The Jay Hathaway Memorial Team Challenge
Half Marathon or 5K
September 6, 2025

Jay Hathaway, the late executive director of the Manchester and the Mountains Chamber of Commerce, passed away a few hours following the 2009 Maple Leaf Half Marathon. Jay had spent the morning of the race announcing the Maple Leaf finishing results and was overjoyed that the race had been a huge success. Starting in late 2006, Jay had worked with other community groups to try to revive the Maple Leaf. Although the Maple Leaf had been in existence since the mid-1970s, it had dwindled over the years to being a sparsely attended, local event. Jay’s dream was to showcase southern Vermont to the world through the race. Jay’s efforts were realized in 2007, with a well-organized and well-attended event. No one was more responsible for the rejuvenated Maple Leaf Half Marathon than Jay. In his honor, we have renamed the team challenge segment of the Maple Leaf the Jay Hathaway Memorial Team Challenge. We can think of no more fitting tribute.

This is how the Team Challenge works: Participants wanting to register as team members will compete for the Hathaway Team Challenge Trophy in either the Half Marathon or in the 5 K races. Any number of participants greater than 3 can sign on as a team. However the highest finishing 3 participants’ finishing positions from each team in their race will be added together, with the lowest cumulative total being declared the Team champion. Each runner/walker will go the full distance in their event (i.e., not a relay event.) One champion team will be crowned in each event. Even if a team of runners or walkers doesn’t win the championship, they will be contributing towards the Northshire’s charities. The Maple Leaf benefits scores of deserving nonprofit organizations in southern Vermont. Whether competing for a prize, enjoying the camaraderie of other runners or walkers, or just supporting this health-oriented, local event with a group of friends, everyone is urged to participate. Additionally, race finishers will receive a special medallion celebrating their accomplishment. Join us in honoring Jay Hathaway and supporting local Vermont charities.To register in the TEAM CHALLENGE every team members needs to register individually online.