Vermont
Get to know this year’s invited runners for the Vermont City Marathon
The 2025 M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon & Relay returns to Burlington’s streets and waterfront this weekend with an impressive group of championship-caliber runners headlined by last year’s men’s open champion.
The 35th edition of the Vermont City Marathon, and 34th on Memorial Day Weekend, is slated for Sunday, May 25. Event organizer RunVermont will use its 13.1-mile looped course through the Queen City for marathoners, relay runners and handcyclists.
Michael Kobotov still holds the men’s event record of 2 hours, 17 minutes and 3 seconds set back in 2001. The women’s record was reset in 2023 by Maegan Krifchin in 2:33:40.
Courtesy of RunVermont, here’s the invited field and information on each runner slated to compete Sunday:
WOMEN’S OPEN FIELD
Hayley Collins
A elementary school special education teacher in Connecticut, Hayley Collins competed in cross-country running and track and field while at Marist College. She made her marathon debut in 2023, posting a time of 2:56 at Hartford. The following year she lowered that performance to 2:41.
Eliza Kerschner
A 35-year-old occupational therapist from Old Town, Maine, Eliza Kerschner was the VCM runner-up last spring. She also placed sixth at the 2019 VCM and fifth in 2013. Her marathon personal-best time is 2:48:45, set at the 2019 California International Marathon.
Sarah Shiman
A South Burlington native, Sarah Shiman played soccer and basketball in high school before picking up running while living in Utah. She ran her first half-marathon in 2024 (1:32:32) and posted a half-marathon PB of 1:24:42 at the 2025 Half-Marathon Unplugged this year. VCM will be Shiman’s second full marathon (she previously ran 3:37:59), but expects to make significant improvements on her time.
PAST RESULTS: Search our database for Vermont City Marathon results
Emma Spencer
A Massachusetts native, Emma Spencers owns a PB of 2:36, which she ran at the 2021 Boston Marathon, finishing 18th overall. She also competed at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Trials for the marathon.
Margaret Vido
Margaret Vido, who hails from Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania, is back at VCM for the first time since 2014 when she placed fourth overall. Vido ran at the Olympic Trials in 2016 and 2020, and placed 15th at the Boston Marathon in 2018.
MEN’S OPEN FIELD
Ryan Eiler
Ryan Eiler started competitive running in his early 30s. In 2023, Eiler finished second at VCM. In 2024, he posted a 2:14 at the Boston Marathon and then a 2:13 at the New York City Marathon.
Matthew Fick
In fall 2024, Matthew Fick won the Atlantic City Marathon in 2:34 and, just three weeks later, posted a 2:29:55 for second place at the Harrisburg Marathon.
Dan Forry
The native of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Dan Forry won the One City Half Marathon in Virginia with a time of 1:06:14.
Jackson Friesth
A record-setting runner for Regis University in Denver, Colorado, Jackson Friesth is coming off a PB of 2:20:55 at the Houston Marathon in January.
Chris Gish
A Sharon Academy and University of Vermont graduate, Chris Gish is back at VCM for the first time since 2022. Last fall, he took third at the Maine Marathon in 2:23:18.
Hiro Kawakatsu
Originally from Tokyo, Hiro Kawakatsu is a high school physics teacher and cross-country/track coach in Greenwich, Connecticut. This year’s VCM will be Kawakatsu’s fifth marathon. He has a PB of 2:27:34.
Jack Leitch
Born and raised in Worthing, England, Jack Leitch competed collegiately for Boise State University. This is Leitch’s second straight trip to run at the VCM.
Sam Montclair
Sam Montclair, who lives in Cary, North Carolina, owns a 2:22:39 PB for the full marathon and 1:05:51 for the half-marathon. Montclair competed for Southern Connecticut State University.
Tommy O’Gorman
Tommy O’Gorman, of West Hartford, Connecticut, is racing in his third marathon when he makes the trip to Vermont. In 2022, he finished the Boston Marathon, and he has a half-marathon PB of 1:08.
Chase Pizzonia
Chase Pizzonia helped Iona College to the runner-up finish at the 2007 NCAA cross-country championships, and he was the 2008 IC4A champion in the 10K. The 39-year-old currently lives in New York City and has a PB of 2:20:25 set at the 2019 Philadelphia Marathon.
Nathan Stine
Nathan Stine, an University of Vermont alum, is making his marathon debut. At UVM, he was a captain of the 2022 and 2023 cross-country teams and a captain of the 2023 track and field squad.
Kiplangat Terer
Kenyan Kiplangat Terer returns to Burlington to attempt the second of back-to-back VCM crowns. The 39-year-old owns five other marathon victories and has a PB of 2:13:29 for 26.2 miles.
WOMEN’S MASTERS
Christine Hagan
A Burlington resident who hails from Salem, Massachusetts, the 43-year-old Christine Hagan is a physical therapist who is set for her seventh marathon and fourth VCM. The former two-sport athlete at Colby College, Hagan has a marathon PB of 3:04, set at the 2012 VCM.
Katie Kissane
A native of Essex, Katie Kissane competed for the University of Colorado-Boulder. After graduation, she ran her first marathon, the 2007 VCM. Three years later, she posted a PB of 2:59:02 at VCM. And last fall, Kissane ran a 3:00:15 at the New York City Marathon.
MEN’S MASTERS
Michael Anis
Michael Anis has competed in 20 marathons in his career, with a personal-best time of 2:34:18 at the 2014 Boston Marathon. In 2022, he came out of racing retirement: Last year he ran 2:36:43 at the Hartford Marathon.
Dan McGrath
New York attorney Dan McGrath, 42, claimed the 2005 Atlantic 10 title in the 10,000 when he competed for the LaSalle University track and field team. He raced to his best time at the 2008 New York Marathon (2:23:04), where he finished 25th overall. Recently, McGrath ran a 2:30:27 at the 2023 California International Marathon.
NON-BINARY
Bryan Morseman
Bryan Morseman has run 123 marathons in a career that started in 2008, with an average finish time of under 2:30. Morseman will make their VCM debut this weekend.
Matt Powers
Born and raised in South Burlington, Matt Powers is a faculty member at South Burlington High School. Powers has a PB time of 2:54:54 at the 2023 Boston Marathon, where Powers placed third in the non-binary division.
Contact Alex Abrami at aabrami@freepressmedia.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter: @aabrami5.
Vermont
A Civil War painting is unveiled at the Statehouse. Thank the social studies teacher who ‘found’ it. – VTDigger
This story by Tom McKone was first published in The Bridge on Nov. 6, 2025.
While doing research about the Civil War, Champlain Valley Union High School social studies teacher Tyler Alexander found an image of an 1872 painting by Julian Scott titled “The 4th Vermont Forming Under Fire,” which he hoped to include in a new book.
The problem was, at least initially, it appeared that no one in Vermont knew the painting even existed.
Internet searches were no help, and it was a few months before Alexander got his first good lead. Years ago, a Texas insurance company asked Vermont art historian Robert Titteron, who had written a book about Julian Scott, to appraise the value of the painting Alexander was seeking, and he still had the written communications. The last known owner was the University of Houston — and not only did the university still have the painting, it was about to auction it off.
Alexander quickly contacted David Schutz, the Vermont State Curator, who immediately contacted Vermont historians Howard Coffin and Kevin Graffagnino. With less than a week before the auction, there was no way to secure state money, so Coffin and Graffagnino asked Vermont Country Store owner Lyman Orton, who owns the largest private collection of Vermont art, for help.
Orton won the bidding for the painting and agreed to lend it to the state for display in the Statehouse’s Cedar Creek Room, which already had four other Civil War paintings by Scott, including “The First Vermont Brigade at the Battle of Cedar Creek, Oct. 19th 1864,” a 10-by-20-foot mural commissioned by the legislature and unveiled in 1874.
Skip forward 151 years, to Oct. 29, 2025, and an unveiling that brought Alexander, Orton, Coffin, Schutz, Graffagnino, a uniformed contingent from Vermont’s Civil War Hemlocks, and scores of other Vermonters to the Cedar Creek Room.
Alexander read a vivid description of the battle from one of the letters in his book, Coffin described the battle portrayed in the painting, Orton talked about his affinity for Vermont art, and Schutz reminded everyone that the Statehouse opened only two years before the Civil War started, and was, in a sense, baptized by that event.
A native of Johnson, Vermont, 15-year-old Scott joined the war as a drummer and fifer. He made camp and battle sketches during the war, and after it, he became a trained artist. Not only is his newly discovered painting on display at the Statehouse — it is also on the cover of Alexander’s new book, “If I Can Get Home This Fall: A Story of Love, Loss, and a Cause in the Civil War” (University of Nebraska Press 2025).
Vermont
Northern Lights to dazzle skies across these US states tonight – from Washington to Vermont to Maine | Today News
Over 20 states in the United States may be treated to a dazzling display of the Northern Lights tonight (November 11–12). Notably, the Northern Lights occur when solar winds collide with Earth’s atmosphere, producing shifting patterns of light. These displays often feature a mix of colours, including green, pink, red, and purple.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), two coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are expected to strike Earth late on Monday, potentially triggering strong (G3) geomagnetic storm conditions. A third and even more powerful CME is also forecast to follow.
This third burst, caused by a massive X5.1-class solar flare — the most powerful recorded so far in 2025 — is predicted to reach Earth at around 7 a.m. EST (12:00 GMT) on 12 November.
In response, NOAA has issued a G4 geomagnetic storm watch, suggesting the potential for widespread auroras visible much farther south than usual. While cloudy skies obscured the view for many last week, weather conditions this time are expected to be more favourable.
Which US states could see the Northern Lights tonight?
If you’re wondering, “from where can I see the northern lights?” NOAA’s latest aurora forecast map has the answer. According to the agency, the Northern Lights could be visible across at least 21 US states.
States expected to catch a glimpse of the aurora include Alaska, North Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, Wisconsin, Michigan, Maine, South Dakota, Idaho, Vermont, Washington, New Hampshire, Wyoming, New York, Iowa, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Nebraska, Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana.
This means that even residents in parts of the Midwest and Northeast could enjoy the stunning display if skies remain clear.
When is the best time to watch the aurora borealis in the US?
NOAA’s three-day geomagnetic storm forecast suggests that heightened activity will continue through the night. The best viewing times are expected to be:
4 p.m. – 10 p.m. EST (2100–0300 GMT): Minor (G1) to moderate (G2) storm levels possible
10 p.m. – 1 a.m. EST (0300–0600 GMT): Strong (G3) geomagnetic storm levels possible
During these peak hours, the Northern Lights could appear as glowing ribbons, arcs, or soft clouds of colour drifting across the northern horizon.
How can you improve your chances of seeing the Northern Lights?
Even if you’re not in an ideal location, a few simple techniques recommended by space.com can help you spot or photograph the aurora more easily:
Find a dark spot facing north: Move as far away from city lights as possible and look toward the northern horizon for the best chance of seeing the aurora borealis.
Use your phone camera: Your camera sensor can often detect faint auroras before your eyes do. Try scanning the sky through your camera to locate the right direction.
Let your eyes adjust: Spend at least 30 minutes in darkness to develop night vision.
Dress warmly: Temperatures can drop quickly at night, and aurora watching often involves standing outdoors for long periods.
Be patient: The Northern Lights can appear suddenly, so staying out a little longer might make all the difference.
Which apps can help track aurora activity?
To stay updated in real time, space.com recommends downloading a Northern Lights forecast app that provides alerts based on your location, such as My Aurora Forecast & Alerts or Space Weather Live, both available on iOS and Android.
These apps can notify you when the aurora visibility index spikes in your area — ensuring you don’t miss the show when it begins.
The Vermont Chapter of the National Football Foundation has announced the roster for the 24th annual North/South All-Star Football Classic. The 2025 edition will take place on Sunday, Nov. 23, at Norwich University’s Sabine Field.
Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Fans can purchase tickets online and also at Sabine Field the day of the game. Admission is $11 for adults and $8 for students. For more information and to purchase tickets, fans should click this link.
The North leads the series 12-11 after defeating the South 33-14 in 2024.
Vermont North All-Star football roster
BFA Fairfax-Lamoille: Joseph Brock, Mathias Dolan, Lei Magnan.
BFA St. Albans: Riven Williams.
Burlington-South Burlington Seawolves: Ali Ali, Jack Foster, Jude Hermansky.
Champlain Valley: Will Hilgerdt, Coleton Pizzagalli, Ryan Wood.
Colchester: Brody Coppins, Colton Lefebvre, Mason Sheltra, Tyler Reed*.
Essex: Sam Bent, Joe Gershon, Landon Hollis, Aiden Iverson, Braden LaRose*, Cooper McCurley, Griffin Randall.
Lyndon: Beckett Bailey, Daegan Hever, Dawson Jenkins, Chase Sanville, Logan Wheeler.
Milton: Carter McGregor.
Missisquoi: Hunter Cheney.
Mount Abraham/Vergennes: Tyson Hallock, Shayne Russell, Logan Stearns.
Mount Mansfield: Jack Lorenzini.
North Country: Gage Beaumont.
Rice Memorial: Peter Harris, Griffin Seitz.
Spaulding: Caleb Hoar.
St. Johnsbury: Cole Lemieiux, Memphis Mastine, Davis Palmieri, Vincent Palmieri, Jamal Saibou.
U-32: Elliot Caswell, Charlie Fitzpatrick, Drew Frostick, Colby Laggner, Josh Pearson*, Colton Wild.
Head coach: Ethan Curtis, Essex.
*Selected but will not play due to injury. Note: Rosters subject to change.
Vermont South All-Star football roster
Bellows Falls: Patrick Connors, Camden Perry, Jakeb Tostrup.
Brattleboro: Colby Bristol, Lucas Speno.
Burr and Burton: Louis Bowen, Jason Giejda, Jackson Johnston, Miles Treske.
Fair Haven: Cody Adams, Mason Gutel, Jonathan Hutchins, Caleb Long, Porter Silva.
Hartford: Noah Daneili, Owen Mock, Richard Rosenbeck, Graham Thompson, Adam Wheatley.
Middlebury: Ben DeBisschop, Marshall Eddy, Steve Packard, Logan McNulty, Cooke Riney.
Mill River: Tucker Moody, Ethan Patch.
Mount Anthony: Colby Hill, Asa Reis, Franky Rivera, Jack Sherman.
Otter Valley: Colin Carroccia, Austin Mallory, Chase Razanouski.
Poultney: Eric Kendal.
Rutland: Brody Austin, Grady Gallagher, Griff Norton, Cellan Wood.
Springfield: Nolan Balser.
Windsor: Morgan Johnson.
Woodstock: Asher Emery, Rowan Larmie, Aksel Oates, Dominic Palazzo.
Head coach: Adam Perry, Fair Haven.
*Selected but will not play due to injury. Note: Rosters subject to change.
Contact Judith Altneu at JAltneu@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter: @Judith_Altneu.
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