TARC Winter Classic

TARC Winter Classic 2026

Join us for the 2026 Trail Animals Running Club Winter Classic at Middlesex Fells Reservation, with 8 mile, 32 mile, and 40 mile distance options! You can read all the exciting details below!

Date and Location

• Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026
• Location: Fallon Road, Stoneham, Massachusetts, 02180 (please see parking section for address)
• Note: This race sells out, and there are no refunds, no transfers, and no deferrals.
• More Details: Visit the race page at RunReg.com.

Schedule

• 05:45 a.m. | 32M &: 40M Bib Pick Up Opens
• 06:50 a.m. | 32M &: 40M Prerace Briefing
• 07:00 a.m. | 32M &: 40M Race Start (&: Yeti Howl!)
• 08:00 a.m. | 8M Bib Pick Up Opens
• 09:20 a.m. | 8M Prerace Briefing
• 09:30 a.m. | 8M Race Start (&: Yeti Howl!)
• 01:30 p.m. | Headlamp Required for Participants Starting Last Loop
• 02:00 p.m. | Last Loop Cutoff at the Start/Finish Area
• 04:15 p.m. | Course Closes for All Participants

Course Description

The DCR Middlesex Fells Reservation Skyline Trail provides participants with an epic outing of roots, rocks, and elevation. In addition to constant climbs and descents throughout the course, runners can expect a classic New England path through the woods with East Coast technicality and scenic views of the Boston skyline (if you dare to look up from the rocks under your feet)!

Course Marking

The Skyline Trail is marked with white blazes throughout and there are no additional markings used on race day. Participants should be sure to review both the course maps and the course description beforehand to understand the general layout of the various distances. We recommend participants also download the GPX file for additional reassurance. If you go off course on race day, you must backtrack. Review of GPS files will be done if it is believed the course was not followed by any given participant. Participants found to have not done the course as marked may be unable to get an official finish time.

Course Map

The course map is available here. The course consists of loops of the 8 mile white blazed 'Skyline Trail' at the Middlesex Fells. Minimal additional course marking is provided.

Cutoff Times

Participants in the 32 miler and 40 miler must start their final 8 mile loop by 2:00 p.m. The cutoffs are in place for both runner safety as well as the time commitment of volunteers and DCR park staff. No race day changes of distance or drop downs. For your finishing time, you must complete the distance you signed up for.

Mandatory Gear

Because this is a challenging course, if you are starting your last loop within 30 minutes of the cutoff for your distance, you must bring a headlamp. We do not want runners potentially out in the dark without light.

Aid Stations

We will have one aid station at the start/finish of the 8 mile loop and one aid station approximately halfway through the loop. Please note this is a cupless race, and you will need to bring your own hydration system. Portable restrooms will be at both aid stations and have menstrual products inside.

Parking &: Travel

All runners should park at 4 N Border Road, Stoneham, Massachusetts, 02180, Hall Memorial Pool &: Splash Pad. This is a 0.5 mile walk from the start/finish area. Please carpool! Overflow parking will be on Fallon Road and you will be directed to park there by a volunteer. Please do not block any business entrances if you need to park on Fallon Road.

Course Records

• 8M Male Record: 54:30 | 2025 | Patrick Caron (28)
• 8M Female Record: 01:17:00 | 2024 | Kimberly Slade (29)
• 8M Nonbinary Record: 01:47:02 | 2023 | Hannah Young Andry (29)
• 32M Male Record: 04:09:53 | 2018 | Patrick Caron (21)
• 32M Female Record: 05:36:00 | 2024 | Evelyn Needham (27)
• 32M Nonbinary Record: To be determined
• 40M Male Record: 05:29:48 | 2018 | David Sinclair (26)
• 40M Female Record: 07:11:54 | 2018 | Kassandra Marin (29)
• 40M Nonbinary Record: To be determined