TARC Blue Hills Skyline Trail Run
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
TARC Blue Hills Skyline Trail Run at Blue Hills Reservation
The event is a trail race held on the North and South Skyline Trail within the Blue Hills Reservation. The course is approximately 12K with roughly 2,300 feet of cumulative climbing. Terrain is rocky and steep, featuring long stair climbs, rocky downhills, and classic wooded New England singletrack with occasional views of the Boston skyline.
The route begins at the Blue Hills Ski Area parking lot at 1904 Canton Avenue and uses the Accord Path to connect to the Skyline Trail. Runners follow Skyline blazes up to Great Blue Hill, continue on the southern Skyline to a road crossing near the reservation headquarters where an aid station is located, complete an out and back segment past Buck Hill, then return via the northern Skyline Trail to the finish at the parking lot.
Course markings consist only of Skyline blazes; participants are responsible for knowing the course in advance. Organizers recommend studying the online map, downloading the GPX file, or bringing a printed map. At the request of the park authority, participants must remain on the designated course to avoid trail erosion.
There is one staffed aid station at the road crossing (passed twice) and additional aid at the start and finish. Due to limited aid, participants are required to carry hydration packs or handheld bottles. Parking is available at the start/finish parking lot. The event has a Leave No Trace policy and includes a land acknowledgment for the Pokanoket Nation, descendants of the Wompanoag people. Registration is limited and this race sells out; there are no refunds, transfers, or deferrals except for emergencies. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
