BROWNSVILLE, Vt. (WCAX) - Ultra runners are converging in the Upper Valley on Saturday for the first annual Mount Ascutney Vertical Backyard race.

The event challenges competitors to run up 1,200 vertical feet every hour for as long as they can.

At the 24-hour mark, that will be equivalent to reaching the top of Mount Everest at 29,032 feet. Close to 80 runners have signed up for the maxed-out event.

“So much of ultra running is based around, can you go a really far distance, or how much distance can you do. And this is an opportunity for people to see how much climbing and descending they can do. And we were totally overwhelmed by the response,” said Eli Burakian, a co-organizer with North East Trail Adventures.

The race is maxed out with competitors, but anyone is welcome to show u

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