Despite sore lower backs and cramping calves, Middkids doned snowshoes to race up a 1200' vertical, 6.5-mile loop. The Pittsfield, Vt. Ultra Snowshoe Race included a 100-mile option (over a 36-hour period), in addition to options for a Snowshoe Marathon, a Snowshoe Half-Marathon and the single, 10K loop (the "Fun Run"). Several Middlebury students woke up at 5:30AM on Saturday, March 2, drove to the event and opted for either the 6.5-mile or the Half Marathon race. While some indeed ran up and down the course, others casually strolled, chatting to fellow participants. Each received a medal, tee-shirt and winter beanie, as well as some goodies to replenish energy levels. Peak Races, the organizer of the snowshoe extravaganza, prides itself on "breaking all limitations in order to fully experience the human spirit." The company advertises a wide array of races, such as the Death Race. The name speaks to the activities demanded, including barbed wire, wood chopping and deep water diving in a 24-hour period.
