The Lamoille Vally Rail Trail opened in the spring of 2023, but then was damaged in the Vermont floods in July of 2023. I decided to run this in early March of 2024 in honor of my wife who passed from ovarian cancer on February 20, 2024. The trail section in Danville is just steps from our summer home, and we had walked or run the trail together many times. Since the trail just opened, I don't believe anyone has run the entire trail. It was done to raise money for a scholarship that has been started in her name.
There is still a closed section, but I was able to navigate that, a bridge is out, but it is a small river that is fordable. I started on the west end of the trail in Swanton at 5:02 Friday night, with a goal of finishing on Saturday at 1:00- 20 hours. I ended up finishing at 11:46- a bit ahead of schedule. I had an army of supporters. I had runners with me the entire time. Several joined for 30+ miles, and many joined for a few. Others biked alongside me. For the last mile, my son and daughter joined me as well as my wife's sister and nieces. The rest of her and my family were at the finish. I had two of my closest running friends as car support- they met me at points along the trail every 5-8 miles to supply me with fuel and hydration, and a chair. I had many supporters cheering me from along the trail.
Comments
Our warmest condolences to you, your children and family on your loss. We highly commend your run and the scholarship as well as support from so many.
The FKT team.