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Marathon Details - NipMuck Trail Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > CT > Ashford > NipMuck Trail Marathon

NipMuck Trail Marathon

Shenipsit Striders NipMuck Trail Marathon & Marathon Relay

Ashford, CT USA

October 6, 2024

http://www.shenipsitstriders.org/club-races/nipmuck-trail-marathon.html

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Race Details

2 out and backs on a narrow single track trail

Contact Information

Name:	David Merkt
Address:	390 Perry Hill Rd, Ashford, CT
Phone Number:	860-875-6256
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (28)

Course 4.7

Organization 4.8

Spectators 3.3

Write a review

Number of comments: 28 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]

T. R. from Connecticut (10/11/2011) "Great Race - Tons of Fun!" (about: 2011) 3 previous marathons \| 1 NipMuck Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Great race. This was my first trail marathon and it was difficult - muddy trails, rocks, logs, and of course hills. But the organization, aid station voulenteers and other runners made this race a blast! Trails were rocky and there were plenty of logs and small streams to jump over. Aid stations had some nice treats - one had fresh strawberries, they were so good I thought I was going to turn around to get more. Post race food was great and just real good bunch of runners to spend a day with!
K. E. from North Carolina (10/10/2011) "Hard course, friendly runners, great organization" (about: 2011) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 NipMuck Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was a hard trail race, as warned. Of 60+ marathons, my slowest time ever. The organization was fantastic! Race director Clint send out informational e-mails ahead of time, was quick to respond to questions, and went over everything race morning as well. The other runners were friendly and supportive. I've never seen better aid station volunteers; they were just fantastic. I recommend the Ashford Motel if you're coming from out of town. The staff there is very friendly and rooms have refrigerator and microwave.
p. w. from Virginia, USA (4/7/2011) "One of the hardest marathons you will ever run" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 NipMuck Trail Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 Race is low-budget. Course is out in the woods, so don't expect any spectators. They put a "high fall risk" sticker on my bib, because I was a first-timer. I felt special. Lots of cuts and bruises. Course is boulders, rocks, tree branches, leaves, a few roots, and some dirt thrown in for variety. North is uphill; south is downhill. Aid stations are relatively well stocked with a variety of things. Bring your own water. Crosses one major highway; they have crossing flags and cones but the drivers do not slow down. Look at the carving in the stairs at the northern turnaround point. Finisher's award was hand-crafted and to me that's extra-valuable. Great sense of camaraderie among the runners, some of whom have run this for years. New race director in 2011.
j. b. from Wake Forest, NC (6/10/2009) "Trip luck on the Nipmuck" (about: 2009) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 NipMuck Trail Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Last year I ran Nipmuck for the first time. Very humid. Thought I might enjoy the course under better conditions so I returned this year. Low humidity was most appreciated. The rocky course still tripped up my pace but not for as long as last year. Plenty of water and aid stops on the course. Never more than 3 miles between refills. It was hard to go off-course. Just follow the blue blazes. Somewhere on the second half of the course is a sign that says, "FALLS, 50 feet." Maybe next year I'll take a short detour from the course to see if those falls are worth a look. On course, there are plenty of "falls" to experience.
A. L. from Western Mass (6/10/2008) "a good adventure" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 NipMuck Trail Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The course is out and back in two directions. You leave the start and run 6 miles of single track trail to a table and turn around and run back on the same trail. Passing the start at mile 12 you run a tougher 7 miles out turn around and run back. So you get to see all your competition twice. You also can restock your personal fuel when you cross back over the start line. It is a tough, rocky course, where you just have to walk to survive. The second half is tougher than the first half. The course is almost all in the woods, so you don't need sunglasses. I did not notice any bugs as long as I was moving. I ran 3:52 in a road marathon four weeks earlier and ran 5:32 on the NipMuck. By comparison I ran the Otter Creek Trail Marathon last December in mud and pouring rain in 5:48. So the NipMuck, with good conditions, is still a tough course, where you should pick survival over speed. I am glad I ran it and would suggest it to the very adventurous.
C. N. from Brooklyn, NY (6/2/2008) "One of the best races for me" (about: 2008) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 NipMuck Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The course is very nice - mostly single track, a little muddy since it rained the night before, but fairly runnable. I was scared with the letter and prior comments, but it wasn't that bad. For (somewhat) experienced trail runners - don't worry, it's challenging, but OK. For street marathoners only - unless you are really lucky, plan on few stumbles, falls, slipping, etc. Hey, that's trail running. To quote another runner, this is like a "mini" ultra-marathon, so it would be nice to be used to walking uphill, eating while running, and plenty of fluids in your own carry on bottle. This will really take you 40% more than your regular marathon. I did 4:25 prior weekend at Vermont City and 5:52 at Nipmuck. The weather was terrible for me, with temps in 65-degree range and 90-100% humidity. Stations are well placed. I used lightweight trail shoes and I did not get wet, did not need to stop to remove debris, and did not feel the need for a forefoot protection plate. In conclusion, I think this is an extremely fun and enjoyable race - well enough organized, moderately challenging and, obviously, you can't beat the price....
M. H. from Greenwich, CT (6/1/2008) "First Trail Marathon; Great Experience" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 NipMuck Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Great race director, great small race, and fantastic people do this race. I've done 25 marathons and 6 half ironmen, and 1 full IM, and this is the best race. People are laid back, and the course is both mentally and physically demanding, but most importantly, there was not one attitude amongst the spectators and competitors. Everything everyone says below is true - over hills, over huge slippery rocks, exposed roots, streams, Sasquatchesque stairs. But it's all worth it and fantastic! The race director claimed that 2009's race will be by invitation only. I'm glad I did it while I had the chance!
D. U. from Connecticut (6/1/2008) "Bad-ASS!" (about: 2008) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 NipMuck Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I ran the race this year (2008) for the first time. This was the most awesome, fun, and bad-ass race I have ever done. From the mid-point to the three-quarter mark where you turn around it is almost all uphill. I ran Boston in the 2:40's and it took me in the 3:40's to finish this race!!!!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
d. z. from CT (12/6/2007) "What spectators? Who would want to watch this?" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 NipMuck Trail Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Tough course, but not unusually tough by trail race standards. Since it follows a trail that existed before the race did, we can't accuse anybody involved of being deliberately cruel. Just your fair share of mud, and the roots and rocks that make New England trail races so much fun. No heroic climbs except maybe the one complicated by a truly bizarre staircase that looks like it was designed for some other, larger species. The race goes off smoothly, starts on time and doesn't run out of food and drink. Come for the challenge, the spirit, and the satisfaction of finishing a damn tough marathon.
D. F. from Boston, MA (6/7/2007) "cool trail race" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 NipMuck Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I haven't ever enjoyed a marathon so muchIt's harder than a road race and it takes 40% or so longer. Camaraderie was amazing, the jokes were congenial and weather was nearly perfect - 60, cloudy, low humidity. There were plenty of rocks, roots, and mud, poison ivy; some hills and slippery slopes; and one or two mosquitos. So what? That's what trail running is all about. The best thing about the trails is that you don't get worn out as much. See you on the trails.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]



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T. R. from Connecticut (10/11/2011) "Great Race - Tons of Fun!" (about: 2011) 3 previous marathons \| 1 NipMuck Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Great race. This was my first trail marathon and it was difficult - muddy trails, rocks, logs, and of course hills. But the organization, aid station voulenteers and other runners made this race a blast! Trails were rocky and there were plenty of logs and small streams to jump over. Aid stations had some nice treats - one had fresh strawberries, they were so good I thought I was going to turn around to get more. Post race food was great and just real good bunch of runners to spend a day with!
K. E. from North Carolina (10/10/2011) "Hard course, friendly runners, great organization" (about: 2011) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 NipMuck Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was a hard trail race, as warned. Of 60+ marathons, my slowest time ever. The organization was fantastic! Race director Clint send out informational e-mails ahead of time, was quick to respond to questions, and went over everything race morning as well. The other runners were friendly and supportive. I've never seen better aid station volunteers; they were just fantastic. I recommend the Ashford Motel if you're coming from out of town. The staff there is very friendly and rooms have refrigerator and microwave.
p. w. from Virginia, USA (4/7/2011) "One of the hardest marathons you will ever run" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 NipMuck Trail Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 Race is low-budget. Course is out in the woods, so don't expect any spectators. They put a "high fall risk" sticker on my bib, because I was a first-timer. I felt special. Lots of cuts and bruises. Course is boulders, rocks, tree branches, leaves, a few roots, and some dirt thrown in for variety. North is uphill; south is downhill. Aid stations are relatively well stocked with a variety of things. Bring your own water. Crosses one major highway; they have crossing flags and cones but the drivers do not slow down. Look at the carving in the stairs at the northern turnaround point. Finisher's award was hand-crafted and to me that's extra-valuable. Great sense of camaraderie among the runners, some of whom have run this for years. New race director in 2011.
j. b. from Wake Forest, NC (6/10/2009) "Trip luck on the Nipmuck" (about: 2009) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 NipMuck Trail Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Last year I ran Nipmuck for the first time. Very humid. Thought I might enjoy the course under better conditions so I returned this year. Low humidity was most appreciated. The rocky course still tripped up my pace but not for as long as last year. Plenty of water and aid stops on the course. Never more than 3 miles between refills. It was hard to go off-course. Just follow the blue blazes. Somewhere on the second half of the course is a sign that says, "FALLS, 50 feet." Maybe next year I'll take a short detour from the course to see if those falls are worth a look. On course, there are plenty of "falls" to experience.
A. L. from Western Mass (6/10/2008) "a good adventure" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 NipMuck Trail Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The course is out and back in two directions. You leave the start and run 6 miles of single track trail to a table and turn around and run back on the same trail. Passing the start at mile 12 you run a tougher 7 miles out turn around and run back. So you get to see all your competition twice. You also can restock your personal fuel when you cross back over the start line. It is a tough, rocky course, where you just have to walk to survive. The second half is tougher than the first half. The course is almost all in the woods, so you don't need sunglasses. I did not notice any bugs as long as I was moving. I ran 3:52 in a road marathon four weeks earlier and ran 5:32 on the NipMuck. By comparison I ran the Otter Creek Trail Marathon last December in mud and pouring rain in 5:48. So the NipMuck, with good conditions, is still a tough course, where you should pick survival over speed. I am glad I ran it and would suggest it to the very adventurous.
C. N. from Brooklyn, NY (6/2/2008) "One of the best races for me" (about: 2008) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 NipMuck Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The course is very nice - mostly single track, a little muddy since it rained the night before, but fairly runnable. I was scared with the letter and prior comments, but it wasn't that bad. For (somewhat) experienced trail runners - don't worry, it's challenging, but OK. For street marathoners only - unless you are really lucky, plan on few stumbles, falls, slipping, etc. Hey, that's trail running. To quote another runner, this is like a "mini" ultra-marathon, so it would be nice to be used to walking uphill, eating while running, and plenty of fluids in your own carry on bottle. This will really take you 40% more than your regular marathon. I did 4:25 prior weekend at Vermont City and 5:52 at Nipmuck. The weather was terrible for me, with temps in 65-degree range and 90-100% humidity. Stations are well placed. I used lightweight trail shoes and I did not get wet, did not need to stop to remove debris, and did not feel the need for a forefoot protection plate. In conclusion, I think this is an extremely fun and enjoyable race - well enough organized, moderately challenging and, obviously, you can't beat the price....
M. H. from Greenwich, CT (6/1/2008) "First Trail Marathon; Great Experience" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 NipMuck Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Great race director, great small race, and fantastic people do this race. I've done 25 marathons and 6 half ironmen, and 1 full IM, and this is the best race. People are laid back, and the course is both mentally and physically demanding, but most importantly, there was not one attitude amongst the spectators and competitors. Everything everyone says below is true - over hills, over huge slippery rocks, exposed roots, streams, Sasquatchesque stairs. But it's all worth it and fantastic! The race director claimed that 2009's race will be by invitation only. I'm glad I did it while I had the chance!
D. U. from Connecticut (6/1/2008) "Bad-ASS!" (about: 2008) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 NipMuck Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I ran the race this year (2008) for the first time. This was the most awesome, fun, and bad-ass race I have ever done. From the mid-point to the three-quarter mark where you turn around it is almost all uphill. I ran Boston in the 2:40's and it took me in the 3:40's to finish this race!!!!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
d. z. from CT (12/6/2007) "What spectators? Who would want to watch this?" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 NipMuck Trail Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Tough course, but not unusually tough by trail race standards. Since it follows a trail that existed before the race did, we can't accuse anybody involved of being deliberately cruel. Just your fair share of mud, and the roots and rocks that make New England trail races so much fun. No heroic climbs except maybe the one complicated by a truly bizarre staircase that looks like it was designed for some other, larger species. The race goes off smoothly, starts on time and doesn't run out of food and drink. Come for the challenge, the spirit, and the satisfaction of finishing a damn tough marathon.
D. F. from Boston, MA (6/7/2007) "cool trail race" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 NipMuck Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I haven't ever enjoyed a marathon so muchIt's harder than a road race and it takes 40% or so longer. Camaraderie was amazing, the jokes were congenial and weather was nearly perfect - 60, cloudy, low humidity. There were plenty of rocks, roots, and mud, poison ivy; some hills and slippery slopes; and one or two mosquitos. So what? That's what trail running is all about. The best thing about the trails is that you don't get worn out as much. See you on the trails.

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Marathon Details - NipMuck Trail Marathon