Calling all trail runners! The Valley has an exciting new trail race on Mount Tom, created by Amy Rusiecki of Beast Coast Trail Running LLC, an experienced race director who has led dozens of hugely popular races in New England, including the Vermont 100 Endurance Race and the Seven Sisters Trail Race on the Mount Holyoke Range.

On Saturday, October 23, the inaugural Mt. Tom Trail Race will offer an exciting and challenging way to help conserve the land you love. The Mount Tom Range is an iconic part of the landscape in the Valley. Multiple peaks, rocky cliffs, scenic vistas, and miles of trails provide opportunities for everything from rugged hikes to hawk watching to family picnics—to trail running! The area’s unique geology also provides critical habitat for wildlife and rare plant communities.

The new Mt. Tom Trail Race will support Kestrel Land Trust’s Mount Tom Fund, established with a bequest from “Trail Lady” Kay Burnett, dedicated to enhancing public access on the Mount Tom Range, including creating the new Mt. Tom North Trailhead Park in Easthampton and supporting the City’s effort to conserve the woodland at the end of Reservation Road. It also supports our work to conserve and restore nearby Anniversary Hill Park in Holyoke, which shares the same geological features underlying Mt. Tom.

The rugged 12-mile race route will take place along trails throughout the Mount Tom State Reservation, straddling Easthampton and Holyoke. The race starts and finishes at Millside Park in Easthampton, next to New City Brewery, which will host post-event refreshments and festivities, including a free pint of local beer in a commemorative pint glass, and a hot dog (meat or veggie)!

Prizes for the top runners will include gift certificates to Marathon Sports, and more.  Solo and relay runners may register. The race has a 5-hour time limit to be completed. COVID precautions will be in place for this outdoor event.

Get more details and register here!

Volunteers will also be needed the day of the event! If you’d like to help, learn more here.

Thank You to Our Business Partners & Sponsors!

Mountaineer Level:

Runners on Your Mark Level:

• Bueno Y Sano Mexican Restaurant
• Conservation Works, LLC
• Curran & Keegan Financial Guidance & Planning
• Farm Credit East
• Greenfield Northampton Coop Bank
• O’Connor Real Estate