Discussion: Goodbye Northern Nipmuck

I stopped to talk to Jim C. at the aid station and was surprised to hear that this is the last year for this race. Breakneck and now this one. Too bad.

I knew you would maintain that "positive attitude". Amazing run.

Nice to see you out there. How much did you do? I'm guessing the whole thing, but just the one way, south to north.

When I saw you, I'd been think it was going to be a long day. But it never really got bad.

I'm surprised about the demise too. Hadn't heard a thing. A shame.

Is it going away because of issues with the organizers, or is there some obstacle to it happening?

I got the impression that the organizers were ready to move on.

both NN & Breakneck were put on by long time trailrunners, but not affiliated directly with any club. I know Karl got tired of dealing with red tape and permits so just shut Breakneck down. Wasn't interested in passing the race to someone else, but felt if someone else started a new race at Bigelow, that was their prerogative. My guess is that it's a similar deal with Northern Nipmuck.

Nipmuck Dave was in the same boat last year and ready to move on, no one in his club wanted the Nipmuck Marathon so he offered it to the Striders and I became the new RD. I may yet live to regret the decision :-). We moved it to the old Breakneck spot in October, but otherwise will be keeping the tradition in tact for the 28th year.

Maybe future editions will keep going at Boston Hollow, loop up around breakneck and return and we'll add a 50 mile variant...

PS - Nipmuck is a third full already and we're still 6 months out. These races aren't dying for lack of participation...