Tag Archives: Massachusetts

Stimac Sets Course Record, Bonito Tops Men’s Field at Mt. Toby 50K

Samantha Stimac has been a force on the Midwest ultrarunning scene since making her debut at the 2019 Frozen Gnome 50K in Illinois as a 24-year-old. Stimac finished third that day, and it was just the beginning of what has been a successful series of ultras in the years that followed.

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Results: Mt. Toby Ultra and 24K

Race Director Amy Rusiecki’s Beast Coast Trail Running played host to the third running of the Mt. Toby Ultra and 24K trail races on Saturday, April 8, in Sunderland, Mass. More than 150 runners took part in either the 50K ultra or 24K races on the singletrack and doubletrack trails of Mt. Toby, with around 7,000 feet of climbing for the ultra and 2,700 feet of climbing for the shorter distance.

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Grip, Zhang, Taradash Have Big Days as TARC Returns to Hale

WESTWOOD, Mass. – When the Trail Animals gathered at Hale Reservation in early February, it was an unforgettably frigid affair as a historic cold snap plunged temperatures well below zero for the TARCtic Frozen Yeti. Seven weeks later, the Trail Animals returned to Hale on Saturday, March 25, for the sixth running of the club’s To Hale and Back 6-Hour Ultra, and the runners encountered a completely different experience.

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Photos: TARC To Hale and Back 6-Hour Ultra

The Trail Animals Running Club played host to the sixth running of the TARC To Hale and Back 6-Hour Ultra and “heavy” 5K on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at Hale Reservation in Westwood, Mass. Runners took on a 3.5-mile loop course on mostly singletrack trails, and they were treated to some of the best weather conditions in the event’s history with dry trail conditions and temperatures in the mid-30s to low 40s with just a few sprinkles and some sleet near the end. This gallery includes a small sample of photos taken by MassUltra Editor Chris Wristen during the event. A full gallery of 83 photos can be viewed on the MassUltra Facebook page.

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Free Spirit 50K Offers Trip Through History with New Ultra

When Laure and Tom Van den Broeck Raffensperger founded the New England Green River Marathon, they crafted an event that took runners on a scenic journey through rural communities and past 1800s-era infrastructure while traveling through two states.

For their newest creation – the Free Spirit 50K Ultra – they invite runners to turn back the clock even further.

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Forged in Florida: Chance Meeting Sets Stage for Showdown at Frozen Yeti

WESTWOOD, Mass. – Gordon Collins knows the questions that are about to come his way. He hasn’t been prepped for the interview or told what he’ll be asked in advance. But come on, how could he not anticipate being asked about the most obvious detail about the TARCtic Frozen Yeti 30-Hour Ultra?

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From Ice to Nice: Sub-Zero Temps Give Way to Warmth at Frozen Yeti

WESTWOOD, Mass. – Katya Divari’s eyes were locked on the narrow segment of singletrack trail. One last downhill, a final web of tangled tree roots and a quick uphill awaited her as she closed in on the finish line at Powissett Lodge. She made quick work of the descent, danced deftly through the roots and then paused before the final climb. The sun warmed the left side of her face as she spread her arms and looked up toward the blue sky above.

“Can you believe it?” Divari asked, a smile gracing her face. “So much better than yesterday.”

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