Devil's Shadow Winter Trail Races

Devil's Shadow Winter Trail Races

February 6, 2027

Devil's Shadow is a winter race on the trails of Mendon Ponds Park on February 6, 2027. The race is in the tradition of Cast a Shadow, but with no snowshoe option. The 50k race starts at high noon. As racers loop around Devil's Bathtub, shadows will grow longer and longer until the sun recedes behind the glacial eskers. But you are not alone in the darkness. At the end of each loop there is a warm lodge full of warm people waiting to give you a high five and a mug of something good.

Prices:

5 mile: $25 registration fee (+ $3.50 in UltraSignup fees)
25/50k: $40 registration fee (+ $3.50 in UltraSignup fees)
No price increases. Same-day registration available.

New in 2027

We have re-branded the 5-mile race the "Eat Ice Cream For Breakfast" 5 miler. Participants will be able to enjoy post-race ice cream by the cozy fire - preferably while watching the 50k runners complete loop after loop after loop.

Common Ground Winter Trail Series

Devil's Shadow Winter Trail Races is the third race in the Common Ground Winter Trail Series, a collaboration between FarFetched Enterprises, Goose Adventure Racing, and Doody Runs. The goal of the series is bringing together the trail running community to get out on the trails over the winter and enjoy each other's company. The series contains the following events:

January 9, 2027 Frozen Assets Endurance Run
January 16, 2027 Mrs. McCormick's Ice House
February 6, 2027 Devil's Shadow Winter Trail Races
February 20, 2027 Go Forth!

Options to register for the full series are available on the Frozen Assets site. Series registrants will gain exclusive access to three bonuses:

Free entry into the Go Forth! event;
Series swag;

Entry into a random draw for membership in the FarFetched Mug Club. Membership benefits include smug satisfaction and a 24 fl oz mug custom-crafted by Wizard of Clay, specifically designed for Common Ground's wide selection of hot beverages, soups, and cold beer.

Location, Parking & Schedule

Race HQ is at Hopkins Point Lodge in Mendon Ponds Park. Parking will be available in the area surrounding the lodge.

Eat Ice Cream For Breakfast 5 Miler
8:30 AM - Check-in for the 5 miler opens. Same-day registration for 5 miler, 25k, and 50k opens.
9:20 AM - Check-in for the 5 miler closes. Same-day registration for 5 miler, 25k, and 50k closes.
9:30 AM - Start of the 5 mile.

25k/50k Long Course
11:00 AM - Check-in for the 25k/50k opens.
11:50 AM - Check-in for the 25k/50k closes.
12:00 PM - Start of the 25k/50k race.
4:30 PM - Headlamps required when starting a new loop.
5:24 PM - Sunset.
6:00 PM - Cutoff for starting loop 5.
7:15 PM - Cutoff for starting loop 6.

Contact the race directors if you are interested in any special arrangements, such as an early start or using a pacer.

Course

The course is an approximately 5.1 mile loop starting at Hopkins Point Lodge. It avoids most of the larger hills and road crossings. Note that the race day course is subject to change due to trail and weather conditions.

Food & Drink

Hopkins Point Lodge will serve as race HQ and also host the aid station as athletes complete loops. At the aid station we will have a variety of things to keep you fueled, including:

Hot apple cider Skratch Hydration
Cold lemon-lime Skratch Hydration, water, and soda
Gu Energy Gels (vanilla bean, chocolate outrage, strawberry-banana, salted caramel, and tri-berry)
Veggie broth
Pierogi and quesadillas
Candy
Fresh fruit
Pickles and salty snacks