The TARC Spring Classic holds a special place in the history of the Trail Animals Running Club as it was the first new event created specifically for the TARC Trail Series. The event has played host to some of the largest gatherings of Trail Animals in the club’s history – as well as some of the wettest gatherings of Trail Animals.

The TARC Spring Classic isn’t the first event in the Trail Animals Running Club’s annual TARC Trail Series, but it holds a significant position in the lineup.

The Trail Animals Running Club played host to the 13th edition of the TARC Spring Classic 50K, marathon, half marathon and 10K trail races, as well as the inaugural free youth fun run, on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Jericho Woods in Weston, Mass. In typical Spring Classic fashion, the crowd of 346 runners endured rain and soggy trails for much of the day.

WESTON, Mass. – A steady rain fell as runners gathered under pop-up tents or beneath hatchbacks while awaiting the start of the 12th edition of the Trail Animals Running Club’s TARC Spring Classic on Saturday, April 20, at the Jericho Woods. In keeping with Spring Classic tradition, the wet weather arrived on cue, turning parts of the course slick and others squishy for the nearly 300 runners who showed up to race the 50K, marathon, half marathon and 10K offerings.

The 12th edition of the Trail animals Running Club’s TARC Spring Classic took place on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the Jericho Woods in Weston, Mass. Runners took on a variety of distances, including a 50K ultramarathon, marathon, half marathon and 10K. The following are a small sample of photos from the day taken by MassUltra Editor Chris Wristen. Click here to view a full gallery.

The 12th edition of the Trail animals Running Club’s TARC Spring Classic took place on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the Jericho Woods in Weston, Mass. Runners took on a variety of distances, including a 50K ultramarathon, marathon, half marathon and 10K.

WESTON, Mass. – Shortly after crossing the finish line at the Trail Animals Running Club’s TARC Spring Classic, Johnathan Charles settled into a camp chair to give his legs a break. Sweat glistened on his brow and his lungs still burned from the effort, though his breathing had settled into a comfortable rhythm. Tired and content, he sported a grin from ear to ear.

Charles had good reason to be smiling – he’d just completed his first trail race and longest run ever.

The Trail Animals Running Club played host to the 11th running of the TARC Spring Classic on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at the Jericho Woods in Weston, Mass. Around 300 runners took part in the various distance offerings, from a 50K ultra to marathon, half marathon and 10K distances.