Northern Nipmuck Trail Race
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Northern Nipmuck Trail Race
The Northern Nipmuck Trail Race is a trail running event held in Union, CT, with a course on the Nipmuck Trail across from Bigelow Hollow State Park. The advertised distance is 16 miles, though organizers note the route is probably a little less; technical terrain and elevation account for the difference.
The course heads south through the Yale-Myers Forest, crosses Barlow Mill Road at Two Pipes at about four miles, and continues approximately four more miles to the turnaround at Boston Hollow (also noted as Alpacaville). Runners return along the same route. The route is blazed blue throughout and will have some additional flagging at tricky spots. Participants are responsible for navigating the course; no charge will be applied for any extra miles run.
Minimal aid is provided at Two Pipes and Boston Hollow and at approximately miles 4, 8, and 12. Parking is at Bigelow Hollow State Park and is the limiting factor for field size; a trail from the parking area leads to the start to avoid road walking. There is no race day registration and entries are limited; a waitlist is used and most waitlisted runners are likely to be added.
The event was discontinued in 2012 and revived in 2022. After covering costs, event proceeds support local trail organizations and projects, including a bridge at the north end of Breakneck Pond funded primarily by proceeds from the 2022 race. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
