The RunVermont Hall of Fame was formed to recognize those individuals who had participated in every running of the Vermont City Marathon since its inception. When this event reached its 20th Anniversary in 2008, the RunVermont Board of Directors elected to broaden the recognition offered by the Hall of Fame and opened consideration to people whose efforts, consistent with the mission of RunVermont, have supported running in Vermont.
Expansion of the RunVermont Hall of Fame
The RunVermont Hall of Fame will be expanded to include and encompass a broader perspective of the running community. The RunVermont Hall of Fame will be representative of the history of the state’s premier running event; The Vermont City Marathon. It shall also be representative of the state’s many participants, advocates and supporters of Vermont’s diverse running community. To accomplish this expansion the Hall of Fame inductees will be recognized in multiple categories; each with their own distinctive area for recognition.
Hall of Fame Nomination Application
Charter Members
The original inductees into the Vermont City Marathon Hall of Fame were so honored for their accomplishment of having run in every edition of the Vermont City Marathon from its inception in 1989 until the Hall of Fame was established in 1995.
Many of the charter members have continued to compete in the Vermont City Marathon since their induction into the Hall of Fame. In 2008, the Board of Directors of RunVermont opted to expand the Hall of Fame and re-title the program to be known as the RunVermont Hall of Fame. At that time, recognition of those who had continued to run in every marathon was reinforced and several new, non-running members were inducted into the Hall of Fame. The non-running inductees were individuals whose long standing contributions to the race had enabled the event to grow and mature into Vermont’s single largest one day sporting event. As of the completion of the 27th edition of the race, 14 of the Charter Members have continued with their quest of completing the Vermont City Marathon every year.
Vermont Runners Distinction
Vermont based runners who have achieved a high level of success in competition at a state, regional, national or international level.
Criteria:
- The individual must have lived in Vermont for a minimum of 5 years
- Exhibited notable accomplishment
- Was a role model
- Shown a commitment to the running world
- Shown dedication to the sport of running
- Common traits: Overall talent, consistency, longevity, standout performance(s).
Coaches Award
Vermont based running coaches who have contributed to the development of runners or running events throughout Vermont and beyond.
Criteria:
- Coached in this position for a minimum of 10 years
- Significant contribution to long distance running, track and field, cross country or race walking in VT
- Outstanding record of results
- Served the running community with distinction at events, races, in training and ceremonies
Advocacy Award
Given to an individual in recognition of long term, successful and diverse contributions to events in the running or race community. Nominees may be race directors, volunteers, event sponsors, event hosts and others that assist with the development and growth of running events and their inferred benefits of a healthy lifestyle in the greater Vermont community.
Criteria:
- Must have current or previous role with a Vermont based race or event
- Contributions should cover an extended period of time
- Their efforts need not be limited to the race/event itself and may have a supplementary role that provides for positive impacts for considerations such as lifestyle, educational, youth or community development mission.
- May be event promoters, event managers, race directors, employees at an event firm, long term sponsors, or volunteers that extend or enhance the organization’s mission and its fulfillment
- Must have a proven track record that includes longevity, a multi-layered contribution to the event and the organization’s mission
- Must have a proven track record that includes longevity, a multi-layered contribution to the event and the organization’s mission
- Candidates and the events they support must be regarded highly in their community, be fiscally sound, and create partnerships that project a positive message
Nomination Process
- Please fill out the Hall of Fame Nomination Application (button below) by Monday, March 13.
- Contact Peter Delaney at peter@runvermont.org with any questions
Hall of Fame Nomination Application
A selection committee comprised of RunVermont program committee and board members will select the honoree. The winner will be inducted at a reception during the M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon weekend in late May.
Profiles
Hall of Fame recipients may be nominated by anyone, and are selected by members of the RunVermont Board of Directors and RunVermont staff.
DENISE ALOSA
Denise Alosa was inducted into the RunVermont Hall of Fame in 2005 as a legacy member for her longstanding contributions to the emergency and medical teams for the Vermont City Marathon weekend.
HOWIE ATHERTON
Howie Atherton was inducted in the RunVermont Hall of Fame in 2015 as a legacy member, he was a founding member of VCM and was on the Board of Directors for several years, also serving as Technical Director for some of the early events while continuing to direct the Green Mountain Marathon. He has completed 30 marathons with a best of 3:01 including the first three VCMs. He and his wife Nan (a 10 year director of registration) continue to volunteer as course captains on North Ave.
NEWTON BAKER
Newton Baker is a charter member of the RunVermont Hall of Fame, as he has participated in every Vermont City Marathon since the race began in 1989. His VCM personal record is 3:30.
SUE BUCKINGHAM
Sue Buckingham is a charter member of the RunVermont Hall of Fame, she has participated in every Vermont City Marathon since the race began in 1989. Sue’s VCM personal record is 3:34.
JACQUES CAPLETTE
Jacques Caplette is a charter member of the RunVermont Hall of Fame. Along with his brother, Pierre Caplette, Jacques Caplette participated in every Vermont City Marathon from 1989 through 2008. In 2009 Jacques and Pierre participated as a two-person relay team. Jacques’ VCM personal record is 3:29.
PIERRE CAPLETTE
Along with his brother, Jacques Caplette, Pierre Caplette participated in every Vermont City Marathon from 1989 through 2008. In 2009 Pierre and Jacques participated as a two-person relay team. Pierre’s VCM personal record is 4:06.
MATT CHANDLER
Matt Chandler was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016, honored for his coaching. Matt has been a coach at Edmunds Middle School for over 30 years. has worked with all students to help them find joy in running. The team has always prided themselves on being a wonderfully inclusive group. No one is ever turned away from the Edmunds Cross Country Team! He started and have been the meet director for the Chittenden County Championship for Middle School Cross Country since 1989. The meet has grown from its original 45 athletes to over 600.
PASCAL CHENG
Pascal Cheng is a charter member of the RunVermont Hall of Fame. He holds the distinction of having run the fastest time of all of our Hall of Famers in far more VCMs than anyone else.
SAM DAVIS
Sam Davis was inducted in the the RunVermont Hall of Fame in 2012 for his advocacy. There are few arenas in the local running community that Sam Davis hasn’t touched. Sam currently volunteers at many athletic events including the Mini Marathon. Sam serves on the RunVermont Board and Youth Program Committee. As a USA Track & Field certified coach, Sam provides consultation for runners of all ages and abilities, including his Rdy2Run class participants. His quiet enthusiasm is motivating to kids and adults alike.
JOHN EWING
John Ewing was inducted into the RunVermont Hall of Fame in 2008 as a legacy member. John was director or Community Relations for the Bank of Vermont in 1988, and instrumental in securing title sponsorship of the Marathon event at its inception. John eventually became President of Bank of Vermont and maintained title sponsorship for over two decades. Bank of Vermont transitioned to KeyBank in 1995.
FRANCIS GABEL
Francis Gabel is a charter member of the RunVermont Hall of Fame, as he participated in every Vermont City Marathon from 1989 through 2007. Although he did not finish the race in 2008, Francis returned and completed the race again in 2009. Francis’s VCM personal record is 3:13.
LYNNE HANS
Lynne Hans is a charter member of the RunVermont Hall of Fame, as he participated in every Vermont City Marathon from 1989 to 2008. He missed 2009, but competed again in 2010. His VCM personal record is 4:24.
DAVE HEITKAMP
Dave Heitkamp was inducted in the RunVermont Hall of Fame in 2014 for coaching. He has been coaching at Fair Haven Union High School for over 25 years, acted as president of the Vermont Indoor Track Association for multiple years, and ran with Frank Shorter and Jeff Galloway at the University of Florida.
NANCY HEYDINGER
Nancy Heydinger was inducted in the RunVermont Hall of Fame in 2010 for coaching. Nancy is the Executive Director of Girls on the Run (GOTR) Vermont and has grown the GOTR Vermont program from fifteen participants to over 2000 athletes. Nancy is an accomplished marathon runner and mother of three who has touched the lives of countless girls, their families, and coaches.
JOHN KERRIGAN
John was inducted into the RunVermont Hall of Fame in 2019 for coaching. John has been a mainstay at Harwood,VT for the past four decades, beginning his coaching career in 1978 while running was still a club sport. During his career at Harwood, John coached cross-country running, track & field and Nordic Skiing, amassing 44 Vermont State Championships. The most successful of those programs being his work with the cross-country team, which has 25 championships (12 for the girls and 13 for the boys) In the fall of 2019 John helped the girls cross-country team claim its ninth title in 10 years at Thetford.
LARRY KIMBALL
Larry Kimball was inducted in the RunVermont Hall of Fame in 2010 for coaching. He was a coach, runner and mentor in Vermont for decades. Larry coached at Burlington High School, University of Vermont, St. Michael’s College, and University of South Carolina Beaufort. Larry served as a member of the Vermont City Marathon Race Committee for 20 years and also taught RunVermont’s 18-week marathon training course. He has completed over 40 marathons.
DON & BETTY LACHARITE
Don and Betty were inducted in the RunVermont Hall of Fame in 2006 for their advocacy. Betty began participating as a runner in the Vermont City Marathon in 1995; Don joined her in 1996. Their weekend running groups and strident encouragement of all runners made marathon finishers out of many people who never thought they would be able to run a marathon.
SCOTT LAMOTHE
Scott Lamothe was inducted in the RunVermont Hall of Fame in 2007 for his advocacy. Scott has been coordinating and coaching the RunVermont Junior Milers teams since 2002.
JAMES LEARY
James Leary is a charter member of the RunVermont Hall of Fame, he has participated in every Vermont City Marathon since the race began in 1989. His VCM personal record is 3:26.
JAN LEJA
Jan inducted into the RunVermont Hall of Fame in 2009 for coaching. He is dedicated to volunteering and coaching runners of all ages and abilities.
GORDON MACFARLAND
Gordon MacFarland was inducted into the RunVermont Hall of Fame is 2008 for legacy. He was one of five founding members who had the idea of creating a marathon event in the city of Burlington in 1988. Gordon served as the first race director for the Vermont City Marathon.
DARRIN MACKENZIE
Darrin MacKenzie is a charter member of the RunVermont Hall of Fame, he has participated in every Vermont City Marathon since the race began in 1989. His VCM personal record is 3:31.
BOB O’BRIEN
Bob O’Brien was inducted in the RunVermont Hall of Fame in 1995 as a charter member. He is a native Vermonter and one of the founding members of the Key Bank VCM. He worked on the race the first three years before moving to the Midwest. Bob has run the marathon each year and has a PR of 3:02. The first VCM was also Bob’s first marathon and last year’s 31st VCM was his 120th marathon. He is excited to say he’s signed up for another VCM in 2020.
JIM PAULSEN
Jim Paulsen is a charter member of the RunVermont Hall of Fame, he has participated in every Vermont City Marathon from 1989 through 2007. Jim’s VCM personal record is 3:03.
RUSS PETELLE
Russ Petelle is a charter member of the RunVermont Hall of Fame, he has participated in every Vermont City Marathon since the race began in 1989. His VCM personal record is 3:08.
LISA QUINLAN
Lisa Quinlan was inducted into the RunVermont Hall of Fame in 2008 as a legacy member. She was also a founding member of the Vermont City Marathon. Lisa continued her service to the race as a volunteer and Board member for over twenty years..
MIKE RICHARD
Mike Richard was inducted into the RunVermont Hall of Fame in 2005 in the legacy category. He was recognized for his longstanding contributions to the emergency and medical teams for the Vermont City Marathon weekend.
ROSEMARY RUSIN
Rosemary Rusin is a charter member of the RunVermont Hall of Fame, she participated in every Vermont City Marathon since the race began in 1989. Rosemary’s VCM personal record is 3:53.
RANDY SARGENT
Randy Sargent was inducted into the RunVermont Hall of Fame in 2008 in the legacy category. Randy was one of five founding member of the Vermont City Marathon in 1988. Randy has served on the race committee and Board for over 21 years.
ANDREA SISINO
Andréa Sisino inducted in the RunVermont Hall of Fame in 20111 for her advocacy. Andréa was the wizard behind the curtain of the Vermont City Marathon from 1991-2009. It was her vision, dedication and tremendous ability to develop a community-owned event that made VCM one of the best loved marathons in the country. In addition to growing VCM, she led RunVermont to expand its mission, developing programs and events that served the broader community, including running classes, the Lake Champlain Women’s Running Camp, ManyMilers, YAM Scram and the Half Marathon Unplugged.
JIM STROUSE
Jim Strouse was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015 as a Legacy Member. Jim was one of the founding members of the Vermont City Marathon. For eleven years Jim was the original Board Chair and helped guide VCM to become the national event it is today. He has been a volunteer for community athletic events for over thirty years and shown a strong support of youth and adult athletic organizations. He has been a youth ice hockey official, coach and Board member. He managed a transition area of the Burlington Triathlon and was chairman of the Burlington International Games. Jim is a certified USATF official and has officiated Burlington High School track & field and cross country meets. Jim and his family have lived in Burlington’s north end for years and have been deeply involved in community service at all levels.
VICTOR TIRRITO
Victor Tirrito participated in every Vermont City Marathon since the race began in 1989. Victor’s VCM personal record is 3:09.
ZEKE ZUCKER
Zeke Zucker’s was inducted in the RunVermont Hall of Fame in 2013 for his advocacy. His limitless energy, running event orchestration, and ageless participation in Vermont events continue to enhance the experience, camaraderie, and competition of all distances and disciplines of Vermont road race and trail racing. Zeke’s tireless work as the VCM Invited Athlete coordinator for over 15 years continues to expand his network of top regional talent recognition.
Not pictured:
Scott Bliss, inducted in 2015 for coaching
Mark Chaplin, inducted in 2016 for coaching
John Dimick, inducted in 2017 as a Runner of Distinction
Kasie Enman, inducted in 2019 as a Runner of Distinction
Jim Miller, inducted in 2016 as a Runner of Distinction
Eric Morse, inducted in 2017 as a Runner of Distinction
John Scheer, inducted in 2015 for advocacy
Judi St. Hilaire, inducted in 2016 as a Runner of Distinction
Leighton Walker, inducted in 2019 for coaching
Peter Delaney, inducted in 2022 for advocacy
Tara Chaplin, inducted in 2022 as a Runner of Distinction
Norm Larson, inducted in 2022 as a Runner of Distinction
Flo Meiler, in ducted in 2022 as a Runner of Distinction
Erin Sullivan Lane, inducted in 2022 as a Runner of Distinction
Jack Pilla, inducted in 2022 as a Runner of Distinction
