The First Annual Silver Heist 5K & Little Bandits Bolt

🏃‍♂️ 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.

• Honor local history: Each runner will start with a wooden token, designed to resemble Mrs. Myrtie P. Brooks' ring.
• Race start: The race will begin with the blast of a conch shell, a tribute to Eber Murray, one of the first settlers of Orwell.
• Halfway point: Runners will drop off their ring at the bandits camp.
• Finish strong: Runners will finish 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.

• Finish anywhere: Picture yourself running through history, echoing the footsteps of bandits.
• Shiny medal: Once you’ve completed your race, you’ll earn your own shiny medal.
• Affordable registration: For just $12, you’ll receive your medal shipped free in the USA.
• T-shirt option: Add an exclusive event T-shirt for only $15 more!

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.

• Imaginative adventure: It’s a fun and safe way for them to take part in a historic adventure.
• Affordable fun: For just $10, your little bandit will receive a shiny medal shipped free to their hideout (USA only).
• T-shirt option: Add a fun race T-shirt for $15.
• Open registration: The virtual race is open until April 25, 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!

For more information and to register, visit the race website.