Category Archives: TARC

TARC

Medford’s Connelly, Cambridge’s Hoffman Win Wapack 50-Miler

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Neither Timothy Connelly nor Jenny Hoffman had raced the Wapack and Back 50-miler prior to this year, but that didn’t matter on race day. Both are seasoned ultrarunning veterans, and it showed with their performance in claiming the top spots at the 11th annual event on Saturday, May 13, in Ashburnham, Mass. Continue reading Medford’s Connelly, Cambridge’s Hoffman Win Wapack 50-Miler →

TARC

DRB Sticks to its Roots with Challenging Running, Close-Knit Camaraderie

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MILTON, Mass. – Every April since 1897, runners from around the globe have flocked to Massachusetts to take part in the iconic Boston Marathon. Now one of the world’s largest marathons and among the most recognized events in all of sports, Boston has captured the imagination, hopes and dreams of runners for 121 years.

While Boston may be the big show (27,221 runners started this year’s race), there’s another race in town that’s iconic in its own right, albeit on a much smaller scale and on a course that’s far more difficult to follow. The Trail Animals Running Club’s “Don’t Run Boston” trail ultras are a New England ultrarunning cult classic. Continue reading DRB Sticks to its Roots with Challenging Running, Close-Knit Camaraderie →

TARC

Despite Rain, Runners Shine at Spirited Spring Classic

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WESTON, Mass. – It was close to 5 p.m. when Kevin Paige emerged from the woods and the finish line came into view. A look of relief and an exuberant grin spread across his face as he stretched his arms out wide with joy.

“You guys are still here!” proclaimed Paige, 47. “Oh my God! I can’t believe you guys are still here!”

Paige’s 50K race hadn’t gone quite as he’d hoped at the Trail Animals Running Club’s TARC Spring Classic on Saturday, April 22. His legs gave him problems after two loops of the five-loop course. Determined to finish what he started, he gritted his way through the ultramarathon, battled the elements and the trail, and earned his finish. After more than eight hours on the trails, however, he spent the final miles worried that he’d return to the start/finish only to find everyone had left, and his bag – with the keys to his truck inside – would be gone.

The Trail Animals’ motto is “Leave No Animal Behind,” however, and this day was no different. Paige was greeted with applause and open arms, and his keys were right where he left them so he could make it home to Manchester, N.H., that evening.

From the first across the finish line to the back of the pack, runners didn’t allow a steady drizzle or temperatures in the upper 30s to low 40s dampen their day or their spirits. Instead, around 350 runners took part in the Spring Classic, running in the 50K, marathon, half marathon or 10K, in what was one of the largest crowds ever for the seventh annual event. Continue reading Despite Rain, Runners Shine at Spirited Spring Classic →

TARC

6 Hours of Slush, Ice and Snow Usher in New TARC Season

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WESTWOOD, Mass. – A light drizzle pelted around 100 runners gathered in front of Powissett Lodge a few minutes before 8 a.m. on Saturday, March 25. A feeling of anxiety filled the air as they listened to race director Josh Katzman’s final instructions prior to the start of To Hale and Back, the six-hour trail ultramarathon that officially kicked off the Trail Animals Running Club’s new season.

“As always, look out for each other while you’re out there – especially today,” Katzman said. Continue reading 6 Hours of Slush, Ice and Snow Usher in New TARC Season →