Category Archives: TARC

TARC

100 Miles and More: Harper, McNally, Ung Go Beyond the Distance at Ghost Train

Leave a comment

Runners have had the option of going beyond 100 miles for several years at the Ghost Train Rail Trail Races; it’s a time-based event, after all, rather than distance-specific.

A handful of participants have contemplated running bonus miles after finishing 100 during the 30-hour event in years past, but only three had done so — Byron Lane and Karna Hyman both ran 115 miles in 2012 and Alex Cabrera completed 105 miles in 2018. Continue reading 100 Miles and More: Harper, McNally, Ung Go Beyond the Distance at Ghost Train →

TARC

Runners Handle the Heat at Sun-Soaked Fall Classic

3 Comments

CARLISLE, Mass. — The fall feelings didn’t last long. Shortly after the headlamps were ditched and the sun rose over Great Brook Farm State Park on Saturday, Sept. 28, the ninth annual TARC Fall Classic turned into a toasty trail-running affair.

Gone were the 49-degree temperatures that chilled runners as they huddled at the starting line. In their place were sunny skies, lots of sweat and a 70-degree morning that evolved into an 80-degree afternoon. It made for challenging conditions on a day where many in attendance were likely eager to enjoy the cooler comfort that late September typically brings to New England. Several runners withdrew as the day progressed, but many persevered and some had breakthrough performances. The Fall Classic’s 10-mile loop course is designed to be fast with its good footing and rolling hills, and this year’s 50-mile and 50K ultramarathons didn’t disappoint. Continue reading Runners Handle the Heat at Sun-Soaked Fall Classic →

TARC

With 100 on the Horizon, LeBlanc Blazes at Summer Classic

Leave a comment

The Idaho Mountain Trail Ultra Festival (IMTUF) 100-miler is a month away, but that didn’t stop Samantha LeBlanc from entering the TARC Summer Classic for a tune-up run.

IMTUF is a rugged mountain race, whereas the Summer Classic on Saturday, Aug. 10, had plenty of rocks and roots but a lot more runnable surface on the trails of Noon Hill Reservation in Medfield, Mass. That meant there’d be a lot more running and a lot less power-hiking practice for LeBlanc – and she made the most of the opportunity to throw down some speed. Continue reading With 100 on the Horizon, LeBlanc Blazes at Summer Classic →

TARC

After Chilly Spring, Warmth Returns for Wapack and Back

Leave a comment

After training through what has been an unseasonably cool spring, runners were granted a reprieve from the rain, clouds and dampness at the 13th annual Wapack and Back 50-mile, 43-mile and 21.5-mile trail races on Saturday, May 11, in Ashburnham, Mass.

After starting by the glow of headlamps at 5 a.m. at Mt. Watatic State Park, runners of the ultramarathon distances soon ditched their lights and endured the direct sun of a mostly clear day where the temperature rose into the 70s. Continue reading After Chilly Spring, Warmth Returns for Wapack and Back →

TARC

Burke, Damon Splash, Dash to Victories in Spring Classic 50K

Leave a comment

WESTON, Mass. – Of course it rained. It was always going to happen. This is the Spring Classic, after all.

The Trail Animals Running Club’s Spring Classic has established its share of traditions through the years – the yeti howl at the start; the wooden “trophies” foraged from the course; the MarketBasket sushi tray for volunteers – but perhaps the most predictable feature of the early-season event is rain. Nearly every Spring Classic has experienced at least a bit of the wet stuff, usually during pre-race set-up or at some point in the first loop or two of the race. Continue reading Burke, Damon Splash, Dash to Victories in Spring Classic 50K →