On August 7, 2024
Columns

SWiTCH!NG GEARS: Conquer the Slate Valley Scramble this Saturday at Slate Valley

Submitted - The Slate Valley Scramble, an 8K and half marathon race, is Saturday in Poultney.

Saturday, Aug. 10, 8:30 a.m. —POULTNEY— The Slate Valley Scramble, a trail running race, will feature an 8K, half marathon, and a kids’ fun run, showcasing some of Vermont’s newest and most scenic single- and double-track trails within Slate Valley Trails’ network. The race takes place on some of the state’s newest and best single and double-track trails on Slate Valley Trails’ network in Poultney. A free kids’ fun run will take place following both events to encourage the whole family to get out and enjoy SVT’s trails.  

This event also serves as one of SVT’s biggest annual fundraisers. 

Races will offer runners a well-maintained, variable terrain, wooded course. While both courses will have some flat terrain and rolling hills, there will be hills and a few sustained climbs. Runners will be rewarded with occasional stunning views of Vermont’s “Slate Valley.”

The Details

Half-marathon starts at 8:30 a.m.

8K starts at 9:30 a.m.

Kids’ Fun Run starts at 11:15 a.m.

The event is open to runners and hikers. Both courses will close at 1 p.m., allowing ample time for those with varying paces to complete either race. 

Competitive awards will be given to top finishers. This is a cupless race; runners are encouraged to bring a water bottle to refill at the cupless aid stations set up along the course.

Course maps

Both courses will start and end at the trails accessible from Slate Valley Trails’ Fairgrounds trailhead located at 131 Town Farm Road, Poultney. 

The 8K will utilize trails on the Fairgrounds East trail system, including Bumper Car, Midway, the upper portion of Cliffhanger, and part of Merry-Go-Round. Both courses will return to the Start/Finish area by way of Maple Sugar. The elevation gain is about 700 feet.

The half-marathon will start at the Fairgrounds parking lot and cross Route 140 by way of Maple Sugar. Racers will head out for an approximate 9-mile loop on the Fairgrounds West trail system covering Cotton Candy, Big Top, and Carnie before joining up with Ringmaster to head back to Fairgrounds East by crossing back over Route 140. The half-marathon course will then join the 8K course for an approximate 4.5-mile loop on the Fairgrounds East trail system, including Bumper Car, Midway, the upper portion of Cliffhanger, and part of Merry-Go-Round. 

The elevation gain is about 1500 feet. Both courses will return to the Start/Finish area by way of Maple Sugar.

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

Closing Time: How (some) turtles shut their shells

November 1, 2024
In cartoons, when a turtle is spooked, it retreats into and closes up its shell. While used for comic effect, this imagery is based in fact – although not all turtles are capable of this protective feat. In the Northeast, three native turtle species have hinged shells: the Blanding’s turtle (Emydoidea blandingii), the common musk…

VARA recognizes athletes, coaches and educators / Rutland native Chuck Hughes honored

October 30, 2024
By Karen D. Lorentz The Vermont Alpine Racing Association (VARA) honored a group of student athletes, dedicated coaches, educators, and volunteers at the 2024 Awards Gala on Oct. 26 at the K-1 Lodge in Killington. A special highlight was the induction of Rutland native Chuck Hughes into the VARA Hall of Fame. Julie Woodworth, VARA…

Remembering fads from the ‘50s, ‘60s

October 30, 2024
Every generation has its fads and they produce some fond memories as you look back at what they were. I grew up in the ‘50s and ‘60s and will share with you some interesting fads from that time period. Drive-in movie theaters were very popular during those years. There was one located in Rutland Town…

Vermont’s Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame celebrates the spirit of the slopes

October 30, 2024
Baseball has its Hall of Fame decorated with the green serpentine marble from the Rochester Quarry in Vermont. Football has a Hall of Fame. And the Basketball one is right down the way in Springfield, Massachusetts. But here in Vermont, our versions are a little different. We have the Vermont Ski & Snowboard Museum, which…