John Geesler Earns 2025 VT100 Pinky / Hutchinson Award

In Memory of their Belief and Dedication to this Event

JOHN GEESLER (pictured, big 27, second from the right)

We give the Pinky Farrell and Jim Hutchinson Award to the people who most represent the heart of the race. Pinky Farrell was the mother-in-law of Laura Farrell, our original race director and the founder of Vermont Adaptive. Jim Hutchinson was the Race Director of the Vermont 100 for 8 years. The both truly believed in the event and the cause. They went over and above every expectation to make the event safe, fun and successful.

John has been a dedicated participant in the Vermont 100 for many years, with 2025 marking his 30th time toeing the line. He first competed in 1991, two years after the race’s inception, and finished 5th with a time of 16:41:00. His participation history includes continuous appearances, except for 2005 and 2007 when he represented Team USA at the IAU 24 Hour World Championships.

John’s history at the Vermont 100 not only includes finishes over many decades, but also some notable finishes. John’s fastest time was at the 1993 VT100, where he ran 15:58:45 to finish second place. His Vermont 100 resume includes two other podium finishes – second place in 1994 and third place in 2002. During his first decade at the VT100, he always finished in the top 10 overall.

He is easily recognizable at the race by his gray hair in a ponytail, signature folded bandana around his head, and a waist pack with bottles. If you’re fortunate to share any miles with him, you may have heard stories about his adventures throughout his long ultrarunning career.

The 2025 Vermont 100 marks the 30th time that John has joined us at the Vermont 100. His long-standing presence at the Vermont 100 embodies the heart and history of the event, offering a constant in the face of changing participants, volunteers, crews, and even race directors. Thank you, John!