TARC Winter Classic

TARC Winter Classic : Middlesex Fells Reservation

The Trail Animals Running Club presents the TARC Winter Classic, a looped trail event held on Saturday, December 5, in Stoneham, Massachusetts at the Middlesex Fells Reservation. The event uses the white blazed Skyline Trail and offers three distances:

• 8 miles
• 32 miles
• 40 miles

The course follows existing white blazes with minimal additional markings. Runners should review the course maps and may download the GPX file for use with GPS devices. If a participant goes off course they must backtrack to the marked route; organizers review GPS data when course adherence is in question and failure to follow the marked course may affect official finish status.

Aid is provided at the start and at a midpoint on the 8 mile loop. This is a cupless event so participants must carry their own hydration system. Portable restrooms will be available at both aid stations and will include menstrual products.

There are cutoff times and related safety rules; a headlamp is required if a participant begins their final loop within thirty minutes of the applicable cutoff. No race day distance changes, transfers, refunds, or deferrals are allowed. The event often sells out. Parking for participants is at 4 N Border Road, Hall Memorial Pool and Splash Pad, about a 0.5 mile walk to the start area; overflow parking will be on Fallon Road and will be managed by volunteers.

Donations from the event support Friends of the Fells and local trail conservation. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.