Runners, walkers needed for Vt. Corporate Cup, Walk for Animals
May 8, 2025 | By Waterbury Roundabout
Montpelier will be the setting for two upcoming annual events: the 42nd Annual Vermont Corporate Cup Challenge & State Agency 5K Race on May 15 and the Central Vermont Humane Society’s Walk for Animals on June 7.
May 15: Vermont Corporate Cup 5K
Runners race down State Street in the Vermont Corporate Cup Challenge & State Agency 5K Race. Courtesy file photo
Monday, May 12, is the deadline to sign up for the Vermont Corporate Cup, a 5K team running/walking event open to businesses, government and nonprofit organizations in Vermont. Its purpose is to promote physical fitness within the workplace and at home by bringing employees together to participate together.
Last year the event drew more than 2,300 participants to run or walk in Montpelier with another 200 taking part in other locations around the state, according to organizers.
Teams can find more information and register online. “Some run or walk for bragging rights at the office, some for the camaraderie, some for the great post-race snacks – and all for fun and fitness,” according to the event announcement.
Walkers get ready to start at the 2024 Vermont Corporate Cup 5K. Courtesy photo
Others can take part by volunteering to support the teams and can also sign up online. In-person participants compete in teams of three within assigned employer divisions and categories, or they may participate as an individual walker or runner.
Registration is $40 per person, $48 with a t-shirt. The fee is $58 for those registering to participate remotely who want a shirt. Proceeds benefit the programs and events of the Vermont Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, including the Vermont Worksite Wellness Awards, Vermont Senior Games, Community Wellness Grants, Parks Rx; Fit and Healthy Kids.
This year’s presenting sponsor for the challenge is Union Mutual Insurance Company property/casualty insurance carrier in Montpelier.
June 7: Walk for Animals
Pets with their humans at the 2024 Walk for Animals. Photo courtesy Central Vermont Humane Society
Central Vermont Humane Society’s annual Walk for Animals is scheduled for June 7 but fundraising with a goal of $80,000 has already begun. The annual event convenes on the State House lawn as the start and finish of the walk and the gathering spot for multiple per-related vendors and activities.
“Last year we raised a record-breaking amount of $78,800 for the animals. It was heartwarming to see so many Vermonters join our cause and make last year’s event a success. We are hoping to see that same involvement and excitement this year as the demand for our services continues to be on the rise and we need to be finically ready for each and every animal at a moment’s notice,” said Co-Executive Director Laurie Garrison.
Central Vermont businesses sponsoring the event have already contributed over $43,000, including 802Cars, One Stop Country Pet Supply in Barre, and Walmart of Berlin. The organization aims to raise the remainder from individuals.
“People can choose to fundraise individually, get a team together and make it a collective effort, or simply make a one-time donation,” Garrison said. “No matter how you choose to participate, your contributions go far at CVHS and can make a real difference for a needy pet.”
Prizes will be awarded to top fundraisers in three categories: adults, children and teams. And all fundraisers will be entered into a prize raffle.
Proceeds from the event support the society’s shelter animals to provide nutritious meals, medical care, and safe shelter to hundreds of needy dogs, cats, and small pets the organization will serve this year, according to organizers.
The annual Walk for Animals in Montpelier is a pet-friendly event. Photo courtesy Central Vermont Humane Society
The Walk for Animals itself will take place from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 7, at the State House. Both family-friendly and pet-friendly, the event will include vendors, dog contests, story time with the Kellogg Hubbard Library, professional dog headshot photos with local photographer Paul Richardson and an (optional) a gentle 1-mile walk through downtown Montpelier and free refreshments.
Central Vermont Humane Society is an independent, nonprofit organization with no state or federal funding, nor any affiliation with national animal protection groups. It relies on individual donors, local business, fundraising events, grants, and small fees for some services. It shelters and adopts domestic dogs, cats, and small furry animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs and it offers dog training classes, low-cost microchips, and education to animal guardians. The society also works to prevent and address animal cruelty and neglect, and supports legislative efforts to protect animals in Vermont.
Find more information and registration for fundraising pages online at centralvermonthumane.org.