Chesterfield Gorge Ultra & 25k

Join us for the sixth annual Chesterfield Gorge Ultra and 25k Race, the only 100 mile race in western Mass!  Race director Amy Rusiecki has wanted to bring an ultra race to western Mass to share some of the amazing places that she regularly trains on, so we were thrilled to officially launch this race for 2018...and based on the many smiles throughout the event, it has become an annual tradition!  You'll run 25k/15.5 miles (or more) along the Westfield River in the Chesterfield Gorge.  It's a GORGEous place to run (see what we did there?!?).

As is tradition, we are intentionally keeping things small and low-key.  There will be plenty of yummy food and drinks along the way, as well as at the finish line, and plenty of volunteers to cheer you on - we'll have what you'll need to run as many miles as you want!  However, we'll only have small prizes for the overall male/female category champions.  Every 100 miler finisher will receive a small something also (but not a belt buckle). 

The course itself is a continually rolling jeep trail with a few rocks (but not a technical trail), with permanent mile markers along the way.  The race will consist of one or more 7.75 mile (12.5k) trail out-and-backs (for 15.5 miles/25k total). We will have a sign/turn-around point midway through the laps for folks wishing to do the 50 mile distance.  Folks wanting to get in an even 100 mile distance will turn around at the mid-way aid station on their last lap. There is no pavement on the entire course (yay!).

Parking is extremely limited, so depending on registration numbers we may need to limit the on-site parking.  Due to these constraints, we ask that every participant have only 1 car - please make a plan to carpool with your crew/pacers.  There will be a nearby alternative parking area to leave extra vehicles if needed.  

 Site map and start/finish area layout is here.

All proceeds go to the Hilltown Land Trust.  That's right, the race will help raise funds to continue to preserve land and wildlife habitat within our area.

Ultra Race & 100-mile Relay:

Date: June 1-2, 2024

Time: from 6:00am on Saturday to noon on Sunday (30 hour time limit).

Start Times: 100 milers start at 6:00am on Saturday

100kers and 50 milers start at 7:00am on Saturday

50kers start at 8:00am on Saturday

100 mile Relay will start at noon on Saturday (24-hour time limit)

*All runners are still welcome to adjust their race distance if they desire (at any time!), staggered starts are simply to space out participant starts! Only participants who start at the prescribed time will be eligible for awards, however you are welcome to have an alternative start time if you’d like - we’re out there for 30 hours, so make it work for you!*

Check-in: after 5:00am on Saturday, we're there!

Distance: Chose your own adventure! We'll have options for 50k, 50mile, 100km, and 100 mile...but you can stop at the end of any 25k/15.5 mile out-and-back and get credit for the distance.

Choose your distance on race day- there are no DNF's! (We only use the distance you register for to determine how much yummy treats to get for the aid stations, etc.).

Location: Chesterfield Gorge Reservation, 1 River Road, West Chesterfield MA

Cost: $120 for solo ultra; $85 for 50k race and $200 for up-to-4 person 100 mile relay

Registration: available here.

Race day registration is available unless race fills. Race day registrations fees are $10 more than online registration (so we encourage you to register online, although ultimately Hilltown Land Trust benefits if you don't!).

25k + 11k Race:

Date: Sunday June 2nd, 2024 (Note that this is on the SUNDAY, not Saturday)

Start Time: 8:00am for 25k, 9:00am for 11k

Check-in: whenever, we'll still be there from Saturday until your race starts!

Location: Chesterfield Gorge Reservation, 1 River Road, West Chesterfield MA

Distance: 25k/15.5 miles or 11k/7 miles

Cost: $45

Registration: available here

Race day registration is available unless race fills. Race day registrations fees are $5 more than online registration (so we encourage you to register online, although ultimately Hilltown Land Trust benefits if you don't!).

Further General Race info:

Distance: It's up to you - we are prepared for folks running 50k, 50 mile, 100k, and 100 mile, but you can stop at the end of any full lap and get credit for the appropriate distance (if you're in between the distances above, we'll put you on the results for the longest distance that you officially completed, just so that we don't have randomly small results).
"Bonus Miles" Challenge: after running 100, go out for more 15.5 mile out-and-backs in the 30 hour time limit at no extra charge!  We'll be there, and be awake...so keep on running if you want!
100-mile Relay - New in 2022, we're offering the opportunity for teams of up to 4 runners to get in on the fun!  Each runner must complete at least one 15.5 mile out-and-back, but how you divide it up after that is up to you!  This race starts at noon on Saturday, and you have 24-hours to get 'er done.

1)  Elevation Gain/Loss:  The course is rolling, with approximately 1,000 feet of climb every out-and-back.  Some folks will be able to run the entire course, while others will have a well deserved reason to walk!
2)  The Course:  The course is very easy to follow.  The trail is straight out along the river, and then straight back.
3) The Company:  You won't be all alone, since you will pass people on the out-and-backs.  There are three aid stations every 7.75 miles.  If you are still going on Sunday morning, you'll be joined by the 11k and 25k trail race folks with their fresh energy!
4) Crew Access:  Your crew can cheer you on (and support you) at the start/finish area only.
5)  Drop Bags:  Runners may leave a drop bag at the start/finish area if they don't have crew.  Heck, we encourage you to set up a small tent or 'self-crew area' at the start/finish area if you'd like.  
6)  The Price:  We are trying to keep the price as reasonable as possible, however with a relatively new race we need to budget for a few unexpected things.  As mentioned before, all proceeds go towards the Hilltown Land Trust, so any excess funds will help protect land in western Mass. 
7)  Flood zone:  The turn-around point is in a dam flood plain.  While it's rare that the area would be need to be flooded during the summer - it's possible.  If this occurs, the race course will be adjusted as needed.
8)  Weather warning:  This race is held during the summer, but this is still New England.  It might be hot and humid, but temperatures also might drop pretty low during the overnight.  Plan accordingly!  The Chesterfield Gorge is typically about 10 degrees cooler than Northampton and Amherst weather - and much of the course is shaded (although there are some open fields that may heat up in the afternoon sun).
9)  Aid Stations:
    1) "Amy's" - the Start/Finish area at Chesterfield Gorge Reservation.
    2) "Oasis" (WATER ONLY) - the halfway point, 3.5 miles from the Start/Finish Line (approximately 12 miles on your return trip) 
    3) "Boiler Room" - the turnaround on Old Worthington Road, 7.75 miles/12.5k
10)  Nourishment:  We'll have all the basics needed for a race!  For hydration, we will have water, energy drink, and soda.  During the night there will be hot soup.  For food, there will be the standard: cookies, candy, chips, pretzels, fruit, etc.  There will likely be grilled cheese sandwiches, bacon, turkey sandwiches, and other 'real foods' along the way.  
11)  Medical:  We do not have medical checkpoints or medical personnel at the aid stations, so be sure to monitor yourself constantly during the race.  All local emergency services will be on standby.  If your health is in question, please remember that "DNF" can mean "Did nothing fatal."
12)  Pacers:  Pacers are welcome to any runner once they have completed 30 miles.  Muling, unfortunately, is not allowed.  Pacers can leave a drop bag in the start/finish area also.  Pacers are allowed to eat and drink at the aid stations.  As long as you only have a single pacer at a time, you can switch them out however you want.  
13) Guidelines: If you are stopping, you must let a race official know. Per USATF regulations, we discourage the use of headphones. Otherwise, have some fun out there!
14) AWDs: We encourage Athletes with Disabilities to participate at this event! To learn how it all works, we will follow the general rules as set forth here.
15) Headlamps: Runners will want to be sure to have a headlamp with them for overnight running (duh, right?)
16) Camping: We are allowed to camp out on-site on Friday and Saturday night for free. RD will email instructions on where this is allowed. We just ask that you follow the RD's directions on where and when this is allowed.
17) Prizes: Top three male and female category finishers for each distance will receive a custom painted rock (trust me, they’re amazing!). All 100-mile finishers will also receive a token to commemorate their achievement.
18) Volunteers: We, of course, need amazing volunteers to make this event successful. If you are interested in helping out, please email us at racedirector_at_7sisterstrailrace_dot_com. THANK YOU!