2019 EVENT CANCELED. From race website: “We are sad to report there will be no Smugglers’ Mountain Race this summer in order to regroup and reformat for the future. We hope to have the race back for summer 2020. Please check back for details going forward.”
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Smugglers’ Mountain Race is a weekend of stout mountain runs at their finest. These are extremely challenging sky-run style mountain races located on the rugged slopes and trails of Smugglers’ Notch Resort, in Mount Mansfield State Forest!
Both races climb to the highest point of land; Madonna Mountain, on the North side of Smugglers’ Notch via steep, unforgiving terrain. Loose rock, mud, slippery slopes and long unrelenting climbs with spectacular views should be expected.
The Madonna Mountain Vertical Challenge is just shy of a vertical K of elevation gain over a few short but well earned miles. To be specific; 2,700 ft of gain in 3.9 miles. Starting from the village of Smugglers’ Notch resort, runners will climb more than 1,000 ft in just over a mile to the top of the Village Lift, then run a short downhill segment before starting a steep, “test of will” climb of over 1,700 ft for just shy of 2 miles to the finish and summit of Madonna Mountain! Steep, loose rock, and internal doubt should be expected on this lung bustin’ ascent. You have been warned!
Test your endurance on our 25k race Sunday. Start with a gradual climb from the Village base area up to the base of Madonna Lift, then gain 1,500 ft of elevation to the top of Sterling Mountain on steep terrain. Runners then drop back down towards the base station before making another steep ascent to the summit of Madonna Mountain and your first aid support. Expect long sweeping views west towards Lake Champlain, followed by a long traversing descent down to a connector trail that takes you up to another high point near the top of the Village Lift on Morse Mountain. After one more short descent to your second aid station runners will cruise through the incredibly runnable single track trails of the Smuggs nordic/bike trail system. After rounding a nice little pond with great views back to your earlier high point on Madonna, expect another gradual climb back to the start area on single track and mixed dirt double track trails.
Two days of races, and two days of fun! Smugglers’ Notch Resort is one of the best family resort destinations you will find! In addition to incredible mountain trails, Smuggs offers infinite family fun! While you run, your family will be enjoying a weekend of water parks, zip lining, disc golf, and more!
This race is a USATF Sanctioned event.
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