Cancelled Event
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED
KHT Ramble
20 miles and 20 years in the making!
NEK Endurance and CrossCycle Fitness Adventures (in collaboration with the Town of Brighton) are stoked to bring you the first annual KHT Ramble! The Kingdom Heritage Trail system features a continuous ~20 mile footpath (and side trails) across former Champion International Paper timberlands in the far reaches of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. Officially opened in May 2019 after twenty years of planning, partnership, and trail construction by local volunteers, the Kingdom Heritage Trail "highlights the unique natural features of the Northern Forest landscape, promotes quiet recreation and backcountry travel, honors the forest economy and logging culture of the region, and supports local economic development..." This event offers the unique opportunity to challenge yourself to complete this "footpath" in a day, fully supported.
Disclaimer
This is a very difficult and remote mountain race. There will be minimal aid and participants will have to be self sufficient for much of the race. You should only register if you have trail running experience and have completed a half marathon mountain race in under 5hrs. If you have questions please email race director!
MAP
https://fastestknowntime.com/route/kingdom-heritage-trail-vt
That link brings you to the map of the actual trail. For our event, we will be adding Mountain Road after the end of the trail to the center of Island Pond.
Aid & Details
There will be at least one water station. Hopefully, we will be able to drive to this spot with a four-wheeler which would allow us to also get snacks in there. I will let you know in advance after scouting out multiple roads for your planning purposes. Carrying a filter would not be a bad idea just in case. You will need a pack for this event in order to carry enough food and water for your adventure!
The event starts at Lewis Pond overlook so we will be shuttling you out there by bus from the center of Island Pond. This will be about a 40-minute bus ride. If you want to be dropped off at the start that is fine but you will need to email me directly to discuss.
What to Expect
Incredible vibes and an inclusive environment! A challenging and picturesque course through the rural lands of Vermont's upper NEK. The KHT is remote and will have participants feeling completely immersed in nature.
Course Desciptions
The course will travel from the northern terminus of the Kingdom Heritage Trail "KHT" at Lewis Pond overlook for the entire length of this amazing trail, right into the downtown of Island Pond! The course will take you 22 miles and 4,300 ft of elevation of gain and loss over some of the most beautiful terrain you could experience in the northeast. This is a remote trail that crosses no roads and is fully in the mountains of the northeast kingdom. This serene and remote trail was made possible by 20 years of work by state and private entities to create conservation land easements.
The trail is remote and not heavily traveled so there will be times when you can't see your feet due to ferns! I assure you that the entire trail is very well-blazed and I will flag much of it and put up signs and flagging at intersections. It is never a bad idea to download the GPX file from the FKT website in the MAP section on this event Ultrasignup page to your phone or watch. Why not use technology for what it's made for; a tool!!!
Registration
Registration will be on Friday evening and Saturday morning 6-7 in Island Pond, I will email you with exact coordinates after finalized.
Lodging
Amazing campground right on the white sand beaches of Island Pond, and also Brighton State Forest. There are a couple of local hotels (Essex House Tavern & Island Pond Country Inn), and also a good number of local Air BnB to rent.
Post-Run Party!
Right at the common in the center of Island Pond we will have our awards, food trucks, and some live music for those that want to keep this party going after your day in the woods!
Event's current local time: 4:18 PM CT
