Discover the Northeast Kingdom
Dandelion Run – Just for the Fun of It!
Selected as one of the five most scenic running races in Vermont by Vermont Sports
See why by checking out our YouTube Video Slide Show of 2010
Saturday, May 21st, 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 only a few 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!!!
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.
The event is hosted out of the Derby Beach House on the 4-H Road at Lake Salem, in Derby, Vermont. Runners will head east briefly on Route 111 before turning south onto dirt roads in Derby, Morgan, Charleston and Holland, including Dumas Road, Haywood Road, Driver Road, Derby Gore Road, across Route 111 on to the Gore Road and Bates Hill Road, and then back to the Beach House. Total distance: 13.1 miles even. 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 half marathon starts at 9:00 am at the Derby Beach House on the 4-H Road at Lake Salem in Derby, Vermont. The five mile run begins shortly after and then the walk begins shortly after that. The Fun Run takes place at 9:20 am. Arrangements are available for relay walkers and for folks who only want to walk shorter distances.
Register for the event on line here. In 2011, 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 at $50 for an individual adult runner, $75 for a team of two, and $150 for a team of four. Rates will go up on January 1, 2011 and again on May 1, 2011. We also offer special youth, student, and senior rates. Please check out our full Dandelion Run 2011 Rate Schedule here.
