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Northern Vermont Trail Running Events 2026: Local Races for Every Level
- Apr 5
- 6 min read
Updated: Jun 7
Northern Vermont's trail running season is one of the best in the Northeast — and 2026 has a strong lineup of local events worth circling on the calendar. From muddy spring mountain races to summer trail series to fall community 5Ks, there's a race for every level of runner across the region.
This post is updated annually with the events the Snow Beast Performance team thinks look worth doing. The list focuses on 5K–10K distances and trail runs that suit the active adults and outdoor athletes we work with — approachable enough for newer trail runners, interesting enough for experienced ones.
Before you toe the line at any of these events, it's worth making sure the body is ready for the specific demands of trail running. Calves, ankles, knees, and backs are all commonly affected — and getting ahead of those issues before race day is the smartest preparation available. If anything on that list sounds familiar, our physical therapy services in Williston, VT are a good starting point, or get started with a free 15-minute discovery call to talk through your season goals.
Spring Events
Madie's Jaunt — 5K Trail Run
May 2, 2026 | Williston, VT
Madie's Jaunt is a 5K trail run held annually in Williston. This is a free event that accepts donations for the Madie Saltsburg Memorial Fund. Madie was a UVM student and ROTC cadet who passed away during a backcountry ski trip at Tuckerman's Ravine.
Sleepy Hollow Mountain Race — 6 Miles
May 3, 2026 | Cochran's Ski Area, Richmond, VT
This 6-mile mountain race tackles steep trails and muddy terrain at Cochran's Ski Area — and after the run, post-race pancakes await. It serves as the opener for the USATF-New England Mountain Running Series. The course is challenging and the culture is excellent — a perfect early-season race for runners who want something with real elevation and character.
The Black Fly — 5K, Half Marathon, or 4 Mile Gravel Ride
May 30, 2026 | Westmore, VT
Trail races in Westmore on May 30 include a half marathon trail run, a 5K trail run, or a 40 Mile Gravel Ride over dirt roads and private trails, with a farm-to-table meal, live music, and an evening barn dance. The 5K is accessible for newer trail runners while the longer distance offers a genuine challenge in beautiful Northeast Kingdom terrain. The post-race atmosphere makes this one worth the drive.
Early Summer Events
Colchester Causeway — 5K, 10K, and 15K
June 6, 2026 | Colchester, VT
A locally beloved race with multiple distance options right on the Colchester Causeway. Choose to run either a 5K, 10K, or 15K and enjoy the scenic Colchester Causeway. Flat and fast, with Lake Champlain views throughout — a good choice for runners working toward a personal best or those who prefer a well-marked, accessible course close to Burlington. Spots are limited and all distances will sell out.
Tuesday Evenings, Summer 2026 | Williston, VT
Not a single race but arguably the most valuable recurring running event in the region. The longest-running weekly race series in the country at Catamount Outdoor Family Center, where community, competition, and summer evenings come together on the trails. Distances range from 5K to 10K with special categories for children and water stations on site. Entry is affordable, the trails are right in Williston, and the format rewards consistency over a full summer season. An excellent way to build trail running fitness and community simultaneously.
Summer Events
Mad Marathon — 5K,10K, Half Marathon, Marathon
July 12, 2026 | Waitsfield, VT
The 15th Annual Mad Marathon, Mad Half, relays, 5K and 10K are scheduled for July 12, 2026, in the gorgeous Mad River Valley in central Vermont — running through this extraordinary rural community on back and dirt roads, with breathtaking views of the Green Mountains, challenging rolling farmlands with tough climbs and descents, quaint villages, historic barns, covered bridges, and fields of Vermont cows. The 5K and 10K options make this accessible to runners who want the Mad River Valley experience without the full marathon commitment. Highly regarded and well-organized.
Aliza Lapierre Fan Club Trail Race — 26k, 50k
July 18, 2026 | Richmond, VT
A community trail race in Richmond honoring Vermont running legend Aliza Lapierre. A great local event with strong community energy and trail running culture. Worth watching for registration details as the season approaches.
August 1, 2026 | Red Rocks Park, South Burlington, VT
The 32nd GMAA Red Rocks 5K on Saturday, August 1, 2026, is held at Red Rocks Park in South Burlington — one of the most scenic trail running venues in the Burlington area. The race benefits the GMAA annual scholarship and draws a strong local running community. A classic late-summer local event worth adding to the calendar.
August 1, 2026 | Danville, VT
The Danville Bear Crawl 5K Fun Run takes place on August 1st, 2026, at 9:00am. A community trail run in the Northeast Kingdom — a good choice for runners looking to explore the northern part of the state during a summer day trip.
Fall Events
Jay Peak Trail Running Festival — 5ks, 11 Miler, 22 Miler, 53k
September 5–6, 2026 | Jay Peak, Jay, VT
September 5–6 at Jay Peak features three 5Ks and a kids race on Saturday, with an 11-miler, 22-miler, and 53.1km ultra on Sunday. Voted one of the 10 best fall trail races in the country, this is one of the premier trail running events in Vermont. The Saturday 5K options make it accessible to runners of all levels while the weekend atmosphere makes it an event worth building a weekend around. The mountain terrain is genuine, so come prepared.
October 25, 2026 | Milton, VT
A fun fall trail 5K just north of Burlington. A festive late-season option that keeps the trail running habit going well into autumn. Good choice for runners who want one more event before the snow starts flying.
Getting Ready for Trail Running Season
Every one of these events is worth preparing specifically for — trail running places demands on the calves, ankles, knees, hips, and lower back that road running and gym training don't fully replicate. The athletes who stay healthy through a full season of races are the ones who build the right physical foundation before the first event, not after the first injury.
If you need tactics for training and for race day, check out hydration and recovery for trail runners.
The Snow Beast Performance Trail Run Prep program includes off-season conditioning work relevant to trail athletes — posterior chain strength, single-leg stability, and the kind of reactive balance training that keeps you upright on variable terrain.
If you're dealing with a specific injury history, returning from a setback, or want to make sure your mechanics are sound before logging significant trail miles, our physical therapy services in Williston, VT are built for exactly this kind of preparation. Get started with a free 15-minute discovery call and let's get the season planned right.
FAQ: Northern Vermont Trail Running Events 2026
What is the best trail running event in northern Vermont for beginners? Madie's Jaunt in Williston is one of the most accessible options — a local 5K on familiar terrain with a welcoming community atmosphere. The Colchester Causeway races also offer a flat, well-marked 5K option that suits newer runners well. The Catamount weekly trail series is ideal for runners who want to build trail experience across a full summer before committing to a race.
Are these trail races appropriate for runners who primarily train on roads? Most of the 5K options on this list are manageable for road runners with some trail exposure, but trail running places specific demands on ankles, calves, and hip stabilizers that road training doesn't develop. Spending a few weeks on trails before race day — building familiarity with uneven terrain and variable footing — significantly improves both performance and injury resilience. A few targeted strength and stability sessions are also worth adding in the weeks before a trail race.
How do I prepare my body specifically for trail running? The most important physical preparation for trail running includes single-leg stability work, posterior chain strength (glutes, hamstrings, calves), ankle mobility and strength, and the cardiovascular base to handle the variable intensity of hilly terrain. Running on actual trails before race day is also important — treadmill and road training don't develop the reactive balance and proprioceptive awareness that trail running demands. If you're unsure where your gaps are, a physical therapy evaluation is the most efficient way to find out.
What gear do I need for a trail 5K or 10K in Vermont? Trail running shoes with appropriate grip are the most important gear investment for Vermont trails — road shoes are slippery on wet roots and mud, which is the consistent reality in spring and fall. Moisture-wicking layers appropriate for the expected conditions, a small hydration source for distances over 5K, and a pair of trekking poles for more technical mountain courses (like Sleepy Hollow or Jay Peak) round out the basics. Most trail 5Ks in Vermont don't require technical gear beyond solid trail footwear.
Where can I find the most current Vermont trail running race calendar? The most comprehensive and up-to-date Vermont race calendars are maintained at runningintheusa.com, runguides.com, and gmaa.run. The Green Mountain Athletic Association (GMAA) is a particularly reliable source for northern Vermont running events and manages several of the races listed above.
Written by Stephen Burkert, DPT — Snow Beast Performance, Williston, VT
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