24 Hours of the Northeast Kingdom (NEK)

24 Hours of the Northeast Kingdom is a true test of endurance in an incredibly scenic place. The race will take place in the forest and hills of East Charleston, Vermont, at the Northwoods Stewardship Center. It is a unique, rugged, and beautiful setting, located near the border of one of the last wilderness tracts in New England. We couldn’t be more excited for Northwoods to be the host of this race. We feel it embodies the spirit of reverence for the land which so many runners deeply connect with.

The race is run on a single 3.1 mile trail loop. The race course consists of a varied combination of winding single track and wide open double track that passes through open upland hardwood forests, and tightly spaced early succession pine/hemlock/tamarack forest groves. The loop passes impressive stone round barn and farm house foundations and active, sustainably managed forests.

The event will be supported by one aid station, located at the start/finish area throughout the event. This aid station will be fully stocked with water, Gu hydration, Gu gels and Gu electrolyte tablets. Additional supplies will include a variety of ultra event type foods. Chips, cookies, PBJ, fruit, crackers, etc. In addition, we will have hot foods like soup and coffee/tea available at least through the night and morning and potentially all day if the weather is cool. We are also working with an incredible local caterer; Sustainable Kitchen for our post race meal and they are making some specialty ultra-runner snacks for the aid station as well. Please note that the 24hrs of the Northeast Kingdom is a cup-free race! In an attempt to reduce race waste, we are eliminating all disposable, single use cups. Please bring a bottle or re-usable cup for aid station re-fueling. If you have additional food specific needs, please make sure you come prepared! There will also be a supply of Band Aids, Vaseline, and duct tape, plus a few other basic first aid supplies and volunteer first aid care givers at the base aid station.

Racer crews and spectators are welcome anywhere on the course, but please be careful out there! We certainly would encourage spectators to hike out into the beautiful forest to cheer on our competitors but please make sure your friends/family take a map and appropriate supplies, there’s a lot of forest out there! Runner aid is not permitted by crews except at aid station.

The NorthWoods Stewardship Center is a non-profit 501(c)3 educational, research, and conservation service organization serving the communities of northern Vermont and New Hampshire since 1989. Education, Conservation Corps, and Forest Stewardship Initiative programs interconnect to provide the knowledge and skills needed to understand the northern landscape, make use of its resources wisely, and help sustain vibrant communities and a healthier natural environment.