Discover the Northeast Kingdom
Dandelion Run – Just for the Fun of It!
Saturday, May 19th, 2012
Selected as one of the five most scenic running races in Vermont by Vermont Sports
And one of the top 20 events in Vermont’s Summer by
Yankee Magazine
See why by checking out our YouTube Video Slide Show of 2010
Or our stunning slide show from 2011
The Dandelion Run is a competitive and recreational half marathon (with relay options) on back roads deep in the heart of the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. Don't let the name fool you. The “Dandy” is a hilly, thigh-burning challenge. Your reward: a run that takes you through farms and forests, on dirt roads through uncut green fields blanketed with thousands and thousands of dandelions. The “Kingdom” is one of the first geotourism areas in the world, specially designated by National Geographic. And there is no more beautiful time of year than the height of dandelion season. It's Spring! It's time to run!! Just for the fun of it!!!
The consensus of our participants: “The Dandelion Run is one of the most challenging and most beautiful half marathons in the northeast.” And it is run in conjunction with our Dandelion Festival of Bluegrass, Old Country and Fiddle Music – pickers and fiddlers at every relay station.
We also offer a less hilly, 5 mile course for running and walking (adult and youth). Our youngest runners take part in the joy of the Dandelion Run on our special 1 mile youth Fun
Run.
This is a charity run and walk to support the Orleans County Victim Assistance Fund and IROC’s Healthy Changes Initiative a groundbreaking exercise program for people suffering from
diabetes, obesity, or heart disease.
Pricing varies depending on the course. The Adult Fee for the Half Marathon is $65 for an individual. Adult Fee for the 5 mile course is $25. For the full rate schedule including special prices for youth and young adults check out our 2012 Rate Schedule and Register for the event on line here.
The event is hosted by IROC (Indoor Recreation of Orleans County) out of the Derby Beach House on the 4-H Road at Lake Salem, in Derby, Vermont. The half marathon starts at 9:00 am. Relay stations are available at the 3, 6, and 9 mile points, with the final leg being 4.1 miles to the finish. Run the whole event, or enter as a team of 2 or 4 runners.
The five mile run and walk begins at 9:10 am. The Fun Run (1 Mile - $5) takes place at 9:20 am.
In 2012, the total number runners will be limited to 400 individual runners, first come, first served. Total number of relay runners will be limited to 200. Registration is
now open. Rates will go up on May 1, 2012.
