Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Fells Trail Race

The Skyline trail in the Middlesex Fells Reservation has not been the site of a trail race since 1999 when Ben Nephew won the one loop event in a time of 52:08. Long-time local runner Sal Genovese finished in the top 20 running a strong 1:05:43. This year the MorFun and Wapack trail races colorful RD (Bogie D) has bigger plans for the Skyline trail. On Saturday March 29th, he is hosting the Fells Trail Race which will start at 8AM. This race will consist of three distances run at the same time. You can choose to run three loops for a total of 24 miles, four loops or 32 miles and for the truly hard-core ultra-runner, 5 loops or 40 miles!

For those unfamiliar with The Middlesex Fells Reservation, it is a 2,575 acre retreat with suitable terrain for hikers, horseback riders, rock climbers, cross-country skiers and mud-loving, rock-jumping trail runners. "Fells" is the Saxon word for rocky, hilly tracts of land - an apt name for this scenic land which is rich in local history. This picturesque area was once favored for timber, granite quarrying, ice industry, and water power for the many mills that operated here.

The Skyline trail has plenty of loose rocks, gnarly roots and enough steep climbs and descents to challenge the most seasoned runner. If you’re looking for a change from your usual weekend run come and support this race. I’m sure you will have a great time if you survive! Skyline Trail Elevation Profile - Gain is 800' per loop.

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