The Midstate Trail running through central Massachusetts will celebrate its 100th birthday in 2026. And a popular ultra race along the trail plans to celebrate the milestone with a special edition of the event.
Created in 1926, the scenic Midstate Trail is located 45 miles west of Boston and runs 92 miles across the hills of central Massachusetts, traveling from the Rhode Island border to the New Hampshire border, where it connects with the Wapack Trail.
The Midstate Massive Ultra Trail is an ultra race that takes place along the trail each October. Started in 2019 and organized by New England Race Events, it is a point-to-point race that offers distances of 100 miles, 50 miles, and 50 kilometers, with the course traversing rugged mountains, forests, fields, rivers, and scenic terrain during peak autumn foliage.
Organizers said this year’s event will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Midstate Trail with a special edition of the race on October 10 and 11.
As part of the celebration, special commemorative items, historic trail exhibits, and recognition for runners who embody the trail’s centennial spirit will be featured at the race expo and finish line festivities.
“This year’s race isn’t just about covering miles—it’s about honoring the legacy of the trail and those who’ve walked and run it over the last century,” said Rich Mazzola, Co-Director of the Midstate Massive Ultra Trail who, along with Co-Director Andy Marx, started the Midstate Massive Ultra Trail eight years ago.
While the trail was created in the 1920s, it deteriorated for several decades from lack of maintenance and use. It came together in its present form beginning in the 1970s as advocates worked to have the trail traverse Worcester Country.
All three of the race’s distances end at Douglas State Forest in Massachusetts, but each has a different starting point. The 100-mile race begins at Windblown Campground in New Ipswich, New Hampshire. The 50-mile race begins at Long Pond in Rutland, Massachusetts, and the 50K begins at Howe State Park in Spencer, Massachusetts.
The Midstate Massive Ultra Trail 100-mile and 50-mile events are UTMB Index Races. Runners who complete either the Midstate Massive 100-mile or 50-mile events will receive a UTMB Performance Index in the category of their completed race event.
Learn more about the Midstate Massive Ultra Trail here.
