[Author’s Note: This article is the 10th in an 11-part series in AJW’s Taproom celebrating under-the-radar races.]
Each autumn since 2001, in the woods around Ipswich, Massachusetts, the regional running community has come together for the Stone Cat Trail Races. Originally the creation of Gil’s Athletic Club, this annual trail festival celebrates the beauty of fall in the U.S. Northeast with a variety of distances on a range of local trails. Currently organized by the Trail Animals Running Club, Stone Cat has stayed true to its roots with a fully volunteer staff and a modest entry fee of $25 for all distances, from the five-kilometer all the way up to the 100k.
For thousands of people in the Northeast running community, Stone Cat was their first trail race or ultra. According to current race director, Patrick Caron, “Several dozen people have personally shared with me the event’s role in their running journeys, and its influential impact on their lives. To continue providing that space and place for them to come back to and for others to discover feels incredibly meaningful to all of us who put on the event.”
Runners enjoying some forest trails at the Stone Cat Trail Races. Photo: Chris Wristen
As the leaves fall off the trees and the regional ultra calendar becomes sparser, the event feels like an unofficial celebration of the racing season and a gathering of friends before winter arrives. People bring such gratitude to the event, and that shines throughout the day, on the trails and at the aid stations, with constant support and camaraderie between runners and new friendships forming.
Caron continues, “All are genuinely welcomed with open arms at Stone Cat. The event has remained grassroots since its start back in 2001, thanks to hundreds of volunteers who have chipped in and dedicated their weekends to supporting runners. Many of those same volunteers are past participants who want to give others the memorable experience they were given.”
Like many ultras, Stone Cat is not without its challenges as its increasing popularity has made volunteer recruitment more difficult and the chance to actually run the race more challenging. The organizers have, in recent years, sought to encourage volunteerism — particularly from people new to the sport — to showcase the close-knit New England running community and provide continuity for the race.
Volunteers cooking up a storm at a Stone Cat Trail Races aid station. Photo: Chris Wristen
The Trail Animals Running Club has as its mission to “act as community stewards by providing equitable access to trail running and promoting positive trail running culture.” The organizers are intentional in designing experiences that are welcoming to all participants, and that also honor the diversity of life circumstances, identities, perspectives, and interests of our community members.
As Caron notes, “From offering low-cost entry fees and scholarships, multiple different distances to participate in, free youth fun runs, gear swaps, and also highlighting the stewardship of the trails by donating all the profits back to the groups that take care of them, we hope people can feel and understand what positive trail running culture is all about. Trail Animals Running Club events are grassroots at their core, and they are the combination of the energy and spirit that everyone brings forward that day.”
This year’s edition of Stone Cat takes place on Saturday, November 2, 2024, and while all of the race distances are currently full, there are ample volunteer opportunities available for those interested in being part of this unique New England community event.
Bottoms up!
AJW’s Beer of the Week
This week’s Beer of the Week is Ipswich Original Ale from Ipswich Ale Brewery in Ipswich, Massachusetts. A classic New England style amber ale, Ipswich Ale is a throwback to the classic brown ales of yesteryear with a rich malty flavor and a mellow finish. Perfect after a crisp fall day on the trails.
Call for Comments
- Have you done any of the Stone Cat Trail Races?
- Tell us about your experience!
