Leaf-peeping on the clock: Half marathon/5K returns
By Waterbury RoundaboutIt’s that time of year again and this year, the Leaf Peepers Half Marathon & 5K is back on and scheduled for this Sunday, Oct. 3.
The popular foot race started in 1984 with the 5K added in 1990. This is the 37th running after it skipped 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
About 400 runners are signed up, according to organizer Will Robens from the Central Vermont Runners club.
People will be gathering downtown early Sunday morning as runners pick up their bib numbers between 7 and 8:30 a.m. The half marathon starts at 9 a.m. with the 5K heading out at 9:15 a.m.
The races start and finish at the State Office Complex. Signs are up in Waterbury and Duxbury marking the roads that will be involved.
The course follows Main Street from the state offices south across the Winooski River bridge and into Duxbury for a short stretch of Route 100 before it directs runners down Main Street to River Road. Those doing the 5K head back to Waterbury over the Winooski Street bridge while the half marathon runners travel further down River Road to a marked turn-around. They head back with the final leg along the Cross Vermont Trail along the cornfield to the state offices.
The race has rules in place regarding COVID-19 including wearing masks in the starting and finish areas. Organizers encourage those not fully vaccinated against the virus to test beforehand. Due to COVID-19 concerns, there will be no post-race festivities. Awards will be mailed to winners, according to race organizers.
Robens said the race mainly raises funds through registration fees to support the race itself and the nonprofit Central Vermont Runners club. The group will also make contributions to the Waterbury Fire Department and Waterbury Ambulance Service as both support the event with personnel on hand during the race.
Darn Tough socks is the event’s lead sponsor this year with a list of other local sponsors on the event website where results and photos will be posted following the race.