Frequently Asked Questions

With 5 different races we get a lot of questions.
Below are some of the most asked.
Simply select your questions
and the answer will be revealed.

General Questions

Aid Station/Crew Questions

I need to Drop Out of the Race, what should I do?

Contact the race director Mike Silverman at [email protected]

Fees are non-refundable, regardless of injury, lack of adequate training, an irreconcilable schedule conflict, or any other reason, no matter how valid. It cannot be moved to a future year.

Registration/Race Bib is non-transferable.
Can I transfer or defer my race registration
Are E-Bikes Allowed on Course?
Should I download maps and documents before I leave home?
Can I get a Map of the Race Course?

NO, and please if you’ve found one online DO NOT use it.

Most of our race goes over Private Property. The landowners grant us ONE DAY USE of their land for Sunday, Race Day ONLY.

If people pre-run or ride the course the landowners will withdraw their consent to use their land and our race will change dramatically or go away all together.

So PLEASE DO NOT PRE-RUN or RIDE THIS COURSE.

If you’d like to train on similar terrain-Check out: http://ascutneytrails.com/ and http://www.stabvt.org/ They can fix you up with some challenging trails.
When do I get my Race Bib or Bike Plaque number?
Is there Live timing during the race?
How do I get to Ascutney Mountain/Ascutney Outdoors?

450 Ski Tow RD, Brownsville VT
Ascutney Mountain West Windsor, Vermont
Google Map to Vermont 50 Registration Tent and Start/Finish.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/uq8bqBoonJxaXSXq9

Coming South on I-91, Ascutney Mountain/Ascutney Outdoors is 10 miles from Exit 9. Take Route 5 South 4 mi. into Windsor town center, then right onto Route 44. Stay on 44 for 5.5 miles, Holiday Inn Club Vacations entrance is on the left. Follow signs to Ascutney Outdoors.

Coming North on I-91, Ascutney Mountain/Ascutney Outdoors is 6 miles from Exit 8. Take Route 5 North one+ mile and bear left onto Route 44A. At the end go left on Route 44. Holiday Inn Club Vacations entrance is on the left. Follow signs to Ascutney Outdoors.

Ski Tow RD-go straight up the hill on the entrance road (Ski Tow Rd.), take the second right, which is Our Race Parking Lot. Follow our volunteer attendants directions to park.

Please walk up to the Big Tent to pick up your race packet (bib, bike plaque/wristband meal ticket, t-shirt).

Note: A parking pass is not needed for the parking lot, but it will be required for parking at a Crew Station on race day. Crew Aid Station Car Access Hang Tags are available at the Crew Vehicle Table in the big tent. Please know your license plate number.
Where can I park when I get to Ascutney Mountain?

Parking
Please park in Our Race Parking Lot/Ascutney Outdoors Base Lodge parking lot (and other designated parking areas ONLY) and walk or bike up to the BIG TENT (look for signs). If you park on the grass you will be towed!
Please use parking lots only for parking!!
CAMPING OR SLEEPING IN CARS is not allowed.

No RV Parking at Vermont 50
You will need to park at a camp ground equipped to accommodate RVs. RVs are just too big for our parking areas.
RVs will not be allowed in our race parking spaces AT ALL during the race weekend. Please make arrangements to arrive for bib/bike plaque pick up Saturday and the race on Sunday without your RV.

On Sunday, Race Morning, park in Our Race Parking Lot/Ascutney Outdoors Base Lodge Lot and walk or bike up to the Pre-race Meeting Area (look for signs).

Please notice that large vehicles (trucks and vans) will be directed to our auxiliary lot on Hotel Road on Sunday, Race Morning.

Areas will be fenced off so take care when heading up the hill.

Again, a Crew Aid Station Car Access Hang Tag is not needed for the our race parking lot, but it will be required for parking at a Crew Station on race day. Crew Aid Station Car Access Hang Tags are available at the Crew Vehicle Table in the big tent. Please know your license plate number.
Will there be food on Saturday?
I'm traveling in a RV, where do I park?

No RV Parking at Vermont 50
You will need to park at a camp ground equipped to accommodate RVs. RVs are just too big for our parking areas.

RVs will not be allowed in our race parking spaces AT ALL during the race weekend.

Please make arrangements to arrive for bib/bike plaque pick up Saturday and the race on Sunday without your RV.
How will I follow the race routes?

The courses are marked with 5” bold arrows on white backgrounds.

50 Mile (Bike and Run) has PINK ARROWS.

The two 50K segments are marked with BRIGHT BLUE arrows. The rest of the way 50K runners will follow the 50 Mile PINK arrows. There is no double marking.

A large black W on WHITE background means Wrong Way, go back.
A large black TRIANGLE with ! on and orange/yellow background means HAZARD such as a hole, ditch, drop-off, obstruction, etc. i.e. a hazard.
Please view this document VT 50 Race Trail Markers
How much of the 50 Km course is the same as the 50 Mile?
Will the strictly 50 Km portions be marked differently from the 50 Mile?
How many 50 Mile Biker Crew locations are there?

Three: Skunk Hollow, Greenall’s and Johnson’s.

One vehicle per bike or bike relay team is allowed on course at any time during the race.
Note: in order to park at these three aid stations, the vehicle must have a Crew Aid Station Car Access Hang Tag which must be picked up on Saturday at the Crew table.
No exceptions.
You may only have contact with your crew at these three aid stations ONLY.

NO CONTACT with a race participant is ALLOWED anywhere outside of the three designated aid stations. Contact outside of a designated Aid Station will get you Disqualified (DQ’d).
Course Marshals will be watching.

Bike Relay Teams are allowed ONE VEHICLE per team.
How many 50 Mile Runner Crew locations are there?

Three: Skunk Hollow, Greenall’s and Johnson’s.
One vehicle per runner or run relay team is allowed on course at any time during the race.
Note: in order to park at these three aid stations, the vehicle must have a Crew Aid Station Car Access Hang Tag which must be picked up on Saturday at the Crew table.
No exceptions.
You may only have contact with your crew at these three aid stations ONLY.

NO CONTACT with a race participant is ALLOWED anywhere outside of the three designated aid stations. Contact outside of a designated Aid Station will get you Disqualified (DQ’d).
Course Marshals will be watching.

Run Relay Teams are allowed ONE VEHICLE per team.
How many 50 K Runner Crew locations are there?

Two: Greenall’s and Johnson’s.
One vehicle per runner or run relay team is allowed on course at any time during the race.
Note: in order to park at these three aid stations, the vehicle must have a Crew Aid Station Car Access Hang Tag which must be picked up on Saturday at the Crew table.
No exceptions.
You may only have contact with your crew at these three aid stations ONLY.

NO CONTACT with a race participant is ALLOWED anywhere outside of the three designated aid stations. Contact outside of a designated Aid Station will get you Disqualified (DQ’d).
Course Marshals will be watching.
Where Can Spectators their View Racer?

Spectators can view their racers at the FINISH LINE ONLY
Spectators are NOT crew
Spectators do not follow the racers around the course and meet them at the three designated Aid Stations.

NO CONTACT with a race participant is ALLOWED anywhere by a Spectator, except at the FINISH LINE. Contact outside of the Finish Line will get you Disqualified (DQ’d).
Course Marshals will be watching.

What percentages of the courses are...
Where do the courses start?
Are the courses hilly?
Are the trail sections rocky?
Will the courses be muddy?
Should I wear dedicated trail running shoes?
Where do the courses go?
What is the total vertical for the races?
When do the races begin?
What are the race cutoff times?
When and where will the pre-race briefings be held?
Should I carry a water bottle for the running races?
What will race officials be wearing?
Approximately how fast will the winners bike/run the races?
Will there be showers after the race?
When and where to eat Dinner Saturday evening?

The Holiday Inn Dinner Saturday evening (not included in your registration fee) will be served from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Mountain View Ballroom, Windham Building, which is a short walk from the Main Registration Tent. Call the hotel desk for more details.

Restaurants near the Vermont 50.

We are also exploring other options and will keep you posted.
What food will be available following the races?

Brownsville Butcher and Pantry will provide the post race meal for our participants, volunteers and landowners.
They will be serving from approx. 11:30 a.m.-6:45 p.m.

Meals will be available for purchase for friends, family and spectators.

Details may be found on the RACE WEEKEND FOOD page.
Can I purchase meal tickets for family, friends and spectators for the post race meal?
Do we recycle at the Vermont 50?

Yes and your cooperation will make our recycling program a success.
Blue bags for RECYCLING-clean bottles, cans, paper, cardboard, aluminum NO PLASTIC BAGS-these go in TRASH.
Light Green bags for COMPOST-food scraps, compostable plates, napkins,tan cups and cutlery
Black for TRASH.
(subject to change-watch for signs to direct you on how to sort!)

Do I need to review the Handbooks with my Crew?
Do you allow DROP BAGS

Yes, but it’s easier for you to have your crew carry them for you.

Keep them small and light! Drop bags are allowed at:
For the 50 Mile
#3 Skunk Hollow, #7 Greenalls and #10 Johnson’s

For the 50 KM
#2K Ralph’s,#7 Greenall’s and #10 Johnson’s
Volunteers will deliver drop bags from the start/BIG TENT to aid stations

Be sure to label your bag with the name of the aid station you want it dropped at, your name and your bib number.

Remember do not drop any clothing at: Garvin Hill or Cady Brook. You may drop clothing during the race at any other aid stations.

You can have YOUR CREW carry your drop bags, which will save time at the aid stations (Greenall’s and Johnson’s) and save time waiting around after your race to pick up your stuff and head home.

Drop bags must be weighed and measured at the Drop Bag Table in the BIG TENT before 7 p.m. Saturday night.

Drop bags will be returned to the BIG TENT ONLY after each aid station closes (plus 30 minutes transport time!); the aid stations pack up and the items will be transported back to the finish line not before!
You will have to wait at the BIG TENT to pick up your drop bags–we WILL NOT mail them to you!!
This is your property and it is your responsibility to pick up your bag at the BIG TENT at the end of the race.

NO BOXES, RUBBERMAID CONTAINERS, SUITCASES etc will be accepted as Drop Bags!!
How do my drop bags get to the aid stations?

Bring your LABELED DROP BAGS to the BIG TENT before 7 p.m. on Saturday
WE WILL WEIGH AND SIZE THEM.

Our volunteers load them onto trucks and deliver them to the aid stations.

Our aid station volunteers will lay them out for you to access when you arrive at the aid station.

If you have a CREW-you should have them carry your drop bags. You won’t have to wait from them to be brought back from the crew aid stations.

Be sure to label your bag with the name of the aid station you want it dropped at, your name and most importantly, your bib number.

Remember do not drop any clothing at: Garvin Hill or Cady Brook. You may drop clothing during the race at any other aid stations.
Drop bags must be accepted at the Information Table in the BIG TENT before 8 p.m. Saturday night.

NO BOXES, RUBBERMAID CONTAINERS, SUITCASES etc will be accepted as Drop Bags!!
When will I get my drop bags back from the aid stations?

Drop bags will be returned to the BIG TENT ONLY after each aid station closes (plus 30 minutes transport time!), is packed up and transported back to the finish line not before!

You will have to wait at the BIG TENT to pick up your drop bags–we WILL NOT mail them to you!!

You can also have your crew carry your drop bags them you won’t have to wait for them to be returned AFTER the aid station closes.

This is your property and it is your responsibility to pick up your bag at the BIG TENT at the end of the race.
How many Runner and Bike Crew aid stations are there?

Three Crew Access Stations:
For the 50 Mile
Skunk Hollow, Greenall’s and Johnson’s.
Aid is allowed for both runners and bikes at these designated Aid Stations, ONLY.

Two Crew Access Stations:
For the 50 KM
Greenall’s and Johnson’s

No handler or crew access is allowed anywhere on the course except at the designated crew stations.
The 50 mile committee asks in order to protect our community relationships that all support vehicles for runners and bikers stay off the course and that includes all public roads except the designated routes to the designated handler stations.

Offering aid to runners/bikers from a vehicle anywhere other than an official “crew access” aid station is strictly prohibited.
Designated parking areas of Crew Access Stations are considered acceptable areas for participants to receive aid.
Where do I park at the crew stations?

Your Crew MUST register on SATURDAY in the BIG TENT and get a Crew Aid Station Car Access Hang Tags or they won’t be allowed at the designated CREW AID STATIONS

Please have your crew park where the station signs and volunteer personnel direct you.
Vehicles without the Crew Aid Station Car Access Hang Tags will be required to leave the course/aid station. Failure to do so will get your race participant DQ’d
Parking in undesignated areas will not be permitted.
This is any place that the event doesn’t specifically tell you to park.
Do not block roads or driveways.
Do not park on lawns!
If you leave your vehicle in an unapproved area, it will likely be towed at your expense.
How do I get to the crew aid stations, and how long will it take to get there?

This information is in the Crew Directions which will only be provided in the BIG TENT at the Crew Table.
(This is to preclude the illegal pre-running/riding that some entrants insist on doing. The courses are strictly off-limits until race day.)

*Our landowners grant us ONE DAY ONLY access to their properties. If we violate their generosity, we could lose our race.

A Crew Aid Station Car Access Hang Tags must be used at all times.
Cars on the course must be kept to a minimum so you need to follow the crew directions from one authorized station to the next.
Please don’t use your GPS; there are very bad, impassable roads that your device won’t know about.
Also, there are roads that we cannot use due to landowner sensitivity, and we need to keep vehicles off runner routes as much as possible.
Crews are not allowed to park anywhere other than locations posted and allowed by race management.

FOLLOW ALL POSTED SPEED LIMITS. In some locations it is 25 or 30 mph. The local police know ‘visitors’ are in town and are quick to ticket. In the absence of a sign, the speed limit on dirt roads is 30 mph.

*Note: this is the same reason why course maps are not provided.
Am I allowed to assist my runner/biker at any other station or elsewhere along the course ?

NO!
Doing so may disqualify your runner/biker. Race Officials will be watching.

No crew access is allowed anywhere on the course except at the designated crew stations.
The 50 mile committee asks in order to protect our community relationships that all support vehicles for runners and bikers stay off the course and that includes all public roads except the designated routes to the designated crew stations.
What kind of energy drink will be provided at the aid stations?
What kind of food will be provided at the aid stations?

The standard fare usually including chips, fruit, various candies, quartered boiled potatoes, cookies, soft drinks, turkey, cheese and peanut butter & jelly sandwiches. The complete list is on the Aid Station Food list.

Our aid station volunteers will try to practice safe food protocols.

If you have food allergies or other food issues-please pack you own food and have your crew carry these items for you.
Can I get basic first aid supplies, such as band aids, at the aid stations?
Where can I get medical attention?
Can I get electrolyte caplets at the aid stations?
Can I get energy gels at the aid stations?
Where can I get Gas, Food, Ice?

Relay Team Questions

How do I sign up for a 50 Mi Relay Team?
What are the mileage splits for the 50 mi RUN RELAY?

Relay Mileage Breakdown
RUN RELAY
12.3 Miles Start to Skunk Hollow-transfer chipped bib/belt
19.0 Miles Skunk Hollow to Greenall’s-transfer chipped bib/belt
18.7 Miles Greenall’s to finish

Relay runners are responsible for getting themselves to the exchange points. Only one vehicle per team will be allowed, and it must have a Crew Aid Station Car Access Hang Tag, which must be obtained at the Crew Table in the BIG TENT on Saturday.

RUNNERS-Remember to get the chipped bib/belt from your team member!

The race cut off time for everyone is 6:30 p.m.
What is the mileage split for the 2-person MOUNTAIN BIKE RELAY teams?
Relay mountain bikers are responsible for getting themselves to the exchange points.

Only one vehicle per team will be allowed, and it must have a Crew Aid Station Car Access Hang Tag, which must be obtained at the Crew Table in the BIG TENT on Saturday.

MOUNTAIN BIKE RELAY

Rider One: 32 Miles from Start to Greenalls

The first rider will ride 32 miles of the course to the Greenall’s Aid Station.
At Greenall’s the riders will have to transfer the bike plaque (or chipped ankle bracelet) to the second rider’s bike. The first rider will then return to the Start/Finish area by road, an approximate distance of 5.1 miles or get a ride from their Crew Vehicle that is displaying Crew Aid Station Car Access Hang Tag which must be picked up on Saturday at the Crew table.

Rider Two: 18 Miles from Greenall’s to Finish

The second rider will be waiting, after coming to the Greenall’s Station by road from the Start/Finish area or by getting a ride from their Crew Vehicle that is displaying Crew Aid Station Car Access Hang Tag must be picked up on Saturday at the Crew table.
The second rider will depart Greenall’s to complete the last 18 miles of the course to the Finish.

Both riders may bike the roads between Greenall’s and the Start/Finish (BUT NOT THE RACE COURSE) or get a ride from their crew member vehicle that is displaying Crew Aid Station Car Access Hang Tag which must be picked up on Saturday at the Crew table.

MOUNTAIN BIKERS-Exchange your Bike Plaque

The race cut off time for everyone is 6:30 p.m.
Can the 50 mi Run Relay Teams have a Crew Vehicle?

YES!
Each Relay Team is allowed to register ONE (1) vehicle for the race.
You must have a Crew Aid Station Car Access Hang Tag to drop off your team members-one vehicle per team!

Relay runners are responsible for getting themselves to the exchange points.

ALL Vehicles On Course Must Display a Crew Aid Station Car Access Hang Tag
Participants must register ONE vehicle at the Crew Table in the BIG TENT on Saturday to be allowed on course.

Please stay off the actual race course as much as possible. You will be given Crew directions to designated Aid Stations at the Information Table.
Can the 50 mi Mountain Bike Relay Teams have a Crew Vehicle?

YES!

Each Relay Team is allowed to register ONE (1) vehicle for the race.
You must have a Crew Aid Station Car Access Hang Tag to drop off your team members-one vehicle per team!

Relay mountain bikers are responsible for getting themselves to the exchange point.

ALL Vehicles On Course Must Display a Crew Aid Station Car Access Hang Tag
Participants must register ONE vehicle at the Crew Table in the BIG TENT on Saturday to be allowed on course.

Please stay off the actual race course as much as possible. You will be given Crew directions to designated Aid Stations at the Information Table.

Vermont Adaptive Did You Know?

DYK-How many outings per year VT Adaptive provides?
DYK-Who VT Adaptive provides programming for?
DYK-How much an outing can cost?
DYK-No One gets turned away!
DYK-VT Adaptive has a wishlist?
DYK-How many volunteer instructors VT Adaptive has?
DYK-Programming isn't just skiing?
DYK-How many people VT Adaptive has worked with since 1987?
DYK-VT Adaptive has and still does work with Veterans?
DYK-Veterans can participate in programs free of charge?
DYK-VT Adaptive appreciates EVERYTHING You DO
Thank You for taking part in the VT50

Kids FREE Fun Race Questions

Can I sign my kids up online?
What time are the races?

Walk-Up Registration Opens Saturday of race weekend at noon

These FREE fun races give the kids a chance to feel like they’re part of the Vermont 50 and are held during Vermont 50 race check-in and bib pick up Saturday noon-1:45 p.m. These races are FREE, however we will gladly accept donations for Vermont Adaptive or look for the donation jar at the Kid’s Race Table on Saturday. Free for children 14 and under.

Race Day-Saturday of race weekend
Bike/Run Times:
Bike Rides meet at 2 PM
Fun Runs meet at 2:30 PM

Walk Up Registration and Check-In/Bib Pick Up:
Saturday in the BIG TENT from noon-1:45 p.m.
Location: Ascutney Outdoors, 450 Ski Tow Rd. Brownsville, VT
Tell me about the Mountain Bike Rides

Walk-Up Registration Opens Saturday of race weekend at noon
Free for children 14 and under. All mountain bike rider MUST wear helmets. (we do not provide helmets)

Race Day-Saturday of race weekend
Bike Rides meet at 2 PM

Walk Up Registration and Check-In/Bib Pick Up:
Saturday in the BIG TENT from noon-1:45 p.m.
Location: Ascutney Outdoors, 450 Ski Tow Rd. Brownsville, VT

*2 mile bike ride is for children who are able to bike independently.

The course will be a loop at the start/finish of the VT50 race.
Tell me about the Fun Runs

Walk-Up Registration Opens Saturday of race weekend at noon
Free for children 14 and under.

Race Day-Saturday of race weekend
Fun Runs meet at 2:30 PM

Walk Up Registration and Check-In/Bib Pick Up:
Saturday in the BIG TENT from noon-1:45 p.m.
Location: Ascutney Outdoors, 450 Ski Tow Rd. Brownsville, VT

Local Weather

When is sunrise and sunset on race day?
How cool/cold will it be at the start of the races?
How warm will it get on race day?
Will it rain on race day?

Frequently Asked Questions

With 5 different races we get a lot of questions.
Below are some of the most asked.
Simply select your questions
and the answer will be revealed.

General Questions

Aid Station/Crew Questions

Relay Team Questions

Vermont Adaptive Did You Know?

Kids FREE Fun Race Questions

Local Weather

Most dirt road speed limits in Vermont are 30 MPH. Please obey the posted speed limits.

Stay In Touch!

Frequently Asked Questions

With 5 different races we get a lot of questions.Below are some of the most asked.Simply select your questions and the answer will be revealed.

General Questions

Aid Station/Crew Questions

Relay Team Questions

Vermont Adaptive Did You Know?

Kids FREE Fun Race Questions

Local Weather

Most dirt road speed limits in Vermont are 30 MPH. Please obey the posted speed limits.

With 5 different races we get a lot of questions.
Below are some of the most asked.
Simply select your questions
and the answer will be revealed.