Tarc Wapack and Back
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TARC Wapack and Back - event details
The Trail Animals Running Club Wapack and Back is a trail race on the Wapack Trail, held in Ashburnham, Massachusetts on May 9, 2026. The event includes multiple end-to-end distance options and runs along a marked, technical ridgeline trail with significant elevation change.
Distances:
- 21.5 mile end-to-end trail race
- 43 mile ultramarathon option
- 50 mile ultramarathon option
The trail follows rocky ledges and single track with boulders, granite slabs, rocks and roots, plus short segments of fire road. Elevation is approximately 4,600 feet each direction, with the 50 mile distance totaling roughly 10,800 feet of elevation gain. The route offers long views to the east, west and north where terrain allows.
Navigation is by yellow triangle blazes painted on trees, rocks and signposts, with minimal additional markings; participants are advised to review course maps and use GPX files for reassurance. Water and aid stations provide water, Hyle Hydration, and basic food items; stations may be spaced up to 7.5 miles apart so carrying fluids is recommended. Two portable toilets are located at the parking lots and at the 21.5 mile pickup area.
The event enforces a no-refund policy and typically sells out. Registration is online only and closed before race week; results are manually timed and posted after the event. The race follows a Leave No Trace policy, acknowledges the land’s Wabanaki history, welcomes adaptive athletes with appropriate accommodations, and donates event profits to land conservation. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
