March 23, 2019

Grand Prix points determined by age-grading-derived WAVA% value, which equates various distances efforts.
WAVA% calculated using: http://www.howardgrubb.co.uk/athletics/wmalookup15.html
PLEASE CHECK YOUR GP POINTS for accuracy.

November 11, 2018

The Upton State Forest Trail race runs through the scenic Upton State Forest (surprise!). Part of the MRA series, this is probably the least challenging of their trail races. A slightly over 6 mile loop is run once for the 10.5k and twice for the half marathon. This year the race kicked off with Eric Jacobsen’s impression of Steve Galloway singing the National Anthem. If you weren’t there you missed out! The weather was beautiful for a fall trail run and great for a November day — This year was a beautiful 34 degree day with clear skies. The soup afterward was a great way to warm up!

Grand Prix points determined by age-grading-derived WAVA% value, which equates various distances efforts. PLEASE CHECK YOUR GP POINTS for accuracy.

WAVA% found in “WMA age-grading calculator” link at bottom of Grand Prix page on website.

October 14, 2018

The Groton Town Forest Trail race run through the scenic Groton Town Forest (surprise!). It has a fast start with a low frills “start when the counter hits zero” timing system and bib-tag and poster board finishing results. There are two distances: 3.4 mile and 9.5 mile and both counted for the Grand Prix results. The trails are a mix of two person wide and single track through rolling hills and a few steep inclines and declines. This year was a beautiful 54 degree day, perfect for running, that contributed to many fast times out on the course. There were 73 runners in the 9.5 mile and 68 in the 3.4 mile race. Grand Prix points determined by age-grading-derived WAVA% value, which equates various distances efforts. PLEASE CHECK YOUR GP POINTS for accuracy.

WAVA% found in “WMA age-grading calculator” link at bottom of Grand Prix page on website.

September 29, 2018

The TARC Fall Classic offers a variety of race distances from 10k to 50 miles in the Great Brook Farm State Park in Carlisle, MA. There is a good mix of open trails and single track that winds around the state park and through stunning scenery. The GFRC accepted the 10k and Half Marathon distances for Prix points. The race itself is low key, and low frills: No swag, no awards, and no whining! Gun start, chip timed. 117 runners in the half marathon, 50 in the 10k. 54 degrees and clear skies — an awesome day to run. Grand Prix points determined by age-grading-derived WAVA% value, which equates various distances efforts. PLEASE CHECK YOUR GP POINTS for accuracy.

WAVA% found in “WMA age-grading calculator” link at bottom of Grand Prix page on website.

August 12, 2018

Al’s Mammoth Half Marathon is a trail half marathon that starts on the grounds of the abandoned Westborough State Hospital on Chauncy Lake. The race features 1000′ of elevation climb, narrow single track alongside corn fields, rock gardens aplenty, wooden bridges, and due to heavy rain this year, a water crossing. Did I mention the horse flies, bees, and zombies? Gun start, manual timing, and no bibs (just popsicle sticks). 41 runners in total, no age grade awards. Grand Prix points determined by age-grading-derived WAVA% value, which equates various distances efforts. PLEASE CHECK YOUR GP POINTS for accuracy.

WAVA% found in “WMA age-grading calculator” link at bottom of Grand Prix page on website.

July 14, 2018

Run with the Beavers is a 5 or 10 mile trail race in Casmir Pulaski Memorial State Park in Chepachet, Rhode Island. Each loop of the 5 mile trail features several miles of narrow, technical single track with a few sections of dirt road running, some less technical trails, one big hill, a few bridges and some great views.  There is a surprising lack of beavers.  Gun start, chip timing. 95 runners in the 5 mile, 176 runners in the 10 mile. Grand Prix points determined by age-grading-derived WAVA% value, which equates various distances efforts. PLEASE CHECK YOUR GP POINTS for accuracy.

WAVA% found in “WMA age-grading calculator” link at bottom of Grand Prix page on website.

July 1, 2018

The Hodges Hoedown showcases the complex trail system of this US Army Corp of Engineers property. The race includes sections that can only (sanely) be power hiked, a few descents that require holding onto saplings, and even a knee deep river crossing. Gun start, manual timing. 59 runners in the 10k, 88 runners in the half marathon. GP pts determined by age-grading-derived WAVA% value, which equates various distances efforts. PLEASE CHECK YOUR GP POINTS for accuracy.

WAVA% found in “WMA age-grading calculator” link at bottom of Grand Prix page on website.