Race Options

NipMuck offers two options for those who want to take on the Muck:

NipMuck Trail Marathon

The original NipMuck event. This 26.4 mile race on Connecticut's Nipmuck Trail offers it all: rocks, roots, mud, wood bridges and everything in between. A challenging trail race, and one that can't be missed!

NipMuck Relay

We are excited to offer a relay option to runners who want to tackle the NipMuck experience as a team. Relay teams consist of two runners, one of whom will complete the first half of the NipMuck course and the second runner who will complete the second half of the course. This event is perfect for runners who want to participate in the NipMuck experience but aren't ready for the full marathon distance, parents who want to bring the kids but both want to run in the race, or maybe pairs of speedy folks who would like to see an insanely fast time on the notoriously tricky course.

Additionally, to celebrate 40 years of NipMuck, we are also introducing a 40 mile option to challenge the die-hard fans. Much like the 35 mile option we offered 5 years ago, the 40 mile NipMuck option is limited-time, 2023 only! There will be an 11 hour cut-off for this option for runner safety.

Race shirts can be purchased as an add-on while registering, or after registration by clicking the 'Store' link below the UltraSignup banner. Shirt orders must be placed before September 12.

Logistics

If you don’t feel well the day of the race, please stay home for the sake of other runners and the volunteers.

The race start is at the corner of Lipps Rd and Perry Hill Rd in Ashford, CT. Runners should plan to be present for the pre-race briefing at 7:45am. The course cut offs are:
Reach the mid point ~ 12.4-mi mark in a time = 3h15m
Reach the 2nd turn around (Boston Hollow) ~ 19.4-mi mark in a time = 5h20m
Finish the race in a time = 8 h

More details to come for the 40 hour option, however there will likely be an earlier start time in addition to the stricter 11 hour cut-off to prevent runners from being out there in the dark.

Community of Races

NipMuck is a participant in the WMAC Grand Tree Trail Race Series and Blue-Blazed Trail Running Series

Course

The NipMuck Trail Marathon race course follows a 13 mile segment in the middle of the 36 mile Nipmuck Trail starting on Perry Hill Road in Ashford. The marathon runs south for 6.2 miles down to Rt 44, then back to the start, then north for 7 miles to Boston Hollow Road, then turns around and back to the finish at Perry Hill Road

60% of your time will be spent in the second half of the race due to hills and a bit more distance.
Alltrails first half map
Alltrails second half map

Shenipsit Striders

The Shenipsit Striders trail running club was started in 1975 by a small group of friends in northcentral Connecticut that wanted to get together for weekly runs in the woods. Today the club has grown to include members from all corners of Connecticut and the New England region, with all abilities represented from new runners to experienced ultramarathoners.

Our races serve to give back to the trail community by donating to Connecticut trail stewardship and land use programs. As a nonprofit club, our membership helps further support our goals to give back to the trail community - we would love to have you join us as a member. www.shenipsitstriders.org

Event's current local time: 3:28 PM ET