The ultrarunning scene is reopening slowly and cautiously as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to increase its presence throughout the United States. Only a handful of in-person races have taken place in recent weeks, most of them in the West, with minimal representation from New England residents who would be required to travel cross-country. Two Massachusetts men made the journey and represented the region at the USATF Utah 50-Mile Trail Championships at the Squaw Peak 50 on June 13 in Utah, and we have them covered in this edition of the roundup. Continue reading MassUltra Roundup: Squaw Peak 50
Tag Archives: ultrarunning
From the Editor’s Desk: The Tools to Grow
A few weeks ago I woke up early and went for a short run around the neighborhood – 2.23 miles. The run was in honor of Ahmaud Arbery, on what would have been his 26th birthday had he not been chased down and killed by a white former police officer and his son on Feb. 23 for running while Black in a white Georgia neighborhood. Continue reading From the Editor’s Desk: The Tools to Grow
Massasoit 50K, Formerly Known as Big Bear, Set for October Return
When Northeast Race Management played host to its first 50K – then known as the Big Bear 50K – at DCR Massasoit State Park in East Taunton in 2017, a spirited race unfolded and ultimately went down to the wire with Cambridge resident Padraig Mullins holding off Andover’s Joe Loureiro by less than two minutes. Continue reading Massasoit 50K, Formerly Known as Big Bear, Set for October Return
Ghost Train is Latest Local Ultra Canceled Due to Pandemic
The Trail Animals Running Club won’t be haunting the Brookline to Milford Rail Trail this year. After holding out hope for several months that the club’s popular TARC Ghost Train Rail Trail Races could take place as scheduled on Oct. 17-18 in Brookline, N.H., Race Directors Theresa and Kurt Berna announced Wednesday evening on Facebook that the 12th annual event was canceled. Continue reading Ghost Train is Latest Local Ultra Canceled Due to Pandemic
MassUltra Roundup: Bryce Canyon Ultras
After a hiatus of a few months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Roundup is back with the Bryce Canyon Ultras. Very few ultras are taking place anywhere right now, but the organizers of the Bryce Canyon Ultras pulled off their event May 30-31 in Utah with a trio of New England runners in attendance. Continue reading MassUltra Roundup: Bryce Canyon Ultras
TARC Summer Classic Canceled Due to COVID-19
After holding out hope for several months that the event could happen, Race Director Michael Barrett announced today on Facebook that the Trail Animals Running Club’s TARC Summer Classic was officially canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue reading TARC Summer Classic Canceled Due to COVID-19
Cape Cod Moves ‘Y-Not’ 50K Canceled
The third running of the Cape Cod Move ‘Y-Not’ Trail Races have been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue reading Cape Cod Moves ‘Y-Not’ 50K Canceled
Pandemic Forces Additional Changes to BURCS Race Series
The Berkshire Ultra Running Community for Service (BURCS) this morning announced several changes to its annual BURCS Race Series due to the continuing uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue reading Pandemic Forces Additional Changes to BURCS Race Series
Massive Performance: Cutler Smashes Midstate FKT in Unsupported Style
Cody Cutler may be a relatively new guy on the ultrarunning scene, having run his first ultras just last year, but he has quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. Continue reading Massive Performance: Cutler Smashes Midstate FKT in Unsupported Style
Hollis Running to Support Massachusetts Homeless Community Hit Hard by Pandemic
Ever since he was young, Eric Hollis has had a strong curiosity about and deep empathy for the homeless, a part of the population that he says is largely misunderstood and too often ignored.
“I’ve always felt that the homeless community has been forgotten about or misinterpreted,” Hollis said. “I remember being young and going to visit some cities with my family and always wanting to give money to the homeless, who were obviously struggling. Throughout my entire life, I’ve heard the generalized argument about how homeless people did this to themselves, and that they’re just addicted to drugs or alcohol and that was their choice. I’ve always felt like that was the wrong viewpoint and that if given the opportunity to hear their stories the perspective would likely be different.”
As he grew older, the empathy Hollis felt during those trips to places like Boston and New York City only strengthened. Continue reading Hollis Running to Support Massachusetts Homeless Community Hit Hard by Pandemic
