Cody Cutler may be a relatively new guy on the ultrarunning scene, having run his first ultras just last year, but he has quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. Continue reading Massive Performance: Cutler Smashes Midstate FKT in Unsupported Style
All posts by Chris Wristen
Hollis Running to Support Massachusetts Homeless Community Hit Hard by Pandemic
Ever since he was young, Eric Hollis has had a strong curiosity about and deep empathy for the homeless, a part of the population that he says is largely misunderstood and too often ignored.
“I’ve always felt that the homeless community has been forgotten about or misinterpreted,” Hollis said. “I remember being young and going to visit some cities with my family and always wanting to give money to the homeless, who were obviously struggling. Throughout my entire life, I’ve heard the generalized argument about how homeless people did this to themselves, and that they’re just addicted to drugs or alcohol and that was their choice. I’ve always felt like that was the wrong viewpoint and that if given the opportunity to hear their stories the perspective would likely be different.”
As he grew older, the empathy Hollis felt during those trips to places like Boston and New York City only strengthened. Continue reading Hollis Running to Support Massachusetts Homeless Community Hit Hard by Pandemic
Trail-Running Film Festival Announces June Screening
The global pandemic caused by the new coronavirus forced Rainshadow Running to cancel races, but the organization relocated its popular Trail-Running Film Festival from theatres to the internet. Continue reading Trail-Running Film Festival Announces June Screening
Virtual Spring Classic Winners Crowned for Creative Routes
The global pandemic caused by the new coronavirus may have cost runners the opportunity to gather together for the Trail Animals Running Club’s popular Spring Classic trail races on April 25, but the pandemic couldn’t stop the race’s spirit. Continue reading Virtual Spring Classic Winners Crowned for Creative Routes
Race Directors Embrace Virtual Options to Keep Runners Motivated During Pandemic
The Trail Animals Running Club’s annual TARC Spring Classic is one of the most popular trail-running events in Massachusetts, drawing more than 300 runners to the trails of Weston each April to tackle distances from 10K to 50K. The 10th annual Spring Classic was scheduled for Saturday, April 25, and it was shaping up to be another busy day on the trails with hundreds of runners once again signed up to race.
As the global pandemic caused by the new coronavirus and the disease it causes, COVID-19, expanded its spread across the state and the country, the race’s future was put in doubt. Then, following an order by Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker limiting the size of gatherings to no more than 50 people to help slow the spread of COVID-19, Spring Classic co-Race Directors Annie Gagliardi and Michael McDuffie announced on Wednesday, March 18, that the race was canceled.
The Spring Classic was the second TARC race and third in Massachusetts to cancel due to COVID-19. That number has since grown to eight cancellations, three postponements, and another that will take place as a virtual race. That means that after kicking off the year with the G.A.C. Fat Ass 50K and the Cape Cod Frozen Fat Ass 50K in January and the TARCtic Frozen Yeti on Feb. 1-2, the earliest the next in-person ultra in Massachusetts might take place is July. That’s a long time for ultrarunners to go without connecting with their trail tribe. Some race directors are doing what they can to minimize that disconnect even if races can’t take place in person at the moment by introducing virtual races, a concept that has exploded in popularity nationwide during the pandemic. Continue reading Race Directors Embrace Virtual Options to Keep Runners Motivated During Pandemic
Chesterfield Gorge Ultra Postponed Due to COVID-19
After weeks of waiting for clarity on the impact of the global pandemic caused by the new coronavirus and the disease it causes, COVID-19, a decision was made today to postpone the Chesterfield Gorge Ultra and 25K. Continue reading Chesterfield Gorge Ultra Postponed Due to COVID-19
Watuppa 50K Canceled Due to COVID-19
After weeks of holding out hope, the organizers of the Watuppa 50K, 30K and 10K trail races announced on Monday that the event was canceled. Continue reading Watuppa 50K Canceled Due to COVID-19
