RACE HISTORY & VT ADAPTIVE
VERMONT 100 HISTORY
The Only 100-Mile Running and Horse Race On the Planet.
Benefiting Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports.
Like so many underground, grassroots events, the VT100 has a hazy history, but we’ve done our best to uncover what we can. Here’s a quick look at this storied race, from inception to present day:
LET’S RACE A LITTLE.
Late 1970s
Horses and riders begin competing, and the well-established ride becomes a 100-mile race. At this time, the ride started and ended at Cloudland Farm in Woodstock, VT. Now this spot is close to the “Pretty House” aid station on our present day course, approximately 21 miles into the race.
A SHORT BREAK.
Late 1980s
After many years of continuous rides, the horse race took a short hiatus and would not be revived again for a couple years.
VERMONT ADAPTIVE SKI & SPORTS FOUNDED.
1987
Though the horse race is still temporarily disbanded, great things continue to take shape in Vermont. Laura Farrell, a longtime endurance rider and sports enthusiast, founds Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports saying she “wanted anyone who wanted to enjoy and or challenge themselves through sports to be able to.”
ENDURANCE RIDE REESTABLISHED.
1988
Steve and Dinah Rojek of Smoke Rise Farm in South Woodstock, VT, take the reins and get the equestrian community back in action and the race is reestablished.
RUNNERS TOE THE LINE IN FIRST VT100 RUN.
1989
Going out on a limb, Steve Rojek approaches Laura Farrell to ask if she wants to run the trails on foot this year. Considering that Farrell had become the first woman to complete a 100-mile ride and 100-mile run in 1982, she naturally agrees. That year, 114 runners participated in the first VT100 run.
A NEW START/FINISH.
2004
The VT100 outgrows Smoke Rise Farm and is relocated to its current home at Silver Hill in West Windsor, VT.
100K, ANYONE?
2008
The VT100 adds the now incredibly popular 100-km running race component to the event weekend.
GOING STRONGER THAN EVER!
Present
Over the years, the VT100 as we know it has been shaped by continuous growth and change. Yet, at its core, it still holds true to its humble roots. The running race is still simultaneous with the horse race, and this is the only known 100-mile race where this still occurs. The course continues to feature some of the most picturesque sites of southern Vermont, as it rolls along dirt roads and horse trails. And the participation numbers have only ticked up. Now within hours of registration opening, the event quickly reaches its capacity of 350 runners for the 100-mile race, 75 runners for the 100-km race, and 50 riders for the various horse race distances of 100, 75, and 50 miles.
VT100 & VT ADAPTIVE
Due to Laura Farrell’s connection with Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports and the Vermont 100, as the founder of both, the race has always been one of the largest annual fundraisers for VT Adaptive.
It’s a natural fit as both the VT100 and VT Adaptive allow individuals to challenge themselves through sports.
The event continues to raise money to benefit VT Adaptive’s year-programs for athletes with disabilities. To boot, the 2017 run will be the world’s first ultra race and first trail race to formally recognize visually impaired and mobility impaired runners in their own awards category.
RACE LEADERSHIP
The Vermont 100 takes a lot of time and dedication to string together and would not be possible without tremendous leadership.
Over the years, the race has seen several amazing directors come and go, and we want to share a bit aout each:
LAURA FARRELL
After the 1989 debut of the running portion of the VT100, Laura was a natural fit to become the race director. For many years, she captained the helm and helped shape this story.
JIM HUTCHINSON
A long time Vermont Adaptive volunteer, Laura handed over the VT100 to Jim. Jim gave his all to this race and it was only due to his sudden and unfortunate passing following the 2008 race that the VT100 found itself seeking its next RD.
JULIA HUTCHINSON
In a beautiful way, Jim’s daughter, Julia, took over the race for several years. Julia did an amazing job carrying on her father’s legacy and we’re forever thankful for her dedication.
AMY RUSIECKI
Amy is the current Race Director for the Vermont 100 and continues to do an amazing job year after year. She has truly helped make this race a world-class event and we look forward to her passion shining through each July.
GET IN TOUCH TODAY
VERMONT 100 ENDURANCE RUN
VT Adaptive Ski & Sport Headquarters
Attention: Amy Rusiecki
PO Box 139 Killington, VT 05751
Call: 1-802-786-4991
Email: vt100@vermontadaptive.org
VT100 Endurance Race Start/Finish/Registration
Directions to Silver Hill Meadow – Google Doc
Directions to Silver Hill Meadow – Google Map