From my very first run on the Trail Around Middlebury, I knew I had found something worth sharing; the question was how to do it. I searched the web and community bulletin boards for any sign of an organized group, and came up empty. I was surprised to find that a town with a 17-mile "Emerald Necklace" didn't have an organized running group making use of it. I quietly went about my way for a while, assuming that there had to be something out there and I just hadn't found it yet. But after a few months, I realized I had to take matters into my own hands, and MTE was born.
The group has gained interest and members over the winter, and now we're waiting impatiently for the trail running season to get underway - or at least I am! It's a growing network of folks from all walks (and runs) of life who want to come together to share adventures and stories, to train for upcoming races or just unwind out in nature. With six additional event coordinators, MTE will be offering gatherings from casual hikes to long-distance runs. While we will likely continue to focus on trail running, I hope to have something to offer to every group member. As an exercise in community building, my intent is to have members craft the direction of MTE to suit their own goals, needs and interests.
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The Mission:
Middlebury Trail Enthusiasts' primary mission is to connect outdoor enthusiasts with similar activity levels and goals while expanding awareness and responsible use of local trail resources. MTE will strive to provide a supportive, social atmosphere where Enthusiasts of all ages and abilities are encouraged to explore local trails.
The Vision:
Middlebury is well-situated geographically to become an epicenter for trail-based activities in Vermont. A thriving downtown and resources such as the Trail Around Middlebury and easy access to the Green Mountain National Forest, Long Trail, Breadloaf and Moosalamoo regions, as well as the wilderness areas of New York, make Middlebury an obvious destination for outdoor enthusiasts. MTE seeks to expand awareness of and participation in outdoor pursuits while supporting local businesses and conservation initiatives to enhance the health and well-being of all residents and visitors.
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Want to be a part of it? Click your way over to the Middlebury Trail Enthusiasts site on Meetup and join the party. If you're not in the area, but love trail running in Vermont and want to be in the loop, join my Vermont Trail and Ultra Runners group on FaceBook.
Comments are always welcome!
