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Massachusetts > Mount Greylock Trail Races Half Marathon
Adams,
MA
Date
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Event
Details
Run through forested mountain trails, across bridges deep in the woods,
and over grassy meadows and hilly trails with spectacular views of the
nearby Berkshire Mountains in the Mount Greylock Trail Races Half
Marathon & 5K, which takes runners through all these sights and
more
every summer. After changing the route temporarily in 2007 due
to area road construction, organizers returned the race to the course
that had been used in previous years, a challenging
run through fields and around the ponds surrounding Greylock Glen.
Staged each June by Adams's Western Massachusetts Athletic Club, which
counts among its membership people active in sports ranging from
competitive road-race running to mountain and trail running and even
snowshoeing, this out-and-back race starts and finishes at the
aforementioned Greylock Glen on Gould Road, the field/meadow that lies
at the foot of Mount Greylock. The challenging course "offers running
worthy of the mountain," race organizers add.
From there, runners follow the trails through the mountains like the
Thunderbolt Trail up to Mount Greylock, and the Overlook Trail down and
around the mountain down toward Saddle Ball Mountain.
This race is one of those scenic, picturesque gems that attracts a
relatively low number of runners -- 184 runners finished both races
comnbined at the race's 2009 running -- making it a more intimate
running experience for those
looking for an "off-the-beaten-path" event in which to participate.
Runners should note that both races in the event are slighly longer
than standard half-marathon and 5K running distances; the event's two
races are measured at 13.5 miles and 3.5 miles, respectively. There are
also some steep changes in elevation over the course, especially in the
early going -- from the starting line elevation of roughly 1,200 feet
above sea level, runners will ascend to about 3,400 feet by the time
they reach the mile 3 marker, the highest point in the race. After
that, the course follows a long downhill descent punctuated by some
significant uphills along the way.
Race
Weather & Climate
Situated in the northwesternmost corner of the state, in the shadow of
the Berkshires, the town of Adams tends to see mild to occasionally
warm weather in the early days of summer, as June temperatures average
from 50°F to 74°F. Rainfall is certainly a possibility,
as the
month brings the area an average of over 4.6 inches of precipitation.
Fees
Half-marathon:
$15 for those registered by June 13, 2009
$20 on the day of the race
5K:
$12 before June 13, 2009
$12 on the day of the race
Registration
Registration for the summer 2009 running of Adams's Mount Greylock
Trail Races Half Marathon is now closed, as the event has completed.
Please check back for updated information on how to sign up for the
2010 running of the race.
Website
www.runwmac.com
Course
Map
View Larger Map
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Your Race Story
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Races Half Marathon
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