Tarctic Frozen Yeti
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TARCtic Frozen Yeti
The TARCtic Frozen Yeti is a winter trail event at Hale Education in Westwood, Massachusetts, scheduled for January 30 and 31, 2027. The event offers two distance options:
- 30 hour race
- 15 mile race
The marked course is roughly 15 miles made up of three loops, each roughly five miles, that start and finish at Powissett Lodge. Loops are color marked and flagged with reflective tape at major intersections. The final course may change based on weather and trail conditions.
For the 30 hour race, loops will be closed sequentially during the event so that runners spend the last hours repeating a single loop; one loop will remain open for the full duration. Thirty hour participants must complete at least 30 miles to have a recorded finisher distance and receive a finisher item. There are enforced cutoffs and an overall course closing on Sunday.
Aid stations are located at the start and finish of each loop, so participants pass aid roughly every five miles. This is a cupless event; participants must carry their own hydration system. The aid station practices composting and will not provide disposable cups or utensils. Typical aid items include electrolyte mix, soda, water, ice, fruit, cookies, candy, chips, peanut butter sandwiches, hot broth, ramen, and pickles.
All participants must carry required cold weather gear at all times, including a cell phone, spare hats and hand coverings, a wind and water resistant shell, emergency blankets or a bivy, a whistle, and clothing to cover exposed skin below the neck. Runners going into the night must carry a headlamp with spare batteries, a rear red blinking light, and visible reflective gear. In extreme cold conditions additional items such as a full change of clothes, a freestanding shelter, and an insulated hooded jacket will be required.
Snowshoes are not allowed; trekking poles are permitted. Participants may place two labeled drop bags at the lodge, one inside and one outside, accessible every four to five miles. Timing is manual and safety check ins are required during the event. Participants must inform timing staff if they leave the course for an extended break.
Camping is allowed in the field across from the lodge about 150 feet from the start area, with restrictions on fires and generators. Parking may require a walk from remote lots up to 1.5 miles; carpooling is recommended. Crews do not have access to the indoor lodge.
Registration is online only and closes before race week. The event has a no refund policy and no race day registration. Youth discounted entries are offered for participants 19 years old or younger. The event follows Leave No Trace principles and accepts nonperishable food donations for a local food pantry. The organizing club is a nonprofit running club that donates event profits to land conservation and trust organizations. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
