This Weekend on the Trails

Most New England trail runners should find something to their liking with three good races coming up this weekend. Runners looking for a short race have two choices, a 5.5 mile run in NH and 6.5 mile race in MA. For those looking for a greater challenge, you have a 23K and 50K option at Pisgah. Happy racing!

Saturday, September 12 - Farnum Five.5, Lebanon , NH - Race # 6 in the Western New Hampshire Trail Run Series, The Farnum Five.5 begins with a fast class VI road, then challenges you with a short steep climb to the ridge, then cruise along the scenic ridge to a fast downhill finish. All proceeds go to the Lebanon Recreation and Parks.

Sunday, September 13 - Pisgah Mountain 23K or 50K, Chesterfield, NH - Race #16 in the Grand Tree Trail Race Series. A moderately challenging and scenic course consisting mostly of single-track trails through New Hampshire's largest state park. Weather can be unpredictable this time of year so come prepared.

Sunday, September 13 - Overlook Trail Race 6.5M , Fitchburg, MA - Race # 12 on the Eastern New England Trail Race Series this course offers a challenging degree of difficulty including single-track trails, rocky paths and stream crossings. It is run entirely within conservation land managed by the Massachusetts Audubon Society, North County Land Trust, and the City of Fitchburg Water Division. Some of the highlights on the course include a junk art exhibit, a loop around the Overlook Reservoir, a climb up and over Flat Rock Road, the waterfall at the Chasm, and depending on weather conditions mud and water along the Swamp Trail, pine needle floor trails, and single track through the pines on the Lightening Path. This is one of my favorite races!