Race for the Refuge

Race for the Refuge

The Highland City Striders welcome you to explore the trails at the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge in Sudbury, MA! The Race for the Refuge begins at the ARNWR Visitor’s Center and traverses the beautiful trails around the Refuge. The course will lead runners into this idyllic nature refuge, past ponds, through pine and oak forests, and alongside mysterious military bunkers.

Course Description

• Trail Type: The double track trails are a mix of dirt and gravel.
• Beginner Friendly: It’s a great course for beginner trail runners.
• Advanced Opportunity: For the advanced trail runner, it could be an opportunity for a new PR!
• GPX File: Download the GPX file.

Events

• Race Options: The lineup features a 10K (1 loop) and 30K (3 loops) races, and a 6-hour timed event.
• Timed Event: Runners may do as many loops as desired, with specific time cutoffs.
• Prize Distribution: The top male, female, and nonbinary runner from each of the events will receive a prize.
• Team Spirit: The largest team will also be celebrated, so please encourage friends and fellow club members to join you!

Race Day Rules

• Dog Policy: Dogs are not permitted on Refuge lands, so please leave your pooch at home.
• Family Friendly: This event is family-friendly but children must be supervised.
• Environmental Care: Please tread lightly and leave no trace! This will be a cupless race.
• Course Compliance: All runners must stay on the marked course: littering grounds for disqualification.

Aid Stations and Course Marking

• Aid Stations: There will be two aid stations with typical trail race fare.
• Main Station: The main aid station will be at the Start/Finish line.
• Second Station: A second aid station at Taylor Road is about halfway through the loop.
• Swag: All runners will receive swag with registration, plus prizes for top winners in each category.

Pacers

• Pacer Policy: Pacers are allowed to assist runners in the 6-hour race only.
• Registration: Pacers must complete a registration form and check in upon arrival.
• Pacer Restrictions: One pacer at a time per runner: no muling allowed.
• Aid Station Access: Pacers can use the aid stations at no cost and there is no registration fee to pace a runner.

Cancellation and Refunds

• No Deferrals: There are no deferrals and no refunds.
• Charitable Donation: Your entry fee will be considered a charitable donation.
• Waitlist Opportunity: If unable to join, please cancel using RunSignUp.
• Contact Race Directors: Email if you need to cancel to give someone from the waitlist the opportunity to run.

About the Refuge

• Historical Significance: Centuries ago, these lands were hunted and fished by Nipmuc Tribes.
• Military History: You will run past military bunkers that were used during the Sudbury Training Annex era.
• Wildlife Habitat: The Refuge is home to many types of wildlife, including various birds and mammals.
• Support for Conservation: Proceeds from this race will help fund improvements to refuge sites in MA.

Post-Race Festivities

• Location: Join us at Clover Road Brewing in Hudson, MA for post-race festivities.
• Complimentary Snacks: Enjoy complementary snacks at the venue.
• Free Beer Ticket: Each race entry comes with a FREE BEER ticket for use at Clover Road.
• Fellowship: Connect with your fellow runners after the race!

Presented by the Highland City Striders

We are runners in Hudson, Marlborough, and surrounding communities. Founded in 2002, our members meet several times weekly to run various distances for fun and keep in shape! The Highland City Striders is a non-profit 501(C)3. All race profits will go to local charities.

We are also working closely with Friends of Woodlands and Waters, a non-profit working in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to support our refuges. Check out their site to learn more and get involved!