Your Picks For This Weekend – Aug. 5 – 7

It’s going to be another beautiful weekend and we’ve got a full docket of events including beer festivals, two monster obstacle races, one of the toughest half marathons around and more.

Hops In The Hills, Ludlow, Vt. Aug. 5 – 7

Another weekend, another great brew fest. Okemo’s Jackson Gore Courtyard hosts 80 brewers, cider makers and wineries. Pair the selection of beverages with live music, craft vendors and fresh food.

Moosalamoo Ultra, Goshen, Vt. Aug. 6

Cross country runners head to the Moosalamoo wilderness in central Vermont for 14 and 36-mile trail races starting from the Blueberry Hill Inn. Each race has views of Lake Dunmore and Goshen Reservoir while traveling over rugged single and double track. Bring a tent to camp for two nights.

Benson Bear/24 Hours of Shale Hell, Benson, Vt. Aug. 6 – 7

The rolling hills of the Champlain Valley are home to one of the hardest obstacle courses. The course designed by Rob Butler host a race this weekend with over 60 fiendish obstacles over 5K and 10K distances. Looking for a tougher race? See how many laps you can complete with your team over a 24-hour period in the 24 Hours of Shale Hell. Many will start; only the tough will finish.

Mount Equinox Uphill Bike Climb, Manchester, Vt. Aug. 6

This challenging bike race travels 5.4 miles up the scenic Mount Equinox Skyline Drive, gaining 3,848 feet with a 12-percent average grade. All funds raised from this event help fund research for a Lyme disease cure as well as support the local charities of the Rotary Club of Manchester. It’s just one hill, right?