Edge Hill Trail Race
The Edge Hill Trail Race is a NEW event - featuring the beauty of the western Mass hill towns as runners explore 50k or 8k over a mix of single track trails and dirt roads.
The is in partnership with Franklin Land Trust, and will start/finish at Edge Hill Conservation Area, which is a former golf course that Franklin Land Trust just purchased in the fall of 2023. While the property still very much looks like a golf course today, Franklin Land Trust will be transforming the property’s fairways into a grassland and shrubland habitat, a rarity in the hills of Franklin County. They also plan to restore wetlands that were altered when the golf course was created in collaboration with Massachusetts’ Department of Ecological Restoration and the Department of Fish & Game. Participants in the race will have a chance to learn more about the Land Trust’s plans for the property (by running throughout the property!) and FLT’s conservation work as you cross many properties the Land Trust has helped conserve.
Race Info:
Date: June 29, 2024
Time: 7:00am start for 50k, 10:00am start for 8k*
*Early start available upon request.
Check in: 6:00am to 6:45am for 50k; 9:00am - 9:45am for 8k
Location: Edge Hill (former golf course), Barnes Road, Ashfield MA
Cost: $65 for 50k, $35 for 8k
Funds are available to support runners for whom the entry fee is a barrier, simply reach out.
Sound like fun? Sign up here!
There will be day-of registration available, however prices will jump so pre-reg preferred.
A bit of the details on this race are below (but note that a few of the details are still in development, so we’ll update this as we know more):
1) Elevation Gain/Loss: The course is hilly - we’re in the hilltowns after all! 50k runners will run over the high point of Ashfield and cover approx. 4000 feet of climbing. We will post more details soon.
2) The Course: The course is on a mix of single track trails and dirt roads, with a few stretches of pavement. We’ll detail the breakdown of each, and share course maps, soon. The trails we enjoy at this course are thanks to the amazing work of managing this trail network by Ashfield Trails.
3) Aid Stations: There will be plenty of aid along the way, an aid station chart will be posted soon. Generally, runners will get support every 3-5 miles.
4) Cutoff Times: There is no hard cut-off time at the finish line, however we are likely to impost cut-offs at a few aid stations to ensure that runners complete the course in under 8 hours (15 min/mile average pace). If you are nervous about making these cut-off times, we are happy to accommodate early starts. Reach out to the Race Director to discuss.
5) Crew Access: Crews for 50k runners can cheer you on (and support you) at a few locations on the course - details of these locations will be posted soon.
6) Start Location: The race will start/finish at Edge Hill Conservation Area, which is a former golf course that Franklin Land Trust just recently purchased. See the great work they do?!?
7) The Price: We are trying to keep the price as reasonable as possible, however with a new race we need to budget for a few unexpected things…and prices for everything has increased in the last few years. As mentioned before, all proceeds go towards Franklin Land Trust - therefore any excess funds will allow them to continue to protect and conserve local lands.
8) Weather warning: This race is held during the summer, in New England. Chances are it will be hot and humid…that is unless it’s cool, rainy, thunderstorm-y, or any other crazy weather. Point is, prepare for anything and keep an eye on the weather!!!
9) Nourishment: We'll have all the basics needed for a race! For hydration, we will have water, energy drink, and soda. For food, there will be the standard cookies, candy, chips, pretzels, fruit, etc.
10) Medical: There will be first aid at the start finish area, so see them (or aid station volunteers) if needed.
11) Guidelines: If you are stopping, you must let a race official know. Per USATF regulations, we discourage the use of headphones. You’re welcome to use poles if you’d like. Otherwise, have some fun out there!
12) AWDs: We welcome the participation of Athletes with Disabilities! To learn how it all works, we will follow the general rules as set forth here.
13) Volunteers: We of course can't do this without the support of volunteers to help out runners along the way. If you are interested in volunteering, reach out at racedirector_at_7sisterstrailrace.com, or even better sign up here (link added soon)! Thank you!!!
15) Prizes: Some “sweet” (hint-hint) and locally produced swag will be given to the top 3 in each of the male and female category, for each distance race. There may be additional prizes for top finishers or random participants (such as whoever has the most fun out there!).
Contact Info: Let us know if you have further questions that aren't answered here. You can contact the race director at racedirector_at_7sisterstrailrace_dot_com.