Miles the Marmot Reports Back on a Record-Breaking Year for Hike-a-Thon

Miles the Marmot here! I’m so excited to report on the incredible success of Hike-a-Thon 2021. This year’s event was a blast — and I was honored to serve as your spokesmarmot. My favorite part of the month was spotting dedicated Hike-a-Thoners on trails across the state. If you heard a whistle, that was me and my marmot pals cheering you on. The humans at WTA have let me know that Hike-a-Thoners surpassed all expectations — and broke last year’s fundraising record. Hike-a-Thoners efforts are helping to make WTA’s vision of trails for everyone, forever possible. 

Miles the Marmot, WTA's official spokesmarmot for Hike-a-Thon. Photo by Barbara Johnson. 

Let’s check out the ground-breaking numbers, shall we?

• Hike-a-Thoners registered: 587
• Teams registered: 68
• Miles hiked: 14,903
• Elevation gained: 2,512,831 feet
• Dollars raised for trails: $229,671 — a new Hike-a-Thon record!
• Miles the Marmot sightings: Countless

You can review the Hike-a-Thon Hall of Fame below to see the 2021 prize winners. We are so grateful for every hiker who participated! 

Our inspiring Hike-a-Thoners

WTA was fortunate to have hundreds of enthusiastic participants supporting Hike-a-Thon this year. 

Hike-a-Thoner Linda was just one of those energetic hikers. Linda has participated in 100 trail work parties. During Hike-a-Thon 2021, she hiked 102 miles and raised over $700 for trails. 

“I love raising money and giving back to the trails I love and work on during the year. Hike-a-Thon is something I look forward to every year. Looking forward to Hike-a-Thon gives me additional motivation to work on my fitness and get into Hike-a-Thon shape.”

Matching gift challenge

WTA’s 18th annual Hike-a-Thon had another first: a matching gift challenge! Each new Hike-a-Thoner had the opportunity for the funds they raised to be matched by a generous donor, up to $20,000. Our incredible new participants proved they could rise to the challenge and raised more than that, unlocking at $20,000 in matching funds to support WTA. 

Sponsors

Thank you to the generous sponsors who supported the 18th annual Hike-a-Thon — we couldn’t have done it without your support! 

Wow! I speak (squeak?) for everyone at WTA when I say thank you to each person who participated in and supported Hike-a-Thon this year. This was my first year as the official spokesmarmot and it was so much fun to see the hikers out on trail! I’m a big believer in trails for everyone, forever, so I am glad that Hike-a-Thoners are making WTA’s work on trails possible. 

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to have a celebratory wildflower feast up in the mountains.