NipMuck Trail Marathon

The out and back run follows the northern section of the Nipmuck Trail.

WHAT IT'S NOT: These days you have an overwhelming array of choices for outdoor adventures. This race seeks to preserve many of the qualities from the early days of the New England trail racing scene. You won't find: Festival: We aren't striving to create a massive festival atmosphere with a half-dozen different race formats, post-race massage tents, live bands or free beer. In fact, the race 'venue' will materialize out of nowhere at 6am on Sunday morning on a quiet backroad in eastern CT. Gimmicks: You want climbing walls, flaming hay bales, electro-shock treatments? Go run Tough Mudder or a Warrior Dash. All of our obstacles were created by Mother Nature - rocks, roots, mud - and are what they are - the original obstacle course…

Technology: No chip timing, no large screen video, no live results feed, no PA systems, no inflatable finish line arches. Timing the old fashioned way - with a stopwatch and clipboard, results posted 'live' on the side of a tree every 10 runners or so. Excessive Trail Markings: The course will not be streamered from start to finish. This course follows the Nipmuck Trail, which is very well marked with blue blazes but it is still quite possible to go off course if you're not paying attention. We'll put out signs at major trail turns - but basically the onus is on you to watch for the blue blazes and stay on course. TIP: Don't trust that the guy/gal in front of you is paying attention - many have been led astray before you. Pre Qualifications: In the past you may have needed prior trail running credentials to get into this race. No more. This is not an easy trail race and we caution newbies not to underestimate the Nipmuck, particularly if you've only recently come over to trails from road running. If you want to make sure you've got what it takes, we'll be organizing training runs on the course - come get a preview. All proceeds after expenses are donated to local trail stewardship organizations. Sure, we 'could' make the entry fee cheaper and still cover our costs - but we want to make sure these trails are maintained and preserved for generations to come so pony up and support the cause.