Northern Nipmuck Trail Race

Northern Nipmuck Trail Race : Union, CT (March 28, 2027)

The Northern Nipmuck Trail Race is a trail event held on the Nipmuck Trail near Bigelow Hollow State Park in Union, CT. The course is advertised as 16 miles out-and-back, starting across the road from the park, running south through the Yale-Myers Forest, crossing Barlow Mill Road at Two Pipes at about 4 miles, and turning around near Boston Hollow (the northern end of the Nipmuck Marathon). The advertised distance may be slightly less; technical terrain and vertical gain contribute to the course challenge.

Minimal aid will be provided at Two Pipes, Boston Hollow, and an additional location around mile 12. The route is blazed blue for its entire length and will have some flagging at tricky spots; runners are expected to navigate the course. Parking is located at Bigelow Hollow State Park, with a trail from the lot to the start that avoids roadside walking. Parking capacity limits the field; there is no race day registration and a waitlist is used when the race fills.

The event was discontinued in 2012 and revived in 2022 while retaining an old school character. After covering minor costs, proceeds from the race support organizations that maintain and steward local trails; proceeds from the 2022 race helped fund a bridge at the north end of Breakneck Pond. Awards and swag are not provided. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.