WILLISTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Runners gathered this weekend for RutFest, a 36-hour endurance challenge where participants can run as many miles as they choose.
The annual race attracts more runners each year since it began five years ago as an idea between friends. Race Director Prem Linskey wanted to see if he could run 100 miles with his friends. When he got clearance from the Catamount Outdoor Center to set up an aid station, over 100 people showed up to participate.
“It’s wild to think that it started off as like a little joke and then it blew up to like such a cool event,” Linskey said.
The race format allows flexibility for all skill levels. Some runners complete a few laps with friends while others attempt 100 miles or more.
“Everyone’s an equal no one has an elitist attitude no one has an ego we all just love each other and push each other hard and we support each other and so it just works,” said runner Megan Wilmarth.
Some runners participate for the entire 36 hours, taking quick 30-minute to one-hour breaks. Some take naps before heading back to the race course.
“If someone’s like I’m going out on a lap and I’m like; I don’t know you let’s go,” Linskey said.
Runners can choose to donate to the event. Half the donations go to the Catamount Outdoor Center and the other half supports the Vermont Huts Association Forest Program, which promotes youth outdoor education. This year the race has already raised $12,000.
Each racer also volunteers at stations during the event.
“The aid stations you see people cooking food, and you see people guiding others through the lap tracker process,” said Race Director Ben Feinson.
The race continues through the night into Sunday until 6 p.m.
In 2024, someone ran nearly 130 miles. Time will tell if anyone breaks that record this weekend.
