2021 TARC Trail Race Series
Your TARC race directors have been hard at work studying the evolving COVID-19 situation, rapidly changing state requirements, and the reopening plan, all the while trying to make decisions that put the safety of our runners and volunteers as the top priority. We appreciate the patience, support, and understanding you’ve showed during the past year, and we are excited to announce that registration is now open for the following 2021 races:
View and register for all 12 TARC Trail Series events here: https://ultrasignup.com/groups.aspx?gid=52
TARC Trail Series additional info – course maps, Facebook pages and stuff….
TARCtic Frozen Yeti 30-Hour Ultra and 15-Mile Trail Races
After the TARC 100 went into hibernation following its final running in 2016, the desire grew to once again give runners the opportunity to run 100 miles or more at Hale Reservation in Westwood, MA. Thus, in 2019, the TARCtic Frozen Yeti was born. Runners have the option of racing for up to 30 hours on a clover-leaf course consisting of three approximately 5-mile mini-loops, or taking part in a 15-mile race. Come prepared for anything in the unpredictable New England winter.
To Hale and Back 6-Hour Ultra and 5K Trail Races
To Hale and Back began in 2016 as a replacement for the original TARC Spring Thaw. This event takes place on a 5K trail loop course at Hale Reservation in Westwood, MA, and gives runners the option of racing a 5K or completing as many loops as possible during a 6-Hour window. True to its roots, the race has welcomed runners back to Hale Reservation sometimes with early-spring conditions where the trails are thawing, while other times the course has been packed with snow.
Don’t Run Boston 50K & TARC 50M Fun Runs
See separate website for more info, trail maps and entry form here
‘DRB’ is the original TARC trail race, launched in 1997 and run annually ever since, with the exception of 2020 due to COVID-19.
NOTE: The trails for this event are unmarked. It is strongly advised you run this event with either a veteran or after having thoroughly previewed/run the sections of the 50K or 50M course thoroughly. Otherwise you WILL get lost, frustrated, become starved and eventually be consumed by creatures of the Blue Hills 🙂
TARC Spring Classic
Click here for the Facbeook event page
A TARC staple since 2011, the TARC Spring Classic makes its home on the trails of Weston, MA. Runners can choose from 50K, marathon, half marathon, and 10K distances on a 10K trail loop course. The course has a few short climbs, but it’s mostly rolling hills and mildly-technical to easy-running terrain. Whether you’re a veteran seeking to run a PR or a first-time trail- or ultrarunner looking for a great introduction to the sport or a new distance, the Spring Classic is a great way to kick off the season and make some new friends or reconnect with old ones.
Wapack and Back
website: www.wapacktrailrace.com
Launched in 2007, the Wapack and Back Trail Races consist of a 50 mile ultramarathon and an end-to-end trail race run on the 21.5 mile Wapack Trail (www.wapack.org). Leading from Mt Watatic in Massachusetts to North Pack Mt in Greenfield, NH, the rocky ledges of this technical trail (approx 4600 ft elevation gain in each direction, 50 miler is around 10,800′ climb) afford views of the Boston skyline to the east, Berkshire and Green Mountains to the west and White Mountains to the north.
TARC Skyline Blue Hills
A New England classic, the Blue Hills Skyline Trail Run is 12K of challenging rocky terrain with several steep climbs in the Trail Animals native habitat of the Blue Hills Reservation in Milton, MA. The course (subject to change per request of DCR) is on the Blue Hills Reservation North & South Skyline Trail and Bugbee Path. Terrain is rocky and steep with staircase climbs and tumbling rock downhills. It has been described as “sneaky-hard!”. Runners can expect a challenging and satisfying jaunt along classic New England trails. Bonus: Stunning views of the Boston skyline! Lots of fun people on the trails!
TARC Summer Classic
Shattuck Trail Map
Noon Hill Trail Map
A staple of the TARC Trail Series since 2011, the TARC Summer Classic challenges runners with 40-mile and 50K distances on the trails of Noon Hill Reservation. The course starts/finishes at Holt Pond parking lot on Noon Hill Road in Medfield, MA, winding through Noon Hill Reservation. A beautiful but challenging 10 mile circuit consisting of mostly single track trail with varied terrain. With a dirt road into the starting area, one road crossing, and very few house sightings during the run, you will truly feel like you’re running in the wilderness, not in a suburb about 15 miles from Boston!
TARC Fall Classic
Course Map – Large
Course Map – Small Trail Map
Elevation Profile
A staple of the TARC Trail Series since 2011, the TARC Fall Classic takes place on the fast, easy-running trails of Great Brook Farm State Park in Carlisle, MA, with distance offerings of 50 miles, 50K, half marathon, and 10K. The course is stunning and will be a perfect New England fall setting for a beautiful trail run. The course is a 10M loop (with an early turn-off for the 10K race), is relatively flat, 100% runnable and have the usual roots, rocks and other “trippables” with which to contend. This is a great course for first-time trail runners as well as veterans who want to set a PR.
Ghost Train Rail Trail Race
Since 2009, runners have tackled big mileage on the rail trail between Milford and Brookline, NH. Runners have 30 hours to complete as many out-and-backs on the course, which is 15 miles round-trip. This Halloween-themed race is rumored to be haunted. In addition to the ultra, a 15-mile race and a relay are also offered. All of the proceeds for this race go to the Milford and Brookline Conservation Commissions. The money is used to maintain and improve the trails.
TARCkey Trot 6-Hour Ultra and 5K Trail Races
A new event starting in 2016, the TARCkey Trot 6-Hour Ultra and 5K trail races take place on a 5K loop trail at Wright-Locke Farm/Whipple Hill on the border of Lexington and Winchester, MA. The course will start at Wright-Locke, but will mostly wind its way through the remarkable singletrack of Whipple Hill, a 120-acre conservation featuring the highest point in historic Lexington The course is 5k, but don’t expect a PR (if you’re used to running on roads!). Each loop has around 400 feet of vertical gain, as well as several rocky areas. This is a great chance to stretch the legs and burn some calories before beginning to hibernate after that big dinner just a few days later! You’ll have the option to run it once, or as many times as you care to over 6 hours.
TARC Winter Fells Trail Ultra
One of TARC’s signature events, this small race is arguably the most challenging course of the TARC Trail Series as runners tackle four or five loops of the rocky, root-covered Skyline Trail in the 32-mile and 40-mile races at the Middlesex Fells Reservation in Stoneham, MA. The course is unmarked, other than the white blazes on the trees marking the loop. Look up for the blazes, but look down to watch out for rocks and roots.
Additional Links and Resources
Massachusetts Ultra Race Calendar
New England Ultra Race Calendar
MassUltra – Massachusetts Ultra News Coverage
Trails Collective – Northeast-focused Trail/Ultra News