Welcome to the THIRD annual RUTFest (Richmond Ultra Trail Festival) – a weekend devoted to running and hiking local trails with our community. This 36-hour “race” includes two different 3-4 mile trail loops at Catamount Outdoor Family Center, with gorgeous views of Camel’s Hump and Mt. Mansfield. These two loops are run on repeat, whenever you want.
This will be a relaxed, low-key, adventure run, for the community and not for competition. This is the weekend to run (or walk) further than you ever have before.
Entry fee- donation based. We want this to be an inclusive event and don’t want money to keep anyone from enjoying the trails, the event, or the community. This year, all profit after event fees will be split between the Catamount Outdoor Family Center and the Catamount Trail Association.
How much should you donate? We’ve got a variety of suggestions. Donate what feels fair to you for a 36-hour event (+1 bonus hour for Daylight Savings Time!).
Registered participants will receive event updates and info by email. All participants will be asked to sign up for a 1-hour volunteer shift at the aid station as well as donate a snack to the aid station.
Runners check in at the main aid station to run laps whenever they would like during the event. The loops alternate on the north and south side of Catamount, about 3 and 4 miles respectively. You are free to come and go as you want all weekend long. Please check-in with a volunteer when you leave for safety reasons.
Thinking of running 100 miles? We have sweet buckles made that you can purchase after you finish.
Kickoff @ 6AM Saturday Nov. 4. Check-in available all morning. Closing @ 6PM Sunday Nov. 5.
Catamount Trail Association Mission:
“The Catamount Trail Association is a passionate group of backcountry skiers and outdoor enthusiasts. We’ve been breaking trail since 1984, creating North America’s longest backcountry ski trail and pioneering innovative recreation projects throughout Vermont.
Our mission is to expand access to Vermont’s backcountry because we believe days spent in the mountains with friends are powerful, and that those experiences should be open to everyone. We are advocates, volunteers, supporters, and trailblazers working to steward the Catamount Trail, manage backcountry ski terrain, permanently protect mountain lands, and expand equitable access to skiing. By building trails, community, and opportunity we connect people to Vermont’s mountain landscape.
This past winter the CTA helped connect hundreds of Vermont students to the outdoors through the sport of cross-country skiing. Our Youth Programs have been active and evolving for over a decade, and this season we worked with over 1300 students, bringing ski curriculum to the classroom during our School Programs, and bringing the kids to the Catamount Outdoor Family Center on the weekends for Ski Cubs!”
Catamount Outdoor Family Center Mission:
“To promote family and community well-being through activity and education in the Catamount Community Forest (CCF).
We envision a community in which: Playing in nature is everyone’s first choice. Donations help fund trail maintenance, youth programs and community events.”
QUESTIONS? Email richmondtrailrunners@gmail.com for more information or to stay tuned on weekly club runs.
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