Finalists Announced for Darn Tough Vermont® Trail Sustainability Contest at US Trail Running Conference

October 6, 2023

Three races to deliver “Big Pitch” in Contest Finale at Mukilteo, WA Conference

October, 2023/ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The US Trail Running Conference presented by Marathon Printing, has announced the three finalists for the Darn Tough Vermont ® Trail Sustainability Contest. The Contest is sponsored by the Vermont-based premium sock manufacturer who are seeking to reward innovative race directors who have made sustainability a core focus of their race management policies.

Contestants were measured for their sustainability policies across four aspects of their race organization: achieving zero carbon operationally; achieving zero waste operationally; reducing or offsetting emissions footprint for participants; and education initiatives on sustainability to participants. The final stage of the Contest takes place at the 2023 Conference on Friday, October 20.

The three finalists are, Evergreen Trail Runs from Washington, represented by Porter Bratten; Prickly Pear Trail Run from Texas, represented by Kimberly Aubuchon; and Suffer Better 25 & 50k from Colorado, represented by Peter Downing.

The prize lineup for the top three finalists for the contest is as follows:

1. $2500 cash prize plus socks for all race participants (up to 500 pairs maximum)
2. $1000 cash prize plus socks for top 3 in each race division
3. 50 pairs of socks to be used by race

“We were overwhelmed by the number of entries. The commitment race directors are making around sustainability will ensure our beloved running trails will continue to be enjoyed for generations. We are excited to hear the final pitches from the top 3 winners later this month at the Conference. Darn Tough Vermont is proud to be the Official Sock Partner of the US Trail Running Conference, and supporting Terry and the different initiatives the Conference is taking to get more runners out on the trails,” comments Jake Largess, Darn Tough Vermont Category Manager.

Event Director for the US Trail Running Conference, Terry Chiplin said, “We have been very excited about the quality of entries for the Darn Tough Trail Sustainability Contest this year. It was difficult to select the three finalists, and they each represent races that have made huge strides forward with their sustainability policies. The final “big pitch” session at the Conference will be an exciting finale to this Contest, and we look forward to recognizing each of the deserving finalists later this month. We are grateful for the generous support that Darn Tough has given to support sustainability initiatives in the trail running community by backing this contest.”

Made in Vermont, USA, Darn Tough is a premium manufacturer of performance outdoor, running, and lifestyle socks that are backed with an unconditional guarantee for life. As socks are essential to trail running, the company has prioritized its efforts to support this community, sponsoring recent industry events including the Broken Arrow Skyrace and The Rut Mountain Runs, among other athletic events in recent years.

The US Trail Running Conference, presented by Marathon Printing, provides education, inspiration, and unique networking opportunities for trail race directors, trail runners, brands, and fans of the sport. The Conference celebrates its 11th anniversary this year and takes place on October 18-20, in Mukilteo, WA, the second consecutive time in the Pacific Northwest. The Conference is held in partnership with the Snohomish County Sports Commission and the American Trail Running Association.

See details on the US Trail Running Conference held in Mukilteo, WA on October 18-20, 2023 at ustrailrunningconference.com.

For additional information, contact Terry Chiplin, Event Director, at terry@ustrailrunningconference.com or +44 07474 648250.

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About US Trail Running Conference:

The US Trail Running Conference is the premier event for trail running in America. It is an annual Conference that first took place in 2013, and attracts race directors, sponsors, exhibitors and trail runners from across the United States, as well as International representation. The mission of the US Trail Running Conference is to lead, educate, connect, and empower an inclusive family of trail runners, race directors, and industry leaders working to share best practices with the trail running community. For more information about the US Trail Running Conference, please visit www.ustrailrunningconference.com

About Darn Tough Vermont:

Darn Tough Vermont is an American manufacturer of premium, all-weather outdoor and lifestyle socks backed up by the industry’s original unconditional guarantee for life. The company offers both Specialty and Tactical product lines. Darn Tough Vermont’s Specialty line of socks includes Hike, Lifestyle, Run, Snow, Athletic, Work, Hunt and Juniors’ styles.

Darn Tough’s product is distinguished from industry competitors by 100 percent USA manufacturing; exceptional comfort, durability and fit; True-Seamless™ technology; and an exclusive blend of either ultra-fine, premium Merino wool or Coolmax®/Thermolite®. Founded by Ric Cabot in 2004, a third-generation sock maker, Darn Tough Vermont operates out of Cabot Hosiery Mills. With a forever focus on giving back, Darn Tough has donated over 1,000,000 meals to the Vermont Foodbank. For more information about Darn Tough Vermont socks, please visit: www.DarnTough.com.