SilverHeist5K

We'll see you on April 26th, 2025 in Orwell Vermont!

*Silver Heist 5K
Lace up for the Silver Heist 5K, where you’ll “Race Through History, Dash for Silver!” This unique event pays homage to Orwell’s real-life bank robberies from the horse-and-buggy era. In October 1862, bandits stole $30 in silver from the Orwell Bank. Nearly forty years later in the early 1900s, another group of thieves stole money, and Mrs. Myrtie P. Brooks' ring, from the bank. After their heist, the bandits spent the night on a hill in town. Their camp was later discovered, and in their haste to flee, they left behind the stolen ring.

To honor this local history, each runner will start with a wooden token, designed to resemble Mrs. Myrtie P. Brooks' ring. The race will begin with the blast of a conch shell, a tribute to Eber Murray, one of the first settlers of Orwell. Eber, who lived in Orwell from 1783 until his death in 1821, was the only man in town with a clock. Each night, he would blow his conch shell at 9 p.m. to signal the time for evening prayers.

At the halfway point, runners will drop off their ring at the bandits camp. Runners will then dash down scenic North Orwell Road, finishing strong at the town green, greeted by cheers from friends, family, and local history enthusiasts. The winner will claim $30 worth of silver—the very same amount stolen in the original heist!

*Little Bandits Bolt
For the youngest racers, the Little Bandits Bolt offers a pint-sized thrill! Kids will complete a supervised loop around Orwell Town Hall sharing in the spirit of the Silver Heist as they race their way into local history.

VIRTUAL RACE OPTIONS
*Silver Heist 5K (The Virtual Getaway Edition)
Get ready to embark on a thrilling adventure with the Silver Heist 5K (The Virtual Getaway Edition)! Inspired by Orwell’s legendary bank robberies from the horse-and-buggy era, this virtual race lets you channel the daring spirit of the infamous heists of 1862 and the early 1900s. Race from wherever you are—whether it’s through your neighborhood, a nearby park, or even your favorite trail. Picture yourself running through history, echoing the footsteps of bandits as they dashed away with stolen silver and treasures. Once you’ve completed your race, you’ll earn your own shiny medal, just like a true outlaw escaping with the loot.

For just $12, you’ll receive your medal shipped free in the USA, and for only $15 more, you can add an exclusive event T-shirt to wear your bandit pride! The virtual race option is open until April 25, 2025, with all medals and T-shirts shipping the first week of May 2025—so even if you finish tomorrow, you’ll still get your loot in May. Don’t let this daring getaway slip away—register today and take part in this historic heist from anywhere!

*Little Bandits Bolt (The Virtual Getaway Edition)
Calling all little bandits! The Little Bandits Bolt (The Virtual Getaway Edition) is the perfect adventure for young racers to join in the excitement of Orwell’s legendary heists. This virtual race gives kids the chance to race anywhere they like—around their neighborhood, through the park, or even in the backyard. It’s a fun and safe way for them to take part in a historic adventure while imagining themselves as clever outlaws, just like the thieves who stole treasures in 1862 and the early 1900s.

For just $10, your little bandit will receive a shiny medal shipped free to their hideout (USA only), with the option to add a fun race T-shirt for $15. The virtual race is open until April 25, 2025, and medals and T-shirts will ship the first week of May 2025. Whether they race today or take their time making their getaway, their treasure will arrive in May, adding to the excitement of their very own bandit adventure! Sign up now and let your little outlaw join the fun—virtually!