2027 Vermont Sun Triathlon and Run Series

The Vermont Sun Half Marathon starts with a climb. Leaving Branbury State Park, the course rises almost immediately, trading the lakeshore for a view that hints at what's ahead. What follows is a rolling out-and-back around Lake Dunmore, with consistent ups and downs and a mix of asphalt and short gravel stretches. It's a course that keeps you honest, but the setting — pristine lake water, dense Green Mountain forest, the shadow of Rattlesnake Point — makes the effort feel like a fair trade.

Now in its 40th year, the series was established in 1986 and has grown into a multi-event summer staple. The half marathon draws a modest but devoted field — around 77 recent finishers — with runners traveling from as many as 17 states. About 14 percent come back in later years, a quiet testament to the race's pull. Winning times hover around 95 minutes, so the front end is honest without being intimidating.

Race-day weather can be cool and damp — expect low 60s and a chance of rain — but the volunteers and the setting more than compensate. As one runner put it, 'Besides the rain the course was wonderful. Lots to see and enjoy. Wonderful folks working the course.' It's a race that feels like a secret worth sharing.