When the Trail Animals Running Club announced the cancellation of the 2021 TARCtic Frozen Yeti, it was done with a promise.

“FROZEN YETI 2022 PROMISES TO BE AWESOME!” wrote Josh Katzman, who co-directs the race with Surjeet Paintal and Carolyn Shreck.

It was a positive spin on the disappointing news that the 2021 race was being canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic at a time when vaccines were not yet widely available and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts had strict restrictions in place on group gatherings. Still, it struck a note of hope and optimism that the Trail Animals are known for.

Eleven months following that announcement, the Trail Animals are holding firm on that promise. After extensive discussions and careful planning, the Frozen Yeti will officially return for 2022. The event will return with its traditional 30-hour ultra and 15-mile trail races on Jan. 29-30, at Hale Reservation in Westwood, Mass. Registration opens at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, on RunReg at this link. Entry fees are $80 for the ultra and $35 for the 15-miler.

Those who have run the event in previous years should be aware that a few significant changes are in store for 2022 that runners should be aware of prior to signing up. Some are related to the ongoing pandemic, while another will simply offer runners a different experience.

Changes related to the pandemic include making the event outdoors-only, meaning runners will not have access to the indoor space at Powisset Lodge as they did in previous years. The one, centrally-located aid station will be outdoors, drop bags will be kept outdoors, and port-a-potties will be available rather than indoor restrooms. Additionally, no pacers, crew, or spectators will be allowed to keep the numbers low and minimize congestion.

The other big change is that the 15-mile race will move from its traditional Sunday time slot to a night race beginning at 8 p.m. Saturday.

As in previous years, the event will include mandatory safety and required gear. An official listing will be determined close to race day as weather conditions become clearer, but that list likely will include items such as multiple pairs of gloves, hats, waterproof layers, headlamp, safety lights, and more. Prior editions of the Frozen Yeti have had nice weather in the 30s and 40s, as well as single-digit temperatures, snow and ice.

To learn more about the race and stay up-to-date on the latest Frozen Yeti news, check out the event’s Facebook page at this link.