Moosalamoo Ultra

Ironwood Adventure Works is very excited to be carrying the torch for the Moosalamoo Ultra, starting in 2022. Founded in 2012 by John Izzo, this race has become a classic Vermont trail run. A rugged course on beautiful trails, deep in the heart of the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area. Hosted on the scenic grounds of the Blueberry Hill Inn and Outdoor Center, this is a gem not to be missed. While we are very excited to support this event moving forward, we also pledge to continue the family atmosphere and personal touch that John has become famous for. You can bet we will do our best to get John on site for race day, if he is willing because we know he makes this event special! ​

Starting and ending at the picturesque Blueberry Hill Inn, just a short drive from Middlebury, Vermont, the Moosalamoo Ultra and Heavy Half has become a favorite among VT trail runners. Long challenging climbs, black bear sightings, stinging nettles are (for better or worse) hallmarks of this race. Each race is loaded with tough, yet beautiful mountain single track taking you to the top of Mount Moosalamoo with a spectacular view of Lake Dunmore. With most trails in the Green Mountain National Forest the 14 miler has about 2400 feet of elevation gain and the 36 miler has more than 5000 feet of gain. Family friendly and dog friendly, this race brings together a great community and great mountain trails!

The 36 mile (plus or minus) Ultra race will feature mostly single track. There is no pavement encountered during either race. Both races take you to the top of Mount Moosalamoo with an overlook of Lake Dunmore on the backside. Both races have difficult but beautiful single track. At several places along the route you will encounter a potentially diabolical stroll thru some stinging nettles. The 36 milers get the best of this wonderful plant. This should be a treat to be embraced. Not only do you climb to the top of Moosalamoo Mountain but the region that the trails are located in is called Moosalamoo region. The Abenaki native American Indians meaning for Moosalamoo is call or song of the moose. Every year Black Bear are sighted along the course but unfortunately Moose are not usually seen.

Most of these trails are located in the Green Mountain National Forest. The Ultra race distance will be a great training run for longer distances and a large incremental step up from any road Marathon. The heavy half is a perfect introduction to the wonderful world of trail running. Both distances are very tough but doable. The 14 miler has about 2400 feet of elevation gain and the 36 miler has about 5000 feet of gain. Anyone using Trekking poles for this race need to allow other runners to pass keeping the poles under control and away from the passing runners.

Also this is a dog-friendly race. They must be under control at all times and should not interfere with anyone running or enjoying the post race food and drink. All runners will receive a great event shirt, a finishers award, post race meal. Access to free primitive camping in the fields outside the Outdoor Center is included with your entry fee.