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.
Vision of the RunVermont Hall of Fame
The RunVermont Hall of Fame will encompass a broad perspective of the Vermont 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 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 continued to compete in the Vermont City Marathon after 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 2024, the 35th running of the Vermont City Marathon, 2 of the Charter Members have continued to complete the Vermont City Marathon every year (including the 2021 Vermont City Half Marathon): James Leary and Vic Tirrito. 2 other Charter Members have completed all the full marathons at the VCM but did not compete in 2021 when the race was a half marathon due to covid restrictions: Russell Petelle and Bob O'Brien.
Athletes of Distinction
Vermont based racers who have achieved a high level of success in competition at the state, regional, national or international level.
Criteria:
- The individual must have lived in Vermont for a minimum of 5 years
- Exhibited notable accomplishments of race performance
- Was a positive role model for our sport
- Shown a commitment to the racing world
- Shown dedication to the sports of Track & Field, Cross Country, and/or Road Racing
- This category will have a bias towards distance runners but shall also consider athletes whose specialties were at shorter distances
- Common traits: Overall talent, consistency, longevity, standout performance(s).
Coaches
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
- Coaches at all levels wshall be considered: youth running, high school, college, coaches of adult runners
- 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
Advocates
Given to individuals in recognition of long term, successful and diverse contributions to events in the running or race community in Vermont. Nominees may be race directors, volunteers, event sponsors, event hosts, running club officers, and others that contribute to the development and growth of running events and their inferred benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
Criteria:
- Must have current or previous role with a Vermont based race or event
- Contributions should cover an extended period of time in a significant way
- 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 missions
- 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 by Monday, February 17. You may also email Joe Connelly at the email below with a written nomination.
- Contact Joe Connelly at joe@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. Those elected will be inducted at a reception during the M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon weekend in late May.
Profiles
DENISE ALOSA
Denise Alosa was inducted into the RunVermont Hall of Fame in 2005 as an Advocacy 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 2017 as an Advocacy member, he was a founder of VCM and was on the Board of Directors for several years, also serving as Technical Director for some of the early events while also directing the GMAA's 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 on the VCM Race Committee.
NEWTON BAKER
Newton Baker is a Charter member of the RunVermont Hall of Fame. He completed every Vermont City Marathon 1989-2007, and 10 more 2009-2022. His VCM pr is 3:30 in 1993.
SUE BUCKINGHAM
Sue Buckingham is a Charter member of the RunVermont Hall of Fame. She participated in every Vermont City Marathon 1989-2010, as a full marathoner and as a relay team member, and 3 more 2013-2018. Her VCM pr is 3:34 in 2001.
JACQUES CAPLETTE
Jacques Caplette is a Charter member of the RunVermont Hall of Fame. Along with his brother, Pierre, Jacques completed the full marathon in every Vermont City Marathon 1989-2008. In 2009 Jacques and Pierre began participating as a two-person relay team and did so through 2018. His VCM personal record is 3:29.
PIERRE CAPLETTE
Pierre Caplette is a Charter member of the RunVermont Hall of Fame. Along with his brother, Jacques, Pierre completed the full marathon in every Vermont City Marathon from 1989-2008. In 2009 Pierre and Jacques began participating as a two-person relay team and did so through 2018. His VCM personal record is 4:06.
MATT CHANDLER
Matt Chandler was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016, honored for Coaching. Matt has been a coach at Edmunds Middle School for over 30 years. He 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. Matt has also been a Race Director for local road races and provides timing services.
PASCAL CHENG
Pascal Cheng is a Charter member of the RunVermont Hall of Fame. He completed the full marathon every year 1989-2023, with the exception of 2009 when he had a college graduation to attend on VCM Sunday. He ran the 2009 VCM on his own a week later. Pascal 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 running events including RunVermont's Mini Marathon. Sam serves on the RunVermont Board of Directors. As a USA Track & Field certified coach, Sam provides consultation for runners of all ages and abilities, including his Rdy2Run class participants. His enthusiasm is motivating to kids and adults alike.
JOHN EWING
John Ewing was inducted into the RunVermont Hall of Fame in 2008 as an Advocacy member. John was director of Community Relations for the Bank of Vermont in the late 1980's, and in that role was 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 as Bank of Vermont transitioned to KeyBank in 1995. John was one of the initial "true believers" and this race and our organization would not have been able to get off the ground without his unwavering support.
FRANCIS GABEL
Francis Gabel is a Charter member of the RunVermont Hall of Fame, as he completed every Vermont City Marathon 1989-2007, and also 2009-2014. His VCM pr is 3:13.
DAVE HEITKAMP
Dave Heitkamp was inducted in the RunVermont Hall of Fame in 2014, honored 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 Advocacy. Nancy is the founder of Girls on the Run (GOTR) Vermont in 1999 and was their Executive Director through 2019. 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 Kerrigan was inducted into the RunVermont Hall of Fame in 2019 for Coaching. John has been a mainstay at Harwood High School since 1978 while running was still a club sport at the school. During his career at Harwood, John coached cross-country running, track & field and Nordic Skiing, amassing 44 Vermont State Championships as of 2019. 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 Advocacy, but he could have been considered successfully for other categories. He was a coach, runner, mentor, and organizer in Vermont for decades. Larry coached at Burlington High School, University of Vermont, Saint Michael’s College, and University of South Carolina Beaufort. He was the founder and long-time Race Director of the Stowe 8 Miler and brought international talent to Stowe to compete in that race. 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 Lacharite 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 and set many single age state records over the years; Don joined her on the start line 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 was an early and tireless supporter of Runvermont's youth running programs, in particular the Junior Milers program. As of 2025 Scott continues to direct Junior Milers operations in the local community and brings the joy of taking part in the VCM to dozens of teenage runners each year.
JAMES LEARY
James Leary is a Charter member of the RunVermont Hall of Fame. He has completed every Vermont City Marathon since the race began in 1989. His VCM personal record is 3:26.
JAN LEJA
Jan Leja was inducted into the RunVermont Hall of Fame in 2009 for Advocacy. He is dedicated to volunteering and coaching runners of all ages and abilities. As of 2025 his Sunday Run With Jan group has an incredible history of over 1000 consecutive Sunday runs.
GORDON MACFARLAND
Gordon MacFarland was inducted into the RunVermont Hall of Fame is 2008 for Advocacy. 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 and continues to volunteer at races.
DARRIN MACKENZIE
Darrin MacKenzie is a Charter member of the RunVermont Hall of Fame. He completed every Vermont City Marathon 1989-2011. His VCM personal record is 3:31.
BOB O’BRIEN
Bob O’Brien is a Charter member of the RunVermont Hall of Fame. He is a native Vermonter and one of the founding members of the VCM. He worked on the race the first three years before moving to the Midwest. Bob has completed the full marathon each year it has been held and over 125 marathons lifetime. His and has a pr of 3:02 (3 times!).
JIM PAULSEN
Jim Paulsen is a Charter member of the RunVermont Hall of Fame. He completed every Vermont City Marathon 1989-2007. Jim’s VCM pr is 3:03.
RUSSELL PETELLE
Russ Petelle is a Charter member of the RunVermont Hall of Fame. He completed every full 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 an Advocacy member. She was also a founded 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 Advocacy 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 completed every Vermont City Marathon 1989-2012. Her VCM pr is 3:53.
RANDY SARGENT
Randy Sargent was inducted into the RunVermont Hall of Fame in 2008 in the Advocacy category. Randy was one of five founders of the Vermont City Marathon in 1988. Randy has served on the race committee and Board of Directorsfor over 25 years.
ANDREA SISINO
Andréa Sisino was inducted into the RunVermont Hall of Fame in 20111 for her Advocacy. Andréa was the wizard behind the curtain of the Vermont City Marathon, our Executive Director, from 1992-2009. 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 (Mini Marathon), and the Half Marathon Unplugged.
JIM STROUSE
Jim Strouse was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015 as an Advocacy Member. Jim was one of the founders 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 is a Charter member of the Runvermont Hall of Fame. As of 2024 he is one of only 2 people who have completed the Vermont City Marathon every year, including 2021 when the race was a half marathon. He is also a many-times Pace Leader at the VCM. Victor’s VCM pr 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 made a major impact on the quality of field up front at the VCM.
Not pictured:
Scott Bliss, inducted in 2015 for Coaching
Mark Chaplin, inducted in 2016 for Coaching
John Dimick, inducted in 2017 as an Athlete of Distinction
Kasie Enman, inducted in 2019 as an Athlete of Distinction
Jim Miller, inducted in 2016 as an Athlete of Distinction
Eric Morse, inducted in 2017 as an Athlete of Distinction
John Scheer, inducted in 2015 for Advocacy
Judi St. Hilaire, inducted in 2016 as an Athlete of Distinction
Leighton Walker, inducted in 2019 for Coaching
Peter Delaney, inducted in 2022 for Advocacy
Tara Chaplin, inducted in 2022 as an Athlete of Distinction
Norm Larson, inducted in 2022 as an Athlete of Distinction
Flo Meiler, in ducted in 2022 as an Athlete of Distinction
Erin Sullivan Lane, inducted in 2022 as an Athlete of Distinction
Jack Pilla, inducted in 2022 as an Athlete of Distinction
Terry Aldrich, inducted in 2023 for Coaching
Darragh Ellerson, inducted in 2023 for Advocacy
Dot Helling, inducted in 2023 as an Athlete of Distinction
Ed Kusiak, inducted in 2024 for Coaching
Patrick Standen, inducted in 2024 as an Athlete of Distinction
Andrew Tripp, inducted in 2024 for Coaching