SWiTCH!NG GEARS: Conquer the Slate Valley Scramble this Saturday at Slate Valley

Saturday, Aug. 10, 8:30 a.m. —POULTNEY— The Slate Valley Scramble, a trail running race, will feature an 8K, half marathon, and a kids’ fun run, showcasing some of Vermont’s newest and most scenic single- and double-track trails within Slate Valley Trails’ network. The race takes place on some of the state’s newest and best single and double-track trails on Slate Valley Trails’ network in Poultney. A free kids’ fun run will take place following both events to encourage the whole family to get out and enjoy SVT’s trails.

This event also serves as one of SVT’s biggest annual fundraisers.

Races will offer runners a well-maintained, variable terrain, wooded course. While both courses will have some flat terrain and rolling hills, there will be hills and a few sustained climbs. Runners will be rewarded with occasional stunning views of Vermont’s “Slate Valley.”

The Details

Half-marathon starts at 8:30 a.m.

8K starts at 9:30 a.m.

Kids’ Fun Run starts at 11:15 a.m.

The event is open to runners and hikers. Both courses will close at 1 p.m., allowing ample time for those with varying paces to complete either race.

Competitive awards will be given to top finishers. This is a cupless race; runners are encouraged to bring a water bottle to refill at the cupless aid stations set up along the course.

Course maps

Both courses will start and end at the trails accessible from Slate Valley Trails’ Fairgrounds trailhead located at 131 Town Farm Road, Poultney.

The 8K will utilize trails on the Fairgrounds East trail system, including Bumper Car, Midway, the upper portion of Cliffhanger, and part of Merry-Go-Round. Both courses will return to the Start/Finish area by way of Maple Sugar. The elevation gain is about 700 feet.

The half-marathon will start at the Fairgrounds parking lot and cross Route 140 by way of Maple Sugar. Racers will head out for an approximate 9-mile loop on the Fairgrounds West trail system covering Cotton Candy, Big Top, and Carnie before joining up with Ringmaster to head back to Fairgrounds East by crossing back over Route 140. The half-marathon course will then join the 8K course for an approximate 4.5-mile loop on the Fairgrounds East trail system, including Bumper Car, Midway, the upper portion of Cliffhanger, and part of Merry-Go-Round.

The elevation gain is about 1500 feet. Both courses will return to the Start/Finish area by way of Maple Sugar.