J. Gregory Gerdel
Although the number of in-person participants, 1,197 runners and walkers this year, didn’t approach the event record of well over 4,000, this year’s Corporate Cup, held on May 19, was the first time the event had taken over the streets of Montpelier since 2019.
The overall winner in 16:07 was Montpelier High School student and track team member Avery Smart, who was also running as a member of the MHS Distance team. The overall women’s winner was Stowe resident Sarah Graves (19:56) who ran for the Central Vermont Medical Center team The Gait Keepers — which won first place in the Mixed Non-Profit Running Team category. Her teammates were Chris Bean and Chris Thompson.
The first place female walker was Margie Leith of Burlington, who was competing in the Female 50–59 division with a net time of 32:33. Leith was also the overall winner of the walking event. She was followed by the men’s walking event winner, Fred Satink of Montpelier, who was competing in the Male 60–69 division.
The event started small as a 10K with just 23 runners in 1980, the inspiration of longtime Central Vermont Runners Club, Bob Murphy. The distance was changed to a 5K in the late 1980s and following a suggestion from George Plumb participation was expanded to include corporate and nonprofit teams. Walking was added in 1989 and overall management came under the auspices of the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. The net profits from the race go to support the many programs of the council.
Virtual participation in the event is open until July 31. Complete information for registration can be found here: vcccsar.org/home/virtual_race
