Mad Marathon runners, their families, friends and support crews are arriving in the Mad River Valley, not only to enjoy the race on Sunday, July 8, but also to take part in three days of events.
The weekend begins on Friday, July 6, with registration and an exposition at race headquarters in The Waitsfield Inn. Across the road at the Mad River Green, a free community concert, sponsored by Sugarhouse Soundworks, with The Grift, food, beverage vendors along with activities for kids begins at 6 p.m. The concert benefits PAWSitive Panty who will be hosting a Dog Parade.
Race registration and the exposition continue at The Waitsfield Inn from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., followed by the Kids’ Fun Run on Saturday, July 7, in the Mad River Green. This will be the second annual Kids’ Mad River Rainbow Run, similar to a color run. There will be a race distance for all ages, obstacles and few surprises. All runners will receive a Mad Marathon Medal as they cross the finish line along with popsicles. Parents can sign their kids up race day beginning at 6 p.m. with the race start at 6:30 p.m. Sunglasses or goggles are recommended but not required or supplied.
Also Saturday, Mad Carbo dinners will be hosted around The Valley at Rumbles Kitchen, Castlerock Pub, 275 Main Street at The Pitcher Inn, Tucker Hill Inn, Hyde Away, Mad River Barn, Big Picture Theater & Cafe, American Flatbread, Local Folk Smokehouse.
Sunday morning the Mad River Green will be staged and ready for runners with the finish chute lined with banners, country flags and the well-known barn gantry. New this year will be the Mad Mile race for youth ages 7 to 13 years. Medical and food tents will be ready to receive the Mad Runners.
“On behalf of the Mad Marathon Team, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks and appreciation for the support of the Mad River Valley community. After eight years, I continue to be amazed. People go above and beyond in so many ways, our runners included. We are fortunate to live in this incredible part of gorgeous Vermont and this weekend we will be sharing it with runners along with their families from around the world. Coming four days after the Valley’s excellent Fourth of July celebrations, the Mad Marathon is yet another weekend to welcome guests and show them the meaning of small town hospitality,” said founder and race director Dori Ingalls.
While some roads will be closed on Sunday, July 8, once runners safely pass the roads re-open. Since the Mad Marathon starts at 7 a.m. roads generally begin to open at 9:45 a.m.
For more information, visit www.madmarathon.com.
