This past Sunday, Sept. 21, the Middlebury Area Land Trust (MALT) hosted its 22nd annual Trail Around Middlebury (TAM) Trek to raise money and awareness for their organization. The TAM Trek, which spans a 19-mile course, aimed to include various levels of participants by offering a 10k run, a 5k run, and a two-mile family “fun run” in addition to the full-length race.
The Trek starts and ends in Wright Park, where participants could listen to live music, win local raffle prizes and share a meal after admiring the pastures, forests and local neighborhoods along the course route. While on the path, runners crossed two MALT-built suspension bridges which both span waterfalls and gorges.
Henry Chien ’26 ran the full 19 miles. “My goal is to eventually do a marathon, so the TAM Trek was a good step after a half marathon. I felt like the running was really a mental game, but running with people I knew 100% made it easier,” he said.
Executive Director of MALT Kevin Fox described the TAM Trek’s history in an email to The Campus. The event originally started as community walks along the trail, featuring tree and plant identification activities. The event then gradually shifted into a bike ride, and finally into the running race hosted by MALT today.
“At first it wasn’t even timed, but the main idea was always about celebrating the TAM as a community treasure and drawing people outside to enjoy it together,” Fox wrote.
Before joining MALT in July 2025, Fox previously served as a Foreign Service Officer for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), most recently spearheading a climate and biodiversity conservation portfolio across the Amazon rainforest.
“What drew me to MALT is its community-centered approach—a chance to put global lessons into practice here at home and strengthen local stewardship of the land,” Fox wrote.
MALT works to conserve land and provide environmental education, in addition to maintaining the TAM, which is utilized by more than 10,000 locals and students every year. MALT has helped to conserve 3,500 acres of farm, forest and wildlife habitat while simultaneously investing in outdoor education and climate resilience for youth.
Although the TAM Trek aims to gather members of the Middlebury community, it also serves a fundraising purpose. The race’s registration fees and raffle help to raise part of the $100,000 needed to maintain the TAM each year. Community donations to MALT and MALT membership fees also work to generate the budget for the trail’s upkeep.
Fox emphasized that Middlebury students can become involved with the organization in a variety of ways.
“For Middlebury students, MALT offers a unique way to connect with this place—whether by walking the TAM, volunteering on trail projects, or joining community events like the TAM Trek,” he wrote. “Every hour and every dollar invested in MALT directly supports recreation, conservation, and quality of life in Middlebury, today and for future generations.”
Fox’s enthusiasm for the college’s connection to MALT is echoed by members of Middlebury’s student body.
“The TAM is an integral part of the Middlebury experience. While you may venture out solo, it is a great way to connect with the greater, non-human community. For many recreational runners, including myself, the TAM is a place of serenity,” Sophia Galuppo ’26.5 said.
She reflected on how the TAM can provide a tool to stay present and the general respite that can be found on the trail.
“The nature of the TAM forces you to both literally and metaphorically slow down. As you attempt to avoid misstepping into a puddle or mud or loose tree root, you’re forced to be in the moment rather than going through the motions of hustle culture,” Galuppo said.
Fox views MALT as a natural partner for Middlebury students and faculty who care about sustainability, community engagement, and conservation. He recently met with college President Ian Baucom to discuss opportunities for the organization and the college to partner in the future.
Fox believes that there is enormous potential for the two entities to collaborate further and advance inclusive approaches to sustainability, conservation, and field-based environmental education across Vermont.
Editor’s Note: Managing Editor Mandy Berghela ’26 contributed in writing this article.
Katrina Schwarz '26 (she/her) is a Senior Local Editor.
Katrina has been a local editor for the three semesters, recently becoming the section's senior editor. She is a Psychology and Italian double major and was a marketing intern at Penguin Random House this past summer.
