For 13 years, The North Face Endurance Challenge was a staple of American trail- and ultrarunning – including the past three years in Massachusetts. The 2019 races were the last for the series, however. This morning, Friday, Dec. 20, The North Face announced the series is being canceled and hinted that a new format will follow. Continue reading North Face Cancels Endurance Challenge for 2020, Teases New Format →

With just one ultramarathon finish on his resume prior to the 50-mile race on Saturday, June 8, at The North Face Endurance Challenge in Princeton, Mass., Noah Howard’s victory likely turned a few heads.

A man who raced alongside Howard during last year’s TNFEC 50-miler at Wachusett Mountain surely saw it coming, however. Continue reading Howard’s Huge Day Ends in Victory at Wachusett Mountain →

PRINCETON, Mass. – When The North Face Endurance Challenge—Massachusetts made its debut at Wachusett Mountain in 2017, it challenged runners in the 50-mile and 50K ultramarathons with more than just rugged climbs to Wachusett’s summit and technical, rolling trails through Leominster State Forest. On that day, the temperature soared to nearly 90 degrees and the woods were steamy. It was as though runners entered a sauna, and the scalding rocks from the heater were scattered on the floor for the tired, sweaty occupants to navigate through.

Year Two welcomed runners with ideal conditions on Saturday, June 9, as runners in the 50-miler began their race by headlamp, tackling dry trails in comfortable temperatures in the mid-50s. The day grew warmer as the race progressed, ultimately topping out in the mid-70s, but a consistent light breeze and shaded trails along the mountainside and through the forest created a comfortable environment that fostered some fast times. Continue reading More Fast Times, Less Heat at Second TNFEC-Wachusett Mountain Ultras →

The second annual The North Face Endurance Challenge-Massachusetts took place May 9-10 at Wachusett Mountain in Princeton, Mass. The following is just a sample of the larger photo gallery that is available on the MassUltra Facebook page. Continue reading Photos: TNFEC-Wachusett Mountain →

The second annual The North Face Endurance Challenge—Massachusetts took place June 9-10 at Wachusett Mountain in Princeton, Mass. Runners took part in 50-mile and 50K ultramarathons on Saturday, as well as a marathon and team relay. A half marathon, 10K, and 5K were offered on Sunday. Results from the ultramarathon distances are provided below. Continue reading Results: TNFEC-Wachusett Mountain →

PRINCETON, Mass. – It took a decade for The North Face Endurance Challenge to venture into New England. When it finally did, runners were treated to a whopper of a course as the region’s diverse and difficult terrain lived up to its reputation. Continue reading New England Tough: Burly Course Tests Runners at TNFEC-MA →