Vermont 100 Endurance Race Cancelled Due to Destructive Rainfall
Vermont deemed federal disaster area following heavy rainfall
Image: Naya Na, Adobe Stock
On July 11, 2023, a two-day bout of record-breaking rainfall ended, leaving behind 6-9 inches of rainfall and massive destruction throughout the state. The state of Vermont is under a State of Emergency, is declared a federal disaster area, and is bracing itself for more rain this weekend. This unprecedented weather event has prompted the organizers of the beloved Vermont 100 endurance race to cancel the race scheduled to begin on July 14.
"It breaks my heart to write this, but due to the devastating flooding that hit the race course yesterday and the lasting damage due to this weather event, the race committee has reached the unfortunate decision that this year's event must be canceled, said Race Director Amy Rusiecki in an online statement. "The second worst thing a race committee wants to do is cancel an incredible event. However, the worst thing a race committee wants to do is to conduct an unsafe race for the runners, volunteers, and communities. Our highest priority is the safety of every runner, volunteer, trail, and road that this event impacts."
Rusiecki goes on to say that while they don't encourage people to visit the area, they have created a sign-up for folks who do arrive and want to participate in disaster relief along the course. The race organizers are also donating food from the Friday night, Saturday morning, and Sunday post-race food (which has already been purchased and prepped) to displaced community members and will be donating aid station food to local food shelters and survival centers.
Here are some images of the flooding along the Vermont 100 course from Instagram:
