Year: 2020

Every single one of us is being affected by this pandemic in large ways and small ways and in some ways that we might not fully understand for years to come. But what is clear is that the most vulnerable members of our community will suffer the most. In light of this, the GMAA Board of Directors would like to announce the launch of our brand new e-commerce store in conjunction with a fundraiser.

For the rest of the month of April, the club will donate 200% of all proceeds from online sales to the Vermont Foodbank.

Please head over to our shop at gmaa.run/shop to check out our latest apparel options and place an order today! All prices include tax and shipping. Items will be mailed out once a week. Any questions can be directed to apparel@gmaa.net

Hey Runners!

I hope you’re all staying healthy during this difficult time. One thing that really helps me is to remember that it will end, we will get through this. It might be weeks or months but we will endure and emerge a stronger community.
The Board has some exciting news to share with you all about a new launch this week. Please check our channels Monday morning to learn more. 

In the meantime, I want to amplify and expand on Coach Allen’s not-so-gentle reminders about how to stay safe and limit the spread of the coronavirus in our community:

1. Stay home
2. Avoid groups 
3. Cover up

Exercise is critical for mental health and maintaining our immune system, but GMAA does not recommend running in groups or in crowded areas during this pandemic. The Burlington Bike Path has gotten especially crowded lately and the 6-foot radius between people may not be possible or even sufficient if we are running and breathing heavily. 

The CDC is now recommending that we wear cloth masks in public. Here’s a video from the Surgeon General demonstrating how easy it is to make one from an old t-shirt (finally a good use for all those race shirts we never wear!)
https://youtu.be/tPx1yqvJgf4

Let’s see your race mask! Tag us on your social media posts and show the world how we are staying happy, healthy and fit and helping to fight this disease.  And when you are out in public, please remember that you are an ambassador of the sport and of our club so give everyone else out there plenty of room and respect. We’re all in this together!

Be well and stay safe!

—
Nik Ponzio
Board President

GMAA was founded over 50 years ago with a mission of promoting “good health, fitness, and friendship through participation in athletics and athletic competition.” As such, the health and safety of our race participants, volunteers, and surrounding communities is our top priority. In light of the recent developments around the COVID-19 pandemic, the Board of Directors has decided to cancel the Kaynor Sap Run event scheduled for March 22.

This was not a decision that was made lightly. Our world is in the midst of an unprecedented public health emergency and we each must take every precaution possible to limit the spread of the virus. The following links provide helpful information and resources regarding COVID-19:

• Vermont Department of Health Resources 

• What you need to know-COVID-19

• COVID-19 Travel Resource

We all hope this threat will pass soon so we can get on with our regularly scheduled race season. We will continue to monitor the situation and communicate updates on our website and by email as more details unfold. Pre-registered runners for the Sap Run will receive additional information in the coming days.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this uncertain time.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me directly. You can email me at president@gmaa.net or call or text 802-318-7003.

Stay healthy!

Nik Ponzio
President of Board of Directors
Green Mountain Athletic Association