Race Details
Devil's Shadow is a winter race on the trails of Mendon Ponds Park on January 31, 2026. The race was created in the tradition of Cast a Shadow, but with no snowshoe option. The 25 and 50k races start at high noon. As racers loop around Devil's Bathtub, shadows will grow longer and longer until the sun recedes behind the glacial eskers. But you are not alone in the darkness. At the end of each loop there is a warm lodge full of warm people waiting to give you a high five and a mug of something good.
New in 2026
We have two notable changes to the event this year:
- We're moving the race to a Saturday so that participants have more time to recover before Monday.
- We've added a 25k option for those looking for a long run, but aren't ready for the full 50k
Common Ground
Devil's Shadow Winter Trail Races is the third race in the Common Ground Winter Trail Series, a collaboration between FarFetched Enterprises, Goose Adventure Racing, and Doody Runs. The goal of the series is bringing together the trail running community to get out on the trails over the winter and enjoy each other's company. The series includes the following events:
Options to register for the full series are available on the
Frozen Assets site. Series registrants will gain exclusive access to three bonuses:
- Free entry into the Go Forth! event on February 28 (details TBD);
- The Devil's Shadow winter beanie
- Entry into a random draw for membership in the FarFetched Mug Club. Membership benefits include smug satisfaction and a 24 fl oz mug custom-crafted by Wizard of Clay, specifically designed for Common Ground's wide selection of hot beverages, soups, and cold beer.
Location, Parking & Schedule
Race HQ is at Hopkins Point Lodge in Mendon Ponds Park. Parking will be available in the area surrounding the lodge.
5 Mile Short Course (1 loop)8:30 AM - Check-in for the 5 mile opens. Same-day registration for 5 mile, 25k, and 50k opens.
9:15 AM - Check-in for the 5 mile closes. Same-day registration for 5 mile closes.
9:30 AM - Start of the 5 mile.
25k/50k Long Course (3/6 loops)11:00 AM - Check-in for the 25k/50k opens.
11:45 AM - Check-in for the 25k/50k closes. Same-day registration for 25k/50k closes.
12:00 PM - Start of the 25k/50k race.
4:30 PM - Headlamps required when starting a new loop.
5:24 PM - Sunset.
6:00 PM - Cutoff for starting loop 5.
7:15 PM - Cutoff for starting loop 6.
Contact the Race Director if you are interested in any special arrangements, such as an early start or using a pacer.
Course
The course is an approximately 5.1 mile loop starting and finishing at Hopkins Point Lodge. The course winds around Devil's Bathtub while avoiding the larger hills and road crossings. Note that the race day course is subject to change due to trail and weather conditions.
Post-Race Activities
Hopkins Lodge will serve as race HQ and also host the aid station as athletes complete loops. At the aid station we will have a variety of things to keep you fueled, including:
- Hot apple cider Skratch Hydration
- Cold lemon-lime Skratch Hydration, water, and Coke
- Gu Energy Gels (vanilla bean, chocolate outrage, strawberry-banana, salted caramel, and tri-berry)
- Salt potatoes
- Bone broth
- Candy
As runners start finishing up, we will be bringing out additional supplies, including:
Event Policies
There is a single price for the event with no increases. We have relaxed deadlines and no fees associated with participant transfers, distance switching, deferrals, and refunds.
Distance switching will be allowed at any time up to race-day check-in. There is no fee.
Deferrals to next year's event will be allowed through Friday, January 30th at 11:59PM ET. There is no fee for deferrals.
Refunds will be available through Friday, January 23th at 11:59PM ET. Refunds will include 100% of the registration fee, but will not include UltraSignup fees.
The Race Director reserves the right to disqualify participants for unsporty actions, including:
- Any abusive behavior towards race staff, volunteers, or fellow participants. Zero tolerance.
- Littering, excessive damage to the trails, or tampering with course markings.
- Receiving aid outside designated areas or pacing from non-participants.
- Course-cutting, in particular cutting across switchbacks. In most cases, participants who run short will not be removed from the results, but may not be eligible for awards.
Event's current local time: 6:50 AM ET
