GOSHEN — On Saturday, July 16, the Goshen Gallop will unite runners from across Vermont and around the world, seeking to take the road less traveled, while supporting repairs to trails and bridges damaged by Tropical Storm Irene. To repair this damage, proceeds of this year’s Goshen Gallop will be used to replace two bridges and to fix surrounding trails, allowing visitors to ski over to Romance Mountain.
These repairs will also help solidify a new relationship with the National Forest Service in 2016. This partnership will give the Blueberry Hill Inn more support in the never-ending effort to maintain its trails, and help keep the mountains behind Blueberry Hill Inn accessible to the public for all seasons.
Hosted by the Blueberry Hill Inn in the heart of the spectacular Green Mountain National Forest, participants can tackle either the famous 10.2K or the equally awesome, but more merciful, 5K run. The 38th annual race culminates in a victory party with a barbecue, band and local brews. Pond-dipping plus optional overnight camping with bonfire will extend the post-race revelry.
Nearly 50 years ago, Tony Clark bought the Blueberry Hill Inn and transformed the inn and its environs into an iconic Nordic ski destination. Clark’s dedication to the Moosalamoo area of the Green Mountain Forest over the decades has been unwavering, and his advocacy for the area earned Moosalamoo a Congressional designation as a National Recreation Area in 2007. Maintaining public access to this wilderness takes hard work and funding. By participating in the Goshen Gallop, attendees can help sustain this vital effort.
From a natural woodland course to a stunning surprise view from the south end of Hogback Mountain, the Gallop’s elevation profile and rugged terrain have earned the race the nickname “the toughest 10K in New England.” Any serious runner who completes the satisfying and breathtaking experience earns their bragging rights. But you don’t need to be a hardcore runner to participate; the 5K is equally exhilarating, and you can still brag (just half as much).
Bib pickup begins at 1 p.m. in the Nordic Center and the race starts at 4 p.m. $60 registration includes race entry, meal ticket and t-shirt for the first 100 registrants. Dinner guest pricing is $19 adults; $14 kids 12 and under. A picnic in the orchard begins at 5 p.m. Camping is available Friday and/or Saturday night for $10 per person (bathrooms and showers available).
Register and learn more at www.goshengallop.com.