Course Info
The course starts at the Nipmuck Trail & Rt. 171 junction just up the road opposite the Bigelow Hollow State Park entrance. The course runs 8 miles south on the Nipmuck Trail to Boston Hollow Road in Ashford (the Northernmost point of the Nipmuck Marathon) and returns on the same trail. The terrain is constantly rolling, and although there are no major climbs, there are enough steep technical sections to test your agility and aerobic capacity. The total gain over the 16 miles is approximately 3,000 feet. The footing is usually decent, but there are some steep, technical rocky sections that demand caution.If you are not careful you could easily injure yourself in a variety of unpleasant ways. Expect to get your feet wet in several of the low-lying areas. Snow and ice may be present on the course at this time of year. Water and electrolyte replacement will be provided at three aid stations over the entire course. Youll never be more than 4 miles from an aid station, but a single water bottle carrier is recommended. This is a running event, not a hike. If you cannot run this event in under five hours please do not enter. It is unfair to volunteers and race personnel.
