STOWE, Vermont — As many 800 runners, hikers and mountain bikers from throughout the U.S will converge at Stowe Mountain Resort for the second annual FJG (Fleischer Jacobs Group) Race to the Top of Vermont this Sunday, August 30. Organized as a fundraiser for the Catamount Trail Association, this unique hill climb ascends up the east flank of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, on the famous and historic 150 year-old Toll Road. Rising 2,550 vertical feet over 4.3 miles, the 11.3% grade is enough to challenge even the most elite athletes. Participants will be rewarded with spectacular views of three states and Quebec as they climb above tree line on the top third of the course.

Unlike other competitions where a runner would have no chance to keep up with the speed of a mountain biker, the unpaved road and steepness of this course becomes the great equalizer. Last year former Mount Washington record holder Dave Dunham was edged out by mountain biker Jesse Downs by a mere 38 seconds. Was it a fluke or will the physical gears of the runners overtake the mechanical gears of the cyclists? Whatever the case, this decisive test of physical and mental strength will be played before lines of cheering spectators as athletes dual for the prestigious title of ???King of the Mountain.’

New to this year’s event will be a non-competitive walking class inspired by the Mobius Mentoring Group, a Chittenden County based organization dedicated to finding caring adults to mentor youth. As with any large obstacle, goal setting is part of any strategy to overcome great odds. With this principal in mind, mentors from throughout the area will coach their mentees in the ultimate goal of reaching the finish line 4.3 miles ahead. Each mentor/mentee pair will also raise money to help carry on the mission of the Mobius Mentoring Group. The non-competitive portion of this event is open to anybody interested in taking part in this fun but challenging experience.

The race will be loaded with value for those people looking for an athletic event that has it all. Entrants will receive a high-quality tech shirt, a Catamount Trail Eighth Edition Guidebook, a post race chicken BBQ with live music and a chance to win over $5000 in raffles and prizes. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Mobius Mentoring Group and the Catamount Trail Association, the 501c3 non-profit organization that maintains and protects the 300-mile Catamount Ski Trail that spans length of VT.

For more information about the Fleischer Jacobs Group Race to the Top of Vermont, go to www.catamounttrail.org or contact the Catamount Trail Association at 802-864-5794.

Date: Sunday, August 30

Start Times: Walkers 9am, Mountain Bikes 10am and Runners 10:10am

Place: Stowe Mountain Resort / Toll Road Entrance Gate

Parking: Spectators and General Public, please park at Stowe Mountain Resort Cross Country Center