Divided Sky Fun(d) Run, 2026

The Divided Sky Fun(d) Run returns to Ludlow, Vermont, on Saturday, May 16, 2026. This 5th annual event is a core component of "Divided Sky’s BIG Weekend," which also features the 3rd Annual Music on the Mountain festival. As a strictly sober event, all proceeds are dedicated to supporting the Divided Sky Foundation and various addiction recovery programs across Vermont. Event Schedule and Logistics

The race is centered at the Jackson Gore resort area, with festivities extending from Friday evening through Saturday afternoon.

Activity	Date	Time / Location
Early Packet Pickup	Fri, May 15, 2026	5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Icehouse)
Race Day Check-in	Sat, May 16, 2026	7:00 AM Start
Yoga & Announcements	Sat, May 16, 2026	8:40 AM
5K Run Start	Sat, May 16, 2026	9:00 AM EDT
Music on the Mountain	Sat, May 16, 2026	12:00 PM Start

Course Details and Participation

For the fifth anniversary, organizers have introduced a unique twist to the traditional 5K route.

• - The Reverse Route: To keep the experience fresh for returning participants, the 5K course will be run entirely in reverse this year. Detailed maps are available via Strava.
• - Sober Environment: The event is a 100% sober environment, emphasizing community building among runners, walkers, and individuals in recovery.
• - Virtual Experience: A virtual 5K option is available for those unable to attend in person. Note that virtual participants must register by May 1st to ensure their bib and shirt arrive by race day.
• - Incentives: Participants who registered by April 16 were entered into a raffle for an autographed Beacon Jams poster by Trey Anastasio.

The Mission: Addiction and Recovery in Vermont

The proceeds from the Fun(d) Run directly address the critical need for recovery services in Vermont. Recent health data highlights the scope of the challenge:

• - Opioid Impact: Vermont has seen a significant rise in opioid-related fatalities; in 2022, the state recorded 239 accidental opioid-related deaths, a record high that underscored the urgency for community-funded recovery centers.
• - Demographic Trends: In Vermont, the burden of substance use disorder disproportionately affects the 25–44 age group, which accounts for approximately 55% of all opioid-related emergency department visits in the state.
• - Racial Disparities in Access: While Vermont’s population is roughly 94% White, data from the Vermont Department of Health indicates that Black Vermonters experience higher rates of fatal overdoses relative to their population size, often due to systemic barriers in accessing long-term, high-quality recovery housing.
• - Recovery Success: The Divided Sky Foundation focuses on residential recovery, a model shown to improve long-term sobriety rates by up to 50% compared to individuals attempting recovery without community-based support systems.

Registration and Support

The event offers special incentives for local residents and those staying at the resort.

• - Local Discount: Residents of Windsor and Rutland County are eligible for a registration discount. Interested locals should email the team at [email protected].
• - Lodging: Jackson Gore is providing a 20% discount on room rates for race participants using the code SOKDSF26.
• - Sponsorship: The event is supported by a wide range of local businesses, including Ludlow Rotary, Vermont Properties, and Skyline Family Services.

Contact Information

For more details on the BIG Weekend festivities or the Music on the Mountain festival, visit bigweekend.org. For specific race-related inquiries, the Divided Sky Fun(d) Run Team can be reached via the official Race Roster contact portal.