November 2026 Newsletter

As someone who has bounced around among multiple states and towns in my adult life, I know first-hand that it becomes harder to establish friendships the older one gets without built-in social networks. Additionally, as someone who has bounced around among multiple states and towns in my adult life, I have a deep appreciation for running clubs and the sense of community they provide. I have been a member of a running club in all of the places I have called home as an adult. Through running clubs, I have learned new trails and roads, forged bonds with fellow club members, chased lofty goals, sometimes meeting them and sometimes flopping miserably, returned to fellow club members to celebrate and commiserate running (and life!) goals met and missed, tried new restaurants on post-run outings, met folks with backgrounds similar and wildly different from my own, and this one time at a running club banquet, I met a fellow club member who would eventually become my husband. Suffice it to say, running clubs are an important part of my life. 

When given the opportunity to serve on the board as co-president of UVRC just over two years ago, I hesitated because we were new to the area and live a bit of a distance from most club events. Looking back, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve a club that has helped to make Vermont feel like home, and for sharing a presidency with two incredible co-presidents who made the experience such a positive one. I’m grateful to the UVRC board for keeping things running smoothly, and to everyone who shows up to run, race, pace and volunteer, thereby keeping the running community strong. I’m stepping down from board service, and look forward to continued participation with UVRC as a proud member. See y’all at Occom.

UVRC Calendar

Looking for a local race? Did you know UVRC’s website features a race calendar? Scroll through to find your next adventure!

Updated Discount Code: Running Warehouse

As a UVRC member, you can enjoy a discount from Running Warehouse: 20% off clothing and socks and 10% off select clearance shoes, visors & hats, and nutrition. Enter code HJZ93FA6 at checkout. Note: this is a new code as of July 1st. 

Volunteer Challenge 2026

Have you ever avoided getting lost in a race because someone in a stylish traffic vest pointed you in the right direction? Have you ever had someone hand you a cup of electrolyte mix mid-stride and continue to smile brightly even though some of that sticky liquid spilled on their hand as you took it from them? Have you ever had a stranger put a medal around your neck and congratulate you? Have you ever reached an aid station 20 hours into a race and had a stranger hand you pickle juice and an otter pop and tell you you look great even though you know they were lying through their teeth out of kindness? 

If you answered yes to any or all of the above, you have benefited from the generosity of volunteers in the running community! Knowing that running events do not happen without volunteers, UVRC is once again issuing a Volunteer Challenge in 2026 – now with a new format! Any UVRC member who volunteers at least 3 hours at a running event or trail work day will be entered to win a pair of running shoes of their choice from Omer and Bob’s or Stateline Sports at the end of the year! Each person gets one entry, though volunteering more than 3 hours is always encouraged. You can submit your hours by emailing  volunteering@uppervalleyrunningclub.org. If you;ve never volunteered at a running event before, we think you’ll find it to be a fun and rewarding experience!

This fall’s Couch to 5k group had a successful graduation race running the CHaD in October. We haven’t had the CHaD as the graduation race in at least 9 years. This was my first time running it. The day started a little chilly, but quickly warmed up as we started moving and the sun came out. Our C25k group this session was a mix of returners from the spring and newbies. Returners saw gains compared to their spring race, including a few sub-30 5ks. Newbies successfully completed their first race. As you can see in the pictures our group was a mix of costumes and just folks trying to keep warm. Do to poor logisticial timing on my part, we didn’t get our usual big group photo so here are a mix of pre and post race. Sigh. There is always next time. As usual, and even more so this session, I like to thank the other C25k coaches – Jess, Jen, Kristen, Laurie, and Matt. I had many scheduling conflicts and they helped fill the gaps. Also thanks to Paul for coordinating with the CHaD and of course the CHaD organizers themselves.  

The 2026 Upper Valley Running Series (UVRS), brought to you by BE Fit Physical Therapy, was busy in October! First, we had the fast Downriver Rail Run 10K:

https://results.raceroster.com/v3/events/s5cgqbsyktdh32u7/race/382174

Then, the scenic Tiger Run 5K/12K:

https://results.raceroster.com/v3/events/g6mv7tkdhyuygpaj

You can find UVRS standings on the UVRS website (email me with any corrections):

The last race in the series is November 22nd, the Hanover Turkey Trot 5K/10K:

https://www.hanovernh.org/728/Turkey-Trot-5K-10K-Road-Race

So, what is this UVRS that you’re hearing so much about? It’s our club’s series of local road races. Full information: 

As an up-to-date UVRC member, you can participate in the series, just by signing up for each race through the normal race registration (even day-of is OK). You’ll get credit as a series participant.

For 2026, you need to run 6 (of the 11) races to get the finisher prize. I know a few of you are stuck on 5; just one more!

If you don’t want to race, or have a family member along, who doesn’t want to run, consider volunteering. Prizes available. Volunteering into: