being chip-timed, the Freezy Cheeks Series offers age-graded awards, beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and themed race experiences. Miller recalls a particularly snowy Freezy Cheeks that ended with a hot chocolate toast—and a family crossing the finish line together in costume.
Adding to the seasonal charm are fan-favorite youth events like the March Maple Mudder, a free kids’ fun run held during Vermont’s sugaring season, and the Halloween Hustle, where children race in full costume with self-decorated bibs. “We want kids to associate running with joy,” says Lauren Miller, Youth Director. “These events are about celebration, not competition.”
Participants are encouraged to reach out with questions, accessibility needs, or ideas. “We’re a small team,” says Dexter-Cooper, “but if you contact us, you’re going to get someone who genuinely cares and wants to help you find your place here.”
First Steps
At the heart of RunVermont’s mission is a belief that movement is for everyone—and that starts with the youngest members of the community. For Youth Director and Race Operations Manager Lauren Miller, this is more than just a job. With a background in public health and wellness science, she brings a deep understanding of how running can positively shape a child’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
“Running supports so much more than physical fitness,” says Miller. “Our programs teach kids about goal-setting, confidence, mental health, and resilience. It’s about giving them tools they’ll use long after the finish line.” RunVermont’s youth programming is structured to provide a pathway for children of all ages to engage in healthy, joyful movement.
The Mini Milers program, designed for elementary school students, introduces running in a playful and inclusive way. It’s far more than just a weekly jog—it’s a holistic wellness program that includes lessons on nutrition, teamwork, goal setting, and positive behavior. “We’re showing kids that health is attainable, regardless of their socioeconomic status or prior experience,” Miller explains.
With a statewide reach and a scholarship program to remove financial barriers, Mini Milers ensures that any child who wants to run can participate. And it’s not just about the miles logged—participants track progress, build confidence, and learn that their effort matters. As kids grow, they can step into the Junior Milers program for middle and high school students. This 12-week training program prepares youth to take on the Vermont City Marathon Relay as part of a team. Along the way, they learn not just about pacing and stamina, but about race logistics, volunteering, and community. “They train together, they support one another, and they gain exposure to what it takes to bring a big race to life,” says Miller.
The capstone events for many of these programs take place the Saturday before the M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon & Relay: the Mini Marathon, the Vermont City Two-Mile, and the Mascot Dash. These events are a celebration of everything the kids have worked toward. “The Mascot Dash is always a highlight,” Miller laughs. “You’ve got kids running their hearts out and giant mascots tumbling down the finish chute—it’s chaos, it’s hilarious, and it’s absolutely joyful.”
“We want kids to associate running with fun,” says Miller. “These experiences show them that movement is empowering, expressive, and communal.” Miller sees these programs as more than one-off events. “The long-term goal is to help kids grow with us,” she says. “We want a child to start as a Mini Miler, move into Junior Milers - and one day, run the full Vermont City Marathon—or maybe even volunteer, coach, or become part of our race committee.”
The Movement Grows
As RunVermont continues to grow and evolve, Executive Director Anthea Dexter-Cooper has a clear vision for what the next five years might look like—and it’s rooted in both legacy and innovation. “I’d love to bring back the unique relay legs from the original marathon course,” she says. “There’s something nostalgic and deeply personal about those legs— each one was distinct, with its own character. I think a lot of our longtime runners miss that aspect.”
But her aspirations don’t stop there. Dexter-Cooper also envisions relaunching and growing a competitive one-mile race, creating space for speedsters and short-distance specialists to shine within the broader RunVermont ecosystem. “It’s something we’ve talked about—what it would look like to have an invitational or community one-miler that draws both elite runners and everyday athletes who just want to see what they can do at top speed.”
Perhaps most ambitious of all is her hope to work with Miller and the rest of the RunVermont staff to create a clearly defined developmental pathway that takes kids from Mini Milers all the way to the M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon. “We want to remove the barriers that might stop someone from progressing in the sport—things like transportation, financial limitations, or simply not having a role model who runs,” she explains. “If we can build that roadmap and offer support all along the way, then we’re truly living our mission.”
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