Remembering Danny Hartman
Ultra Heavy Hearts
A remembrance written by VT100 Race Director Amy Rusiecki
The Vermont 100 family is devastated to share the news of the loss of one of our own, the inimitable Danny Hartman.
Danny ran his first VT100 last summer, winning his age group along the way, but his impact on the race went beyond that singular finish. Those who watched this year’s VT100 lottery would have virtually met Danny, as one of the volunteers at my house to pull names and help generate the start list.
Unseen to many, Danny gave so much time to the VT100 for many years – he helped behind the scenes tasks such as the lottery, sorting volunteer shirts, and organizing the event’s storage unit. Most disgustingly, he helped sort and clean out the drop bags left behind after the race for many years – and shared many laughs uncovering what some folks put in their drop bags!
While he only has one VT100 finish, his impact on the event spanned many years and included the role of a runner, pacer, crew member, and volunteer (although I still feel the word volunteer doesn’t describe his efforts).
If you ever had a conversation with Danny, you likely left it with a smile on your face. Danny had a unique way of connecting with folks – so I’m sure that he plopped down next to someone at the pre-race meeting last year and made new friends, and then followed up post-race to see how their day went. If you shared miles with him at tune-up race – he likely shared advice with you on the VT100 terrain, gear selection, or efficient aid station tactics, and you might have even been treated to a dad joke along the way.
One memory of mine that illustrates Danny’s commitment to supporting others was from the 2022 VT100 when he was slated to pace VT100k runner Kristin. Danny was so excited – I’m sure he warmed up, stretched, and was vibrating with excitement to run…and he found the perfect ‘front row seat’ to see Kristin enter Camp 10 Bear. Only problem was that he was set up where runners approach Camp 10 Bear #1, and not where they pass for Camp 10 Bear #2. Kristin arrived at the aid station and searched for Danny to no avail. I happened to be at the Camp 10 Bear aid table at the time (thanking volunteers and cheering on runners), and immediately knew that Danny must be in the wrong place. I ran like a crazy person towards the Camp 10 Bear #1 approach, swimming upstream against runners entering the aid station on their first approach, yelling Danny’s name at the top of my lungs. I finally found him, and he did an equally impressive sprint past all the crews to catch Kristin, who had started down the trail. It was typical Danny to be so excited about helping and supporting another friend, even if that excitement clouded his logic.
On a personal level, Danny was one of my closest friends, frequent training buddy and part of my emotional support system. We bolstered each other through not just numerous adventures but life challenges as well. We forged the type of friendship that comes from miles shared on the trails – a connection that every trail runner understands.
If you would like to join me in remembering Danny, there will be a celebration of life (including a group run) for him on May 4th (the day after this year’s Seven Sisters Trail Race) for those who would like to join. I am also honoring Danny by fundraising for Bigger than the Trail (a non-profit that uses trail running to promote mental health), as I toe the line for my upcoming 100-mile adventure.
In his memory, I encourage you to share your favorite Danny story by writing to vt100@vermontadaptive.org. And I encourage us all to continue to celebrate each other, forge new relationships through the trails, and check in on each other to let friends know how much they mean to us.
Danny’s complete obituary and information about formal calling hours can all be found here: https://www.firtionadams.com/obituary/Daniel-Hartman.
