TARC Wapack and Back

The Wapack and Back Trail Races consist of a 50 mile ultramarathon and an end-to-end trail race run on the 21.5 mile Wapack Trail (www.wapack.org). Leading from Mt Watatic in Massachusetts to North Pack Mt in Greenfield, NH, the rocky ledges of this technical trail (approx 4600 ft elevation gain in each direction, 50 miler is around 10,800′ climb) afford views of the Boston skyline to the east, Berkshire and Green Mountains to the west and White Mountains to the north. Ultrarunners who complete the 43 mile out and back section will be receive a finishing time and be listed in the results. Runners “only” looking to run the 43 mile race can still sign up for the 50 mile race and stop at the start/finish. Four aid stations (which ultrarunners pass twice) will provide water, electrolyte drink, sugary and salty snacks. Post-race refreshments will be provided.

21.5 Mile Course Record: 3:01:16, Brandon Newbould 2017
21.5 Mile Course Record (Female): 3:57:29, Kristina Folcik-Welts 2015
50 Mile Course Record: 8:51:34, Josh Katzman 2013
50 Mile Course Record (Female): 10:43:10, Samantha Leblanc 2018

Details
The 50 mile race starts at 5am at Mt. Watatic State Park in Ashburnham, MA, the Southern end of the Wapack Trail. There will be no additional course markings other than the yellow triangles in place along the length of the trail. The aid stations will be spaced no more than 7.5 miles apart.

The 21.5 mile race starts at 9am from the Northernmost end of the Wapack Trail. Runners must check-in at the Southern end of the trail and then ride the bus (leaving at 8am) to the Northern end of the trail and run back to their cars. The aid stations will be spaced no more than 7.5 miles apart.

Proceeds go directly to the Friends of the Wapack to help fund trail maintenance and education. A trail work day will be coordinated with the Friends for any runners or volunteers to help out with trail maintenance prior to the race.

Ultra timeline:
05:00 Start
15:30 34 mile cutoff (must reach Rt 124/Windblown in 10.5 hours to continue to 43 mi)
17:00 43 mile cutoff (must reach start/finish in 12 hours to continue to 50 miles)
19:30 50 mile cutoff / course closes

21.5 mile timeline:
08:00 Bus leaves Ashburnham for drop-off at North end of trail
09:00 Start

Map here: http://trailanimals.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Wapack-trail-map.jpg
Also check out Friends of the Wapack website: http://www.wapack.org