August 15, 2009 – With over eleven states and two Canadian provinces represented, the FJG (Fleischer Jacobs Group) Race To The Top Of VT is shaping up to be one of Vermont’s premier athletic participation events and a tremendous fundraiser for the Catamount Trail Association and the Mobius Mentoring Movement. Some of the top mountain runners in the country are currently registered and ready to set new course records for this second annual event. Eric Morse, the 11 time USATF NE Champion from Berlin, VT will be leading the men‚s field while Kasie Enman of Huntington should easily break last years women‚s record. Both these athletes have won numerous hill climb events over the years and will raise the competition to a new level. Jesse Downs, last year‚s mountain bike winner from Jericho, VT will test his conditioning level as he sets aim for a spot on the US Olympic Biathlon Team this winter. In the women‚s field, world champion triathlete Donna Smyers of Adamont, VT is looking to best her last year‚s time to secure the win. Mountain bikers may be surprised by some last minute entries from the world cup race in Bromont, Quebec the day before.

New this year to the FJG Race To The Top Of Vermont is the non-competitive division. This division is for athletes who desire not to be under the pressure of the stopwatch but want to take part in this fun and challenging event. Included in this category are many mentors and mentees who will be hiking to the top of VT to raise money for the Mobius Mentoring Movement, a non-profit organization dedicated to finding caring adults to mentor youth. They will start at 9:00am, one hour prior to the start of the competitive groups.

All participants will receive a chicken BBQ following the event and be eligible to win over $5,500 in raffle prizes. Handmade stoneware race mugs will be given to the top three males and females in each 10 year age group while the top three overall will receive cash awards. There will also be a special award for the fastest three-person team. New this year is the “Not Getting Older But Getting Faster Award”. This is for any person who is 40+years and equals or betters their time from the previous year in the same discipline.

There will be a registration fee increase on August 16th to $55 for non-CTA members or $45 for CTA members. People who register by August 15th will receive a high quality men‚s or women‚s tech shirt. Tech shirts will not be guaranteed for those people entering after August 15th. Groups/Teams of ten or more participants will be able to register for $30 by August 21st if sent in via mail. Visit www.catamounttrail.org for more details and registration information.

Volunteers Needed
We still are looking for some more volunteers at the race or on Aug 26-27th at the CTA office. All volunteers will receive a tech shirt, raffle ticket, and BBQ meal. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Jim Fredericks at 802-864-5794.