Montpelier hosts 41st VT Corporate Cup Challenge

Montpelier, VT – One of Vermont’s oldest and largest road races hit the streets in Vermont’s capital city on Thursday. Roughly 2,500 participants gathered on the State House lawn for the 41st annual Vermont Corporate Cup Challenge and State Agency 5k race.

The race is centered around workplace camaraderie and physical fitness. Dozens of Vermont employers fielded teams for the event, but individuals were welcome to participate as well.

Members of the Central Vermont Medical Center team said they have been running this race annually for years, and explained why it means so much to them.

“It’s such a fun event, and it’s like so fun to have all the energy around you and to be in Montpelier and to have this many people here,” said Dr. Rima Carlson, who specializes in family medicine at CVMC. “Everyone is a winner today, anyone who participates.”

“It’s easier to tell your patients to go out and exercise when you walk the walk,” added Dr. Chris Bean, an orthopedic surgeon at CVMC.

The Vermont Corporate Cup Challenge is a way for Vermonters from across the state to come together and support state athletic initiatives while getting some exercise themselves. All proceeds from the race help support the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, the same organization that hosts the race. Funds raised allow the Council to continue its mission by providing athletic programs like the Vermont Senior Games, Parks Rx, and Fit and Healthy Kids.

“It’s a really exciting day for Vermonters,” said Janet Franz, Chair of Vermont Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. “The proceeds from this race are used to help Vermonters participate in sports and wellness activities, so we give the money right back to Vermont.”

Franz said that she was encouraged by the amount of runners at the event, saying the race is getting back to its pre-pandemic attendance. But she noted that although the race is in person again, the virtual option is still available for those who can’t make the trip to Montpelier, and they have until the end of May to complete their fitness challenge.

“There’s still time for people to participate virtually, wherever they are, all they have to do is go to the website and sign up, and they can run or walk wherever they are on the planet,” Franz added.

The race started on State St. in Montpelier in front of Union Mutual Insurance, the race’s presenting sponsor. The finish line brought runners back to the State House lawn where they enjoyed some post race refreshments.

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