Race to the Top of Vermont – Spotlight on Fred Ross

We’ve got a diverse group of people who participate in the North Face Race to the Top of Vermont each year, and we wouldn’t have it any other way! The point is, this race is for anyone. As long as you have the motivation and the means to bike, hike, or run, then you can make it to the peak of Mt. Mansfield. To inspire to you get out there and lace up your running shoes for the first time this summer, or tackle that extra hill climb at the end of a training ride, we are running a Race to the Top of Vermont Spotlight Series leading up to the August 28 race day. We took this opportunity to interview a few racers who’ve toed the line at one or more RTTTOVT events in the past.

To kick off our Spotlight Series we’ve got Fred Ross. Fred’s goat-like attire may make him look like he jumped straight off the pages of Where the Wild Things Are, but don’t let his hefty headpiece fool you. He’s been a fixture in the Mountain running scene since his first race up Mt. Washington in ’76 and is looking forward to his third time racing in the RTTTOVT in August.

Fred's final solo summit of the 72 4K Trailwright Peaks — At Mt. Washington’s Alton Weagle Day this year. How much do those horns weigh anyway?

Name: Fred Ross III

Hometown: Vernon, VT

Occupation: Retired from Vermont Agency Of Transportation after 49 1/2 years last November.

CTA: What first got you involved in RTTTOVT, and is this the only, or one of many races you participate in?

FR: I always have run (some) since high school. I hiked the New Hampshire 4K’s in ’75 and started regular training that winter. My first mountain race was up Mt. Washington in ’76 and I have done it every year since but dropped out at halfway in ’77. I’ll be doing Pike’s Peak Marathon in Colorado this August for the 9th time. I also created and directed a race up Mt. Equinox from ’79 – ’84, when a friend took over, organizing the last race in ’92. I’ve participated in quite a few others as well!

'79 Pikes Peak Marathon approaching the summit(2:51) before heading back down and finishing 19th in 4:32 — ’79 Pikes Peak Marathon approaching the summit(2:51) before heading back down and finishing 19th in 4:32

CTA: What do you do to train for the 4.3 mile race up Mt. Mansfield?

FR: I’m lucky if I do much! I run/jog/walk some and do some hiking. That can be anywhere from 10 to 30 miles per week. **CTA side note- That sounds like pretty good training to us…**

CTA: With our obvious obsession with winter, we have to ask, what do you do to keep active in the colder months?

FR: Snowshoe, I love the high peaks in New Hampshire!

CTA: What has been your most memorable moment from a RTTOVT race?

FR: Most memorable moment… Hmmm, hiking over to and sneaking a ride down the gondola? Watching later runners finish with a smile, watching all your great awards, the great weather at the summit on a blue bird day…

CTA: What is your best “life” advice? Either advice you’d give others, or that someone has given you along the way.

FR: Just keep moving no matter what! Time doesn’t matter just stay active…doing something!

CTA: Thanks Fred, any final thoughts?

FR: If you like doing races or events volunteer to help out! Without all the wonderful folks volunteering their time it ain’t gonna happen!

Every August the North Face Race To The Top Of Vermont draws as many as 800 hikers, bikers, and runners from across the U.S. and Canada to climb Mt. Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak. The course climbs up the historic Mansfield Toll Road, is 4.3 miles in length, and climbs 2564 ft. For some it’s all about trying to achieve a fast time up this tough 4.3 mile course. For others… they come to test themselves, and to enjoy the spectacular views.

No matter why you came, for everyone the North Face Race To The Top Of Vermont is about supporting the Catamount Trail Association and all of the good work they do. This event is their largest fundraising event of the year. So, while you’re out there challenging yourself, know that 100% of the money raised at this event goes to support the Catamount Trail and backcountry skiing and riding here in Vermont!

Remember, registration prices will increase on July 1st, so sign up now to save some $$$.

Interested, but don’t want to race? Volunteer at the RTTOVT to help us get all of our ducks in a row.