MIDDLEBURY — Despite high hopes and lots of planning, Vermont Sun has canceled its summer triathlon and half marathon series for this year. The announcement was made by Vermont Sun owner and race organizer Steve Hare in a letter this past Thursday. 
“We have to cancel our entire 35th season of races on Lake Dunmore. The state of Vermont and the Vermont Department of Parks have revoked our permits to stage the events due to the coronavirus,” Hare wrote. 
For the last six weeks organizers have been making contingency plans to safely operate the races, including online pre-race instructions, only bottled water, only packaged food, waves of just 10-20 athletes, masks worn for all pre- and post-race activities, spaced out registration, and chip pick up. 
“In the end all that didn’t matter,” Hare wrote, expressing his disappointment and frustration. “The state made the decision that so many other events have already made, for us.” 
All those that have entered an event this season will have their entries automatically transferred to the 2021 season. Those date are: 
•  Half Marathon, 10K, 5K: Sunday, May 16, 2021.
•  VT Sun and Lake Dunmore Triathlon (State Championships);: Saturday, June 26, 2021.
•  VT Sun and Branbury Classic: Sunday, July 18, 2021. 
•  VT Sun and Lake Dunmore Triathlon: Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021.
While remarking that it was the first time in 35 years that the races have not run, and that organizers and participants were very disappointed with the cancellations, Hare put it all in perspective:
“Of course, not being able to participate in a race is nothing compared to the incredible misery and death that too many others are going through.”