Goal: To get folks outside and into a space which is quite intimidating at first! We want to give folks who have experience trail running the opportunity to take their trail running to the next level and start thinking about running in the mountains of New England.

Who should sign up: Folks who are excited about trail running and are interested in learning to explore and map their own backcountry routes in the white mountains. This is a great experience to step outside of suburban/urban trails and try something a little more rugged. Previous experience trail running and general fitness is required. 

When: Classroom portion (required) will be at our Newbury St. location from 7:30-9pm on Thursday, May 23 while the actual run is Saturday, May 25 in the White Mountains.

Logistics: Transportation to and from the run in the Whites will be provided by Arc’teryx via a Sprinter van service. We'll also provide a packed lunch for after the run. We'll supply some fuel and nutrition, but we recommend you bring your own running snacks & fuel if you want/need something in particular.

The run will be co-lead by Ambassador Amy Zamora and another experienced trail runner. Our pace will be no-drop and inclusive, with one co-leader present in the back of the pack for the duration of the run. If folks are running a bit slower, we'll wait together at particular points in the run to regroup. Expected paces will be anywhere between 13-15 minute miles with power hiking likely on steep inclines.

The planned route will take participants up the Hancock Notch trail to summit both Hancock peaks. Two 4000 ft mountains in the Whites! This run will be ~10 miles long with 2700 ft of elevation gain. Runners participating should be able to complete at least a 10 mile run. 

Classroom Portion: This mandatory class will teach attendees how to prepare for runs in the backcountry or off popular trails. Topics will include:

- Choosing a Route (popularity of trails, elevation gain, runnability, accessibility, distance, season/conditions)

- Mapping and Mapping Tools (CalTopo, Strava, OnX Backcountry, AllTrails, Gaia, Trail Run Project, USGS maps)

- Planning and Preparedness (choosing a route, emergency planning, communication, 10 essentials)

- Fueling (how to know what to bring, water sources)

Run Day Logistics: 

We'll meet at our Arc’teryx Newbury location at 6:45am with and leave at 7am.

Arrival at trailhead: Around 9am

Anticipated Start Time: 9:15-9:30am

Anticipated Finish Time: 12pm-1pm

Post run we'll drive to Twin Barns Brewing Co for a celebratory drink. 

A link to the route can be found here.

Event full? No worries, add yourself to the waitlist and we'll let you know if free spots open up!