WESTWOOD, Mass. – On paper, Robert Lynch’s decision to go back out for one more loop seemed like wishful thinking.
Lynch already had seven loops and 24.5 miles on his legs. His previous three trips through the 3.5-mile course had taken the 46-year-old from Sharon, Mass., 47, 48 and 54 minutes, respectively. If he wanted to complete one more and have it count, he had to do it in less than 46 minutes.
The center of New England ultrarunning during the March 25-27 weekend was Hale Reservation in Westwood, Mass., where the Trail Animals Running Club welcomed runners back to the To Hale and Back 6-Hour Ultra following a two-year pandemic-induced hiatus, but a handful of runners from the region headed elsewhere to explore new trails. Two of them delivered head-turning performances in Utah, with Newton’s Nick Poles placing second overall in his 100-mile debut at Antelope Island and Rhode Island’s Ben Quatromoni earning a podium spot in Moab. Those performances highlight this week’s roundup.
The Trail Animals Running Club welcomed runners back to Hale Reservation for the return of the To Hale and Back 6-Hour Ultra on Saturday, March 26, 2022, following a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Runners were treated to near-perfect running conditions with mostly dry terrain, mostly sunny skies, and comfortable temperatures. The following are a sample of photos from the day taken by MassUltra editor Chris Wristen. To view a full photo gallery, visit the MassUltra Facebook page at this link.
The Trail Animals Running Club’s annual spring kickoff – the To Hale and Back 6-Hour Ultra and 5K – returned from a two-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on Saturday, March 26, 2022, at Hale Reservation in Westwood, Mass. Runners were treated to near-perfect running conditions with a 42-degree start under partly cloudy skies, ultimately warming to 53 degrees and sunny by noon before some afternoon clouds rolled in and a breeze began to cool the course during the final hours as runners tackled their final trips around the 3.5-mile loop course.
Spring is beginning to make its presence felt in New England, but ultrarunners from the region ventured to the South and West in pursuit of warmer temperatures and fast running during the March 19-20 weekend. Several runners turned in strong ultra debut performances, including Harvard’s Nicholas Rindenello and Connecticut’s Eric Collins, while others like Carolyn Stocker returned to racing after some time away and quickly shook off the rust. From California and Idaho, to North Carolina and Florida, to Pennsylvania, there’s plenty to read in this edition of the roundup.
Two up-and-comers on the Massachusetts ultrarunning scene delivered impressive performances at big races on March 12. Boston’s Jack Murrel threw down a dominant performance at the Bel Monte 50-miler in Virginia and set a course record along the way. Meanwhile, Stoneham’s Brian Brennan narrowly missed a podium finish in his ultra debut at the Griffith Park 50K in California. Those big performances lead off this edition of the roundup.
The end of February and start of March saw several New England residents turn in impressive ultramarathon performances at races throughout the country, including a few victories. Cambridge resident Rahul Singh and Norton’s Padraig Mullins won races in Alabama and New York, respectively, while Boston’s Lynnsey Martin finished on the podium in Arizona. Those performances and more are included in this edition of the roundup.
From ultramarathon debut performances to returning to the sport after time away, the Feb. 19-20 weekend saw Massachusetts ultrarunners turn in some memorable performances at races around the country. From West Virginia to Florida and Kansas, we have them covered in this edition of the roundup.
Scott Traer is no stranger to laying it all on the line at an ultramarathon. The resident of Woburn, Mass., has been among New England’s fastest ultrarunners and fiercest racers any time he toes the line. On Saturday, Feb. 12, he earned an opportunity to test his abilities against some of the best competition in the world in June when he earned a Golden Ticket entry into the Western States Endurance run by finishing at the podium at the Black Canyon 100K. Traer’s sizzling performance leads off this edition of the roundup.
WESTWOOD, Mass. – Thirty miles and around 7 1/2 hours into his race, Patrick McEnaney made efficient work at the aid station. A wardrobe change, some extra snacks and refilled fluids, and he was ready to head back out for more. As McEnaney prepared to return to the trail, he paused to check in with a friend whose race was done and commend them for a successful day.
After a few congratulatory words and a fist bump, it was time to go.
“I have to get moving,” McEnaney said, a look of urgency on his face. “I’m starting to freeze.”