Yearly Archives: 2018

TNFEC

More Fast Times, Less Heat at Second TNFEC-Wachusett Mountain Ultras

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PRINCETON, Mass. – When The North Face Endurance Challenge—Massachusetts made its debut at Wachusett Mountain in 2017, it challenged runners in the 50-mile and 50K ultramarathons with more than just rugged climbs to Wachusett’s summit and technical, rolling trails through Leominster State Forest. On that day, the temperature soared to nearly 90 degrees and the woods were steamy. It was as though runners entered a sauna, and the scalding rocks from the heater were scattered on the floor for the tired, sweaty occupants to navigate through.

Year Two welcomed runners with ideal conditions on Saturday, June 9, as runners in the 50-miler began their race by headlamp, tackling dry trails in comfortable temperatures in the mid-50s. The day grew warmer as the race progressed, ultimately topping out in the mid-70s, but a consistent light breeze and shaded trails along the mountainside and through the forest created a comfortable environment that fostered some fast times. Continue reading More Fast Times, Less Heat at Second TNFEC-Wachusett Mountain Ultras →

Chesterfield Gorge

Trio of Women Earn Victories at Inaugural Chesterfield Gorge Ultra

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From the support of friends and runners to the establishment of new traditions and the creation of a race of her very own, there was plenty about the inaugural Chesterfield Gorge Ultra that excited race director Amy Rusiecki. That said, her enthusiasm also extended to the overall results – in particular, she was pumped about the performance of the women. Continue reading Trio of Women Earn Victories at Inaugural Chesterfield Gorge Ultra →

TNFEC

Results: TNFEC-Wachusett Mountain

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The second annual The North Face Endurance Challenge—Massachusetts took place June 9-10 at Wachusett Mountain in Princeton, Mass. Runners took part in 50-mile and 50K ultramarathons on Saturday, as well as a marathon and team relay. A half marathon, 10K, and 5K were offered on Sunday. Results from the ultramarathon distances are provided below. Continue reading Results: TNFEC-Wachusett Mountain →

Features

Going Global: Transvulcania Kicks Off Next Chapter of Caron’s Career

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Ever since he burst onto the ultrarunning scene in September 2015 as a precocious 18-year-old at the TARC Fall Classic 50-miler, many in New England wondered how long it would take for Patrick Caron to showcase is talent on a larger stage. Continue reading Going Global: Transvulcania Kicks Off Next Chapter of Caron’s Career →

Roundup

MassUltra Roundup: Salomon OutdoorFest, Kettle Moraine, New Jersey, Lighthouse, and Dam Yeti

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While nearly 80 runners took part in the inaugural Chesterfield Gorge Ultras and 25K on June 2-3, a handful of others headed beyond the Bay State to tackle new trails at new races. Some, like Cambridge resident Carly Tucker, traveled to nearby New York and earned a podium finish at the Salomon OutdoorFest, or Quincy’s Matthew McKenna, who won a 50K in New Jersey. Others, like Milton’s Oliver Truog and Boston’s Greg Watson, headed to the heartland and ran 100 miles and 100 kilometers, respectively, at the Kettle Moraine Endurance Runs. In addition to those races, local runners earned finishes at the Lighthouse Ultras in Michigan and the Dam Yeti 50 in Virginia. Continue reading MassUltra Roundup: Salomon OutdoorFest, Kettle Moraine, New Jersey, Lighthouse, and Dam Yeti →

Northeast Race Management

No Big Bear? No Problem: Venue Change Doesn’t Deter Runners at Watuppa

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When construction delays at the DCR Massasoit State Park campgrounds created uncertainty about Northeast Race Management’s ability to play host to the Big Bear 50K and 30K races this year, race organizers didn’t spend much time fretting. Instead, they got to work searching for a new venue to make sure runners could still have an opportunity to race.

The solution came on the familiar trails of Watuppa Reservation in Fall River, Mass., where Northeast Race Management was already putting on trail races at shorter distances. Instead of a one-day affair, they expanded it to a two-day distance-running festival and rolled over runners’ Big Bear entries into the ultramarathon and 30K races at the Watuppa Trail Races. The end result was that runners still had an opportunity to compete, and they were treated to a warm day of racing on a five-loop course on Sunday, May 20. Continue reading No Big Bear? No Problem: Venue Change Doesn’t Deter Runners at Watuppa →

G.A.C.

Smith’s Streak Continues, Jackson Earns Elusive Win at Mother’s Day 6-Hour

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William Jackson and Kristen Smith have been mainstays near the front of the pack in recent years at the G.A.C. Mother’s Day 6-Hour Run, with Smith earning a few victories and Jackson coming close.

At the 24th annual race, which took place Sunday, May 13, at Bradley Palmer State Forest in Topsfield, Mass., Smith once again claimed the top spot among the women while Jackson finally secured the top spot among the men. Continue reading Smith’s Streak Continues, Jackson Earns Elusive Win at Mother’s Day 6-Hour →