What better way to close out the warmer part of the season than with a trip up the highest peak in Vermont? It was a glorious fall day on Sunday for the first-ever “Mansfield Uphill” event, a fundraiser for the Mansfield Nordic Pro team.
43 competitors started off together to snake their way up the work road underneath the gondola, where sunny skies and beautiful views awaited.
Finishers enjoying the weather and cheering on more competitors approaching the line!
Some competitors ran the whole thing, with Pro Team athlete Colin Freed clocking a 23:32 and breaking what we understand to be an established record held by professional mountain runner Eric LiPuma. On the women’s side, MK Drury, former UVM skier and the pro team’s strength and conditioning specialist (check out her gym and personal training here!) was the first to the top.
Running wasn’t the only method of ascent, however. Hiking was popular as well, and several participants decided to use poles to aid their effort. There were participants of all ages and abilities, including a very friendly cat named Indie who received many pets at the finish line! If you have never seen a “feline” category on a results sheet, you have now!
Indie Massie and owner Tammy Massie cross the line!
This was the final day of the gondola running, so while it was certainly fine to run or hike back down the mountain, participants could enjoy a free cruise while taking in the views! Many thanks to Stowe Mountain Resort for partnering with the Mansfield Nordic Pro team for this event, the Pro Team athletes for being much of the “staff”, and in particular a big thanks to Sarah Sterner who helped put together the entire concept as well as many hours of volunteer work behind-the-scenes!
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