There's a lack of organization in the greater Burlington area when it comes to trail running, which makes no sense. We are surrounded by beautiful trails, mountains, hills, lakes, ponds, streams, meadows, and mud puddles just asking for us to play in and around them.

The Long Trail Running Club is being organized to build a community of trail lovin' runners; providing us a place to communicate, coordinate, socialize, share stories, trail and race reports, and get dirty while doing something healthy.

Any aspiring or experienced runner with a passion for trails should check us out. If you hate the environment, are anti-social, and won't share your beer...stay away :)

Once this gets up and running, the club will plan a couple weekday runs (morning or night), weekend longer runs (some destination runs exploring Vermont), and we'll put together a list of upcoming regional races for people to choose from and train for. Depending on interest and experience levels, we may organize some entry level trail runs and clinics for people to ask questions and gain some experience. Lastly, but equally important, the club will plan some events that give back to the trail community through volunteer work - whether it be trail work days, volunteering at local trail races, or partnering with trail races to help them better manage their recycling efforts. We believe it makes sense to give back, it's good karma :)

In terms of distance, weekday runs will include a 5k loop - this will provide the beginner the opportunity to bail early while building endurance, while also offering the more experienced the opportunity to continue on and build mileage.

I will also be working on getting sponsorships once the group gets large enough. Atayne, a new line of planet and people friendly athletic apparel (check out the sponsorship link to the right), will be the primary sponsor and Long Trail Brewing Company just makes too much sense :)

Mud & Cheers,

Mike