The Race
Early reg: $25 plus reg fee (late reg $35 plus fee)
No race day registration, race capped at 80
Parking: Bigelow Hollow State Park, Union, CT
Race Location: Nipmuck Trail across the street from the park
Race Date: Saturday, March 29
Start Time: 9:00 am
Check-in Time Starting: 7:30 am
Check-in Time Ending: 8:40 am (bib pickup at the start if you are late)
Awards & Swag: None
The Northern Nipmuck Trail Race was my first trail race in 2010, and I was immediately hooked by the low key vibe, friendly people, and the rough and tumble nature of the course and runners. The race was discontinued in 2012, but we revived it in 2022 while attempting to keep the old school vibe that has been a mainstay in the Grand Tree Series.
Proceeds from the event (after covering minor costs) will go to organizations that support our local trails. Be sure to check out the new bridge at the north end of Breakneck Pond that was funded primarily by the proceeds from the 2022 race.
Tony Bonanno, Race Director
Photo Credits to Scott Livingston
Parking
Parking is available in Bigelow Hollow State Park. The race start is across the street from the park. There is a trail from the parking area that avoids walking along the road, so look for signs to direct you.
The Course
The course starts just across the road from Bigelow Hollow and heads south on the Nipmuck Trail through the Yale-Myers Forest. at approximately 4 miles, the trail crosses Barlow Mill Rd (Two Pipes), and continues another 4 miles to the turn around at Boston Hollow. (This is Alpacaville, a.k.a the northern end of the Nipmuck Marathon) From Boston Hollow, turn around and return to the finish following the same route.
The distance is advertised as 16 miles, but is probably a little less. Technical terrain and vert make up the difference.
We will provide minimal aid at Two Pipes and Boston Hollow (miles 4, 8, 12). The course is blazed blue for the entire route, and we will add some flagging at a few tricky spots. It is the runner's responsibility to navigate the course, but there will be no charge for any extra miles.
Course Map: https://www.strava.com/activities/6595709627
GPX File: download
The 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: 5:21 PM ET
