Spring for the Trails Half Marathon

Saturday, May 13, 2023 • Ipswich, MA • Course Map There are some 40 miles of trails that criss-cross through the woodlands of Willowdale State Forest, and you’ll run just over 13 miles of them at this springtime race, which follows a clockwise, out-and-back loop route that’s entirely on trails, which starts and finishes near Marini Farms, just off Linebrook Road. Once you leave the start line, you’ll make your way onto the winding single- and double-track trails through the woods, which are also used for November’s Stone Cat Marathon. Organizers say you’ll likely “experience many new trails that you may not otherwise find” inside the 2,400-acre forest. “Many of the forest’s trails are easy doubletracks,” one observer notes, adding that “the forest’s singletrack trails are some of the most enjoyable trails that I have ever ridden.” Willowdale is divided into two main sections — its northern section, which is called Pine Swamp, and a southern area known as Hood Pond. Runners will make their way long trails inside both of these sections at the race. The race is hosted by the Essex County Trail Association, which will provide race t-shirts to the first 100 entrants. Runners make their way through Willowdale State Forest at the Spring for the Trails Half Marathon. Race Weather & Climate Nestled along the coast of Essex County, Massachusetts, and roughly a 45-minute drive north from Boston, Ipswich typically experiences cool to mild temperatures in May, with most days falling between the low 50s and the mid- to upper 60s. The area averages just over 3 inches of rainfall for the month. May 13 average low temp: 49ºF May 13 average high temp: 62ºF Starting Time 8:00 AM Course Map See the race route map for the Spring for the Trails Half Marathon here. Fees $45 for members; $50 on race day $55 for non-members; $60 on race day Registration To reserve your spot in the 2023 running of Ipswich’s Spring for the Trails Half Marathon, register online at the event website here. Official Race Website wildapricot.org Comments Ever run in the Spring for the Trails Half Marathon? Share your impressions here to let other runners know what to expect on the course. See more races in Massachusetts