The first weekend in November was WARM this year. I mean, really warm. Which worked out well for the first-year All of the Above Trail Fest at Berkshire East, the ski area in Charlemont, MA. The race started on a ski slope by the lodge and climbed singletrack trail in the woods to the top of Mt. Institute, then wound around all over the place on a mix of singletrack, snowmobile trails, woods roads, and dirt roads. For me it was tough, it was sweaty, and it was a total blast.
The event was created to promote greater inclusivity in the running community, and it felt great to support it. I’m not sure who all was there, but I know I ran many miles with Tom Davidson, Donna Utakis, and Alex Wirth-Cauchon; was handed my bib by Matt Czaplinski (who also raced); was greeted by Kristin Loiko in full costume; and high-fived my RD pal Amy Rusiecki at the finish. For much more information, check out Beast Coast Trail Running’s website here.
