Founded in the mid-1970's by Guy Thomas, it ran sporadically through the 1990’s and early 2000’s. Now reestablished, the “new” Maple Leaf is presented by great combination of organizations headed by the Manchester and the Mountains Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Battenkill Valley Runners, Stratton Mountain, and the Manchester Lions. The event was revived in 2007 and is now known as 'The Maple Leaf Half Marathon and the Kotler 5k Run and Fun Walk.' The races are presented by the Perfect Wife Restaurant, the Spiral Press Cafe, and by MVP Health Care. And it has now evolved into one of the top rated races in Vermont. The revised course is USATF-certified and a true gem of New England racing. It is challenging, which has always been part of the appeal—this is Vermont with mountain vistas. It has been lauded as one of the top half marathons in the country for scenic beauty, organization and allure. Maple Leaf is a classic for late summer racing in New England, a regional magnet and a signature event for the Manchester and the Mountains Chamber, representing 18 towns in the region. The accompanying Kotler 5K allows everyone to get into the action. Race headquarters—packet/chip/bib pickup, bag check, start and finish and post race celebrations--will be at the Park Recreation Center. For friends and family not running, the Dana Thomson Recreation Park includes a playground, sports fields, dog park, a lovely one-mile walking path, skateboard park, swimming pool, slides and other facilities.
