The Race Back to School Goes Virtual!
August 14, 2020
We are excited to invite you to participate in the reimagined Race Back to School From September 15th - October 15th.
This annual, fun-filled challenge is held on the Kingdom Trails network and encourages walkers, runners, and bikers of all ages and ability levels. All event proceeds are donated to local outdoor youth programming.
This year we've changed the game a little to make sure everyone is safe and socially distanced!
Instead of competing on a single day, participants will track their mileage over a monthlong period. Starting September 15th and running (no pun intended) through October 15th, runners, walkers, and bikers will compete individually or as a family (who have quarantined together) and track their progress virtually. *
The goal is to achieve the most amount of points!
Points are awarded for each mile traveled while running walking or biking on the KT network from Sept. 15- Oct 15.
Points are ALSO awarded for participation at extra credit fun stations which range from physical fitness challenges to brain teasers.
1,2, and 3 place in all categories will receive prizes.
Individuals and family teams (People living in the same household) are eligible for competition.
Participants will download and use the Ride With GPS app to monitor their mileage and track progress. Participants will need access to technology for this challenge. If technology access is a barrier to participation in this event- please contact katie@kingdomtrails.org for alternative methods.
So, where can you sign up for this super fun event? So glad you asked!
You can register now on our Eventbrite page. Tickets for youths (5-15) are $10 and $20 for adults (16+)
Please make sure to register for the appropriate category (on foot or on a bike).
In order to monitor and track mileage, participants will download and use the Ride With GPS
app. More information, including how to join the leaderboard, will be given after registration. If you'd like to get a head start, download the app today and get your account set up!**
The Race Back To School is also an opportunity for school fundraising! Participants may choose to solicit and collect pledges for points accrued. Download the pledge packet here
or email katie@kingdomtrails.org to receive a packet in the mail, and start fundraising for your school today!
If you have any questions or need help with eventbrite or Ride With GPS, please send a message to katie@kingdomtrials.org.
Happy trails!
*All participants must agree to adhere to Kingdom Trails COVID-19 policies.
** If technology access is a barrier to participation in this event- please contact katie@kingdomtrails.org for alternative methods.
EAST BURKE, VT – October 27, 2025 – Kingdom Trails, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to the development and maintenance of recreational trails in the Northeast Kingdom, today announced it has received a monumental gift of $100,000 from Bear Den Partners, the owners of Burke Mountain, and Kingdom Trails’ single largest private landowner. This unprecedented corporate donation is the largest in Kingdom Trails’ history and signifies a powerful commitment to the economic vitality and future of recreation in the Northeast Kingdom. The $100,000 investment comes as both organizations continue to expand their collaborative efforts to enhance outdoor tourism and provide world-class experiences for visitors and local community members alike. This funding will be immediately directed toward critical trail maintenance, infrastructure improvements, and sustainable trail development projects across the network, allowing Kingdom Trails to build important new connections and keep the trails in top shape. “We are overwhelmed by the generosity and vision demonstrated by the leadership at Burke Mountain,” said Georgia Gould, Interim Executive Director of Kingdom Trails. “This is more than just a donation; it’s an unprecedented investment in the future health of our trails, our organization, and the entire Northeast Kingdom community. This investment ensures we can not only maintain the current quality of the Kingdom Trails experience but also pursue long-term sustainability and innovative projects.” The gift came during an evening of music and celebration of Kingdom Trails’ Landowners hosted by Bear Den Partners at the Burke Mountain Hotel. The event brought together the landowners, community members, and friends who make Kingdom Trails possible. The evening featured a powerful joint performance by national touring artists Adam Gardner of Guster and Stephen Kellogg, whose music captured the warmth, connection, and spirit that define the Northeast Kingdom. The relationship between Burke Mountain and Kingdom Trails has been instrumental in positioning the region as a premier mountain biking and outdoor destination. Burke Mountain’s contribution emphasizes a shared goal of drawing visitors to the region while ensuring responsible stewardship of the natural resources. “Burke Mountain is a proud neighbor and partner to Kingdom Trails,” said Jon Schaefer, CEO of Bear Den Partners. “We understand that the trails are a critical driver of our local economy and an important amenity for our guests. Making this $100,000 commitment was a clear decision—it ensures the longevity of this incredible network and helps secure the Northeast Kingdom’s reputation as a top-tier outdoor destination for generations to come.” The organizations encourage the public and corporate partners to view this as an inspiration for collective responsibility in protecting and preserving the trails that define Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom experience. Kingdom Trails extends its sincere gratitude to Bear Den Partners for their integral support of this investment and their dedication to the future of the trails. About Kingdom Trails Kingdom Trails is a non-profit organization dedicated to the development and maintenance of a 100+ mile network of non-motorized multi-use trails in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. Utilizing a land-use agreement model with 106 private landowners, Kingdom Trails provides recreational access that promotes healthy lifestyles, economic vitality, and sustainable use of resources. About Burke Mountain Located in the heart of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, Burke Mountain Resort is an independent, four-season destination owned by Bear Den Partners. Burke delivers 178 acres of world-class skiing and riding in the winter, and lift-served mountain biking and hiking in the summer. Burke’s bike park is adjacent to the world-renowned Kingdom Trails network, a mecca for mountain bikers. Year-round, Burke and the Burke Mountain Hotel host events and activities that reflect the culture and community of Vermont: down-to-earth, uncorporate and driven by the spirit of the mountain and the people who ride it. For more information, visit SkiBurke.com or follow on all major social platforms including Instagram , Facebook and YouTube .
To view newsletter with live links, click here
October 18th, 2025 from 7-10 PM
