Athletes with Disabilities

In 2017, the Vermont 100 was the first trail race and first ultra race to openly welcome athletes with disabilities (AWDs) through the creation of the AWD category.  While to many, this seems like such a minor thing, it has had a huge impact on the inclusion for those who AWDs.  And given our long history with Vermont Adaptive, we were the obvious trail/ultra race to start this movement (which is catching on at trail races and ultras across the country!).

Imagine if, before every race you did, you had to reach out to the RD to get permission to have a guide run with you from the start of the race, or to be able to use your arm crutches in races that don't allow the use of poles.  AWDs are often put in a position to ask for an exception to the published rules, just to 'level the playing field' so that they are able to participate.  Through the AWD category, there are published rules that take that 'permission asking' out of the equation, that openly discusses the allowances made for AWDs, and that carefully evaluate how to keep things fair and equal for all participants whether AWDs or not.

There were two athletes who were instrumental in the development of the AWD category - Kyle Robidoux (who is a visually impaired runner) and Dave Raczkowski (who is a mobility impaired runner).  Kyle finished his first 100 miler at VT100 in 2017, and last year completed the 100km race.  This year, he hopes to be out there at the VT100, helping out at an aid station and supporting the runners.

Dave, known as Nipmuck Dave, finished the 100 miler twice when he was 'able bodied' before arthritis in his knees forced the use of arm crutches to continue running.  Since then, he has started the VT100 for the last 4 years and finished 2 of them (last year, he broke 29 hours!).  The first time that Nipmuck Dave crossed the finish line using arm crutches (in 2016) is still one of my all-time favorite moments at the VT100.

This year, Nipmuck Dave is attempting to earn his 500 mile buckle.  Below is a video that he shared regarding what it's like to run and train with arm crutches.