Entering its 16th year, the Trail Animals Running Club’s (TARC) Spring Classic has become a hallmark of the New England trail-running scene. First introduced in 2011, this annual event—held in Weston’s verdant Jericho Town Forest—offers multiple distances, including a half marathon, marathon, 10K, and 50K, and consistently sells out.
Runners navigate an artisan-crafted 10K loop that winds through mix of packed, flat forest trails punctuated by occasional roots and rocks. Half marathoners tackle roughly two loops plus a short extension to hit the 13.1-mile mark. The terrain is smooth and beginner-friendly, yet true trail runners relish the subtle undulations and technical elements. Expect dozens of “trippables” on well-flagged paths, with GPX cues available for added navigation confidence.
Aid stations are centrally located at the loop’s start/finish and offer an eclectic spread: watermelon, pickles, Oreos, vegan quesadillas, and more — plus both water and Hyle Hydration. This cupless event encourages sustainability while maintaining hearty runner support.
What truly sets this race apart is its DIY ethos and community-first focus. With modest entry fees ($25), no race-day deferrals, and proceeds supporting local trail conservation, it’s grassroots trail racing at its finest. True to tradition, soggy spring conditions often turn the course into a mudfest—but for many that’s part of the charm .
One runner on Reddit reminisced about the event’s looped structure and mild hills:
“The course was one 10 k loop done five times! Flat‑ish for trail races, but there were still a lot of hills.”
In short: this is a well-organized, low-key trail half for those after scenic woodland miles, quirky aid-station treats, and a touch of New England springtime grit.
