Leaf-peeping is on but the Leaf Peepers Half Marathon & 5K is off

October 2, 2020 | By Waterbury Roundabout 

Fall foliage along the course is a big selling point for the annual Leaf Peepers Half Marathon & 5K. Photo courtesy Central Vermont Runners.

It may be the height of leaf-peeping season in Vermont but Waterbury’s signature fall event by that name will not be hitting the streets this weekend. 

Saturday, Oct. 3, was to be the 37th annual Leaf Peepers Half Marathon & 5K, the destination race that draws hundreds to Waterbury for an early October weekend each year. 

Race organizer Will Robens said the event was cancelled due to COVID-19 and those who registered early should have received word by now. 

The event featured a half marathon and 5K, starting and finishing at the lawn at the State Office Complex in downtown Waterbury. The course includes paved streets in town and gravel road sections. Last year it returned to using a section of River Road in Duxbury. 

The accessible route and options for runners make it an attractive event along with the timing that coincides with prime foliage scenery as a backdrop.  

Calling it a tough year for events, Robens said the Central Vermont Runners club that organizes the race decided against inviting runners from all over the region given the public health concerns, but: “We certainly do plan to reinstate the event in 2021.”

Robens also organizes the Trapp Lodge Mountain Marathon and Half Marathon trail race in Stowe. Scheduled for Oct. 17 this year, that race has also been called off for 2020.  

The Leaf Peepers Half Marathon & 5K starts at the State Office Complex in Oct. 2019. The race brings hundreds to Waterbury for an autumn weekend each year. Photo courtesy Central Vermont Runners.