TAM Trek

The TAM Trek begins and ends at the entrance to Wright Park in Middlebury, Vermont, directing runners onto the Trail Around Middlebury, the local trail network. The race offers a full 19-mile loop of the trail, a 10k, a 5k, and a two-mile fun run open to walkers, children, and dogs. The Middlebury Area Land Trust sponsors the event, with race proceeds supporting trail preservation on a network that costs over $50,000 annually to maintain and conserve. The full loop is a genuine trail race, featuring rocky terrain in Otter Creek Gorge Preserve, a steep ascent up Chipman Hill, cow pasture crossings, mud, tall grass, and continuous inclines. It also provides runners with smoother sections through Battell Woods, open fields near the Knoll, and expansive vistas from Chipman Hill. The TAM trail has a 35-year history, attracting both dedicated trail runners and local participants aiming for a personal achievement; recent participation exceeded 300 entries for the first time. Archibald Fraser established a 19-mile course record in just over two hours and eight minutes, averaging 6:46 per mile on a route with considerable technical sections.