After five years as a short-distance event, starting as a 5-miler before switching to a 10K, the Watuppa Trail Race went long in 2018 with the addition of a 30K race and a 50K ultramarathon. Both options proved popular, and the 50K provided a welcome addition to the growing ultra scene in southern Massachusetts.

After two successful years with the longer distances, organizers from Northeast Race Management were gearing up for the 2020 event when the COVID-19 pandemic forced races throughout the Commonwealth and across the country to shut down. Ultimately, the pandemic took a hard toll on Watuppa, forcing the event to go into a two-year hibernation with the 2020 and 2021 races wiped out. 

Finally, the wait for Watuppa is over. This week race organizers announced on Facebook that the Watuppa Trail Races will return at 8 a.m. Sunday, May 15, at Watuppa Reservation in Fall River, Mass. This year’s race – the eighth running of Watuppa and third edition of the ultra – will once again include 50K, 30K and 10K distance offerings.

Runners will take on a 10K loop course consisting of rolling hills, fire roads, and some singletrack dirt as well as a little bit of pavement. Registration opens Sunday, Feb. 6. Cost is $40 per runner through Feb. 28 and then increases to $45 per runner. Registration is being handled at UltraSignup.