In 2010, the Mike Bastuk’s family – armed with toddlers and a sense of adventure – booked a farm stay in Waitsfield, Vermont. They expected cows and countryside. What they didn’t expect was to fall in love with the Mad River Valley. Between farmers markets, mountain views, and wood-fired pizza at American Flatbread, Vermont quickly became their happy place.
In 2011, Mike Bastuk – motivated by a gym class grudge and a growing waistline – started running. A book suggested picking a meaningful place for a first big race. He Googled “Vermont races” and found the inaugural Mad Marathon. Destiny? Maybe.
Enter Dori Ingalls – race director. He emailed her with questions, and she responded with open arms, welcoming the whole family into the Mad Marathon community. Encouraged by her warmth, he skipped the half and signed up for the full marathon. Bold move for a guy training on Indiana hills (read: gentle bumps).
The Bastuks packed up their three kids under 5 and made the 14-hour drive. Dori treated them like VIPs – inviting them to events, introducing them to locals, even loaning them her car. Mike crossed the finish line in 6 hours and 4 minutes, powered by grit and maple syrup.
That trip sparked something deeper. The Bastuks kept coming back. Mike ran more races, got a Vermont tattoo (yes, really), and the kids chose Vermont over Disney every year. They even tried to buy a house in Waitsfield – twice. In 2016, Mike ran his final half marathon solo, then hung up his shoes as life shifted and the family moved back to Indiana. They briefly visited in 2017, but distance made it harder to return.
In 2024, a twist: Mike’s son Xander, 17, joined the high school cross-country team. Xander trained hard – even running laps in a Walmart parking lot – and earned Rookie of the Year.
Fast forward to 2025 and the usual vacation debate – Vermont won. This time, it’s Xander’s turn to race – he’s running the 10K at the Mad Marathon. The Bastuks are revisiting their favorite spots – Flatbread, Cold Hollow Cider Mill, Stowe, the Waitsfield Farmers Market, Lawson’s Finest, Inn at the Round Barn Events – and reuniting with Dori, the friend who made Vermont feel like home.
From a spontaneous farm stay to a full-circle finish line, Vermont isn’t just a vacation spot for the Bastuks – it’s part of their family story.
