Trail Challenge Anyone?

This Sunday, May 25th, beginning at 6am, the Pineland Farms Trail Challenge will be off and running for it's 3rd consecutive year. This Trail Challenge is quickly becoming a "must" stop for trail running "Aficionados’". Ian Parlin and Erik Boucher started this event based on their passion for off road and trail running. Ian, President and founder of Trail Monster Running, the area's foremost trail running club, has run a number of trail challenges and recently ran a 50K. The clubs mission is simply: Trail Monster Running is Maine’s only trail running club. We are committed to exploring off-road running opportunities in Maine and throughout New England and sharing information with other like-minded runners about the places we run. From 5k cross country races to 100 milers, Trail Monsters run them all.

And run them all they do! The Pineland Farms Trail Challenge boasts a 25K, 50K and a 50 Miler! This unique event's symbol is a tractor and finishers of the 25K receive a silver cowbell, with finishers of the 50K receiving a gold cowbell! Additionally, there is a 4K Carnicross, where runners can share the trail with there favorite dogs. After the event there is a community and family flair with live music, a barbeque and potluck, Gritty McDuff's beer, soda, etc... The organizers give out handcrafted awards to winners. If your not running come out, volunteer and take part in a great family event! This years event already boasts 470 pre-entries and race day sign up should push this race over the 500 participation mark!

Ian recently gave a "Trail Running" Clinic at our Thursday night training group. He lead a group on a 6 mile run along the Fore River Sanctuary Trail and then gave a presentation to 35+ on "Why Trail Running," equipment, Trail Monster and the distinct differences between running on roads and trails and the different levels of trail running.

Trail Monster is also is organizing the "Bradbury Mountain Trail Running Series". The Series features a 6 mile (Bradbury Scuffle - June 15th), 9 mile Bradbury Mountain Breaker - August 10th) and 12 mile (Bradbury Bruiser - September 14th). Maine Running and Vasque are sponsors and with Ian's organization and passion, this series is sure to grow.

Trail Running, try it!! and remember, Run Happy!