What a perfect day for the 2026 Heady Trotter! It was the epitome of a glorious fall day in Vermont — blue skies, peak foliage, and a festive outdoor atmosphere for the runners who came from all around Vermont — and the entire east coast — to run this 4-miler.
On top of that, the race sold out and GMAS unlocked a generous $10K match from the Vermont Community Foundation. Through raffle ticket sales, participant donations, and incredible support from our partners we were able to surpass that, and exceed the challenge. In fact, we totaled just shy of $30,000 for the day.
“We are so grateful to everyone who donated through their race entries and through the purchase of raffle tickets. Money was also raised through the sales of delicious Cheesy Topper grilled cheese sandwiches, rice balls by Miso Hungry and the highly coveted Heady Trotter beanies,” commented Cynthia Needham, GMAS’s co-founder and president. “It was a massive team effort, and with this community’s support, we are so grateful to have reached the fundraising goal!”
It’s because of our partners
GMAS extends a huge thank you to our partners: the Vermont Community Foundation for the $10K match; and also to the crew at Vermont Farmstead Cheese Company who donated 100% of its Cheesy Topper sales over the course of 2.5 days; and to our new partner, Miso Hungry, for donating their time, energy and proceeds.
The generous Farmstead Cheese crew grilling up their famous Cheddy Toppers!
Miso Hungry truck prepping for the onslaught that’s yet to come
And our volunteers
GMAS also applauds all of the volunteers who helped at the race by distributing bibs, serving as course marshals, selling raffle tickets, tending to the GMAS tent, distributing food and water to the racers, and donating their time and energy through kindness, generosity and dedication.
That the day was so great
Friends. Family. Fall foliage. Heady Topper in the afternoon (and perhaps even a little before that?). Food trucks. Live music. Lawn games. What’s not to love? Heady Trotter 2026 did not disappoint. It was so fun, I even saw a few race participants call family and friends to come join them at The Alchemist Brewery to take part in the festivities. When the Cheddy Topper grilled cheeses and Miso Hungry rice balls are flowing, it would be a bummer to miss out. In fact, we’re already plotting for next year and how to make it more memorable. Ideas are welcome!
Some of the adaptive athletes meeting up after the race
And we can make adaptive sports accessible
Thank you again to the whole community — race participants, sponsors, partners, board members and our amazing volunteers. It’s because of you that GMAS can make adaptive sports accessible to Vermonters with disabilities. We are grateful.