Vermont City Marathon Features Longtime Runner Jim Leary and 5,000 Competitors

BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Thousands will lace up to run the Vermont City Marathon on Sunday, with one runner, Jim Leary, standing out among the competitors.

Leary, 63, has run every single race since the marathon began in 1989, sporting bib number 62. “I’ve been doing it for over half my life,” he said.

As an original Hall of Famer, Leary recalls various weather conditions throughout the years. “It was 32 degrees at race time. It was hailing, kind of raining, really miserable… fast forward 25, 26 years, it was really hot. They cancelled the race toward the end that year,” Leary recalled.

Sam Davis, a marathon organizer, noted the camaraderie among the long-time runners. “It’s a challenge to each of them. They’re each kind of propping one another up to continue to do this,” he said.

For Leary, the support from family is crucial. He remembers his parents, who cheered him on in earlier races. He also honors his late daughter, saying she always cheered the loudest. “There’s a lot of memories,” he expressed.

While other runners seek personal records, Leary values the experience with family and friends. “It’s more about having family come down and the enjoyment and the pleasure I get from running the race,” he explained. As he approaches the finish line, the challenge fades away. “Coming into the waterfront park on the ground, yelling and cheering. It’s a great way to wind things up,” he said.

The marathon is expected to draw about 5,000 runners, with Leary leading bib number 62 through the crowd on Sunday.