After 18 years as a 50-mile and marathon event, the Stone Cat organizers merged the two distances into one 50K race in 2019. The result was spirited competition in both the women’s and men’s fields where strong performances were plentiful and the outcome was in doubt until the final trip around the three-loop course. By the end of the day, the reinvented Stone Cat was an instant classic.

Organizers and runners alike were optimistic that the 2020 race would be just as successful; all indications were that would be the case — that is, until the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in the United States and forced hundreds of races to be canceled, Stone Cat included. Runners and organizers were disappointed, but they looked to 2021 with hope and optimism that the race could return.

On 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 29, registration will open for the Stone Cat 50K. The race is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 6, at Willowdale State Forest in Ipswich, Mass.

When runners return to the starting line in 2021, all will be eager to reunite with their community to share dozens of miles. Additionally, some will have their sights set on chasing down course records. Boston resident Cori Nawn established the women’s course standard in 2019 with her win in 4:39:49, while Cambridge resident Jason Smith set the men’s mark in 3:49:42.