Volunteers are needed to help with the annual Vermont 50 race, which benefits the nonprofit organization Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sport.
Volunteers are needed to help with the annual Vermont 50 race, which benefits the nonprofit organization Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sport. Credit: Nancy Nutile-McMenemy—Courtesy photograph

Windsor — Next weekend 1,300 bikers and runners will come to Mount Ascutney in Windsor for the 26th Vermont 50 race, which is expected to raise more than $100,000 for Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sport. To make the event a success, about 200 volunteers are needed to help with everything from set up and aid stations to the kids’ race. 

“The volunteers help make the day enjoyable,” said Race Director Mike Silverman. 

The event, taking place on Sunday, Sept. 29-30 this year, features a 50-kilometer or 50-mile run and 50-mile bike race and relay.

The race was started in 1993 by Laura Farrell, who also founded Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sport, an organization that helps people of varying abilities participate in sports and recreation activities.

By supporting the Vermont 50, volunteers are making recreational opportunities available for the individuals that Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sport serves, Silverman said. 

“As a volunteer you get the knowledge you are helping a great cause: Vermont Adaptive,” he said. 

Volunteers are needed all of next weekend. On Friday, race organizers will be setting up the course, including the finish line and parking areas. On Saturday, volunteers are needed to help with parking, check-in and the kids’ race event. The day of the race, Sunday, people are needed to help run aid stations, assist with check-in and support the races. 

Silverman said that the event brings the community together in a beautiful setting. 

“We are very proud to be able to keep supporting Vermont Adaptive in the community it started in,” he said. “I feel the community and landowners have been committed to this event and cause.”

For more information or to volunteer, visit www.vermont50.com and click the volunteer link, or call Silverman at 603-381-9993.