TARC Winter Classic
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Event overview
The TARC Winter Classic is a trail running event at Middlesex Fells Reservation in Stoneham, Massachusetts, scheduled for Saturday, December 5, 2026. Distances offered include:
- 8 miles
- 32 miles
- 40 miles
The course follows the DCR Middlesex Fells Reservation Skyline Trail. Runners should expect roots, rocks, repeated climbs and descents, and classic New England wooded singletrack with occasional views of the Boston skyline. The trail is open to the public and marked with white blazes only; participants should review course maps and GPX files beforehand.
Logistics and policies
The event is cupless; participants must bring their own hydration system. There are two aid stations on the 8-mile loop: one at the start/finish and one about halfway (approximately 3.5 miles counterclockwise or 4.5 miles clockwise). Aid station offerings include hydration, bananas, pickles, candy, cookies, chips, quesadillas, and soup. Compost bins and portable restrooms with menstrual products are provided at aid stations.
Pacers are permitted only for 32M and 40M participants during the final 8-mile loop. Crew access is restricted to the start/finish aid station. Adaptive athletes are welcome but must be able to run the course; guides, tethers, prosthetics, and some mobility aids are allowed with approval. The event has a no-refund and no-transfer policy; limited deferrals may be allowed in specified circumstances. Entry cost is $25 across distances, with a youth discount available. Profits are donated to land conservation and trusts. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
