Northeast Roots: Historic Trail Races in the Northeast
The Northeast Trail Running community has grown significantly over the past decade. Trail races can now often be found in many of the scenic gem areas of our region and filling the calendar. It’s good to recognize who our trail event pioneers were, and continue to experience classic trail vibes as they run on. Additionally, I set their inaugural runnings in the context of top headlines, songs, and movies of that year, as well as a glimpse of what the latest tech may have been on entrant’s feet.
For those who may be arriving directly here, we also have related articles on Toughest, Most Scenic, Flat & Fast, and others to come. For this round, let’s dig into Northeast trail races boasting deep roots and still classic vibes.
1996
Top News Headline:
Budget crisis, FBI arrests Unabomber, two deadly airline crashes
Top Hit on the Charts:
Macarena by Los del Rio
Oscar’s Best Picture:
Braveheart
On Their Feet
- Adidas releases the Response Trail and with a signature trail rudder that would carry forward
- OneSport would be rebranded as Montrail next year in 1987
Inaugural Running
Charlie Horse Half
Half Marathon
Mohnton, PA
Rachel Carson Trail Challenge
35 Miles
North Park, PA
1995
Top News Headline(s):
Trial of OJ Simpson, Oklahoma City bombing
Top Hit on the Charts:
Gangsta’s Paradise by Coolio
Oscar’s Best Picture:
Forrest Gump
On Their Feet
- Asics GT-2000 is released
- Nike Air Footscape with asymmetic lacing and the Air Rift with split toebox and “barefoot” feel, and the Air Max 95
Inaugural Running
Massanutten Mountain Trails
100 Miles
Fort Valley, VA
1994
Top News Headline(s):
Nancy Kerrigan attacked, Clinton accused of sexual harassment (no, not that one, an earlier one), O.J. Simpson arrested
Top Hit on the Charts:
The Sign by Ace of Base
Oscar’s Best Picture:
Schindler’s List
On Their Feet
- New Balance releases the 1400
- Saucony releases it’s Aya Triathlon shoe
- Quiet on new models, with most brands updating existing models (including what was on my feet in 1994 – the Adidas EQT Torsion)
Inaugural Running
Conestoga Trail Run
10 Miles
Conestoga, PA
Catoctin 50k
32 Miles
Frederick, MD
1993
Top News Headline(s):
Branch Dividian rade in Waco, WTC Bombing, officers convicted of beating Rodney King, NAFTA approved, and RBG appointed to Supreme Court
Top Hit on the Charts:
I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston
Oscar’s Best Picture:
Unforgiven
On Their Feet
- Nike releases the Pegasus RD
- Asics Gel-Kayano trainer debuts
- Reebok HXL first running shoe incorporating the Pump
- New Balance releases the 1500
Inaugural Running
Bull Run Run
50 Miles
Clifton, VA
Tortoise and Hare
10k
Ithaca, NY
1991
Top News Headline:
Justice Clarence Thomas accused of sexual harassment by Anita Hill
Top Hit on the Charts:
(Everything I do) I Do It For You by Bryan Adams
Oscar’s Best Picture:
Dances with Wolves
On Their Feet
- Adidas Oregon Ultra Tech with synthetic suede and nylon mesh upper, and EQT Torsion Support
- Nike releases Mowabb as a trail running / hiking crossover, the Ghost Racer, the Air Max 180, and the Air Huarache
- Reebok’s Pump technology debuts
- Saucony first uses GRID cushioning in the SD
Inaugural Running
Seven Sisters
12 Miles
Amherst, MA
1990
Top News Headline:
US Supreme Court overturns flag burning law
Top Hit on the Charts:
Hold On by Wilson Phillips
Oscar’s Best Picture:
Driving Miss Daisy
On Their Feet
- Adidas Torsion SP with trail outsole and GoreTex Upper
- Asics Gel-Lyte III with awesome split-tongue
- Reebok debuts Hexalite midsole
- Saucony Jazz 3000 shoe of the year
Inaugural Running
Monster Marathon
Half and Full Marathon
Ithaca, NY
1989
Top News Headline:
San Francisco earthquake and Exxon Valdez oil spill
Top Hit on the Charts:
Look Away by Chicago
Oscar’s Best Picture:
Rain Man
On Their Feet
- Asics Gel-Lyte II
- New Balance early trail’ish model with the lugged NB577
- Nike’s second trail shoe releases, the Air Wildwood
Inaugural Runnings
HAT Run
50k
Havre de Grace, MD
Vermont 100
100k / 100 Mile
West Windsor, VT
1988
Top News Headline:
US Navy ship mistakenly shoots down Iranian airliner, Bush beats Dukakis
Top Hit on the Charts:
Faith by George Michael
Oscar’s Best Picture:
The Last Emperor
On Their Feet
- Adidas releases the ZX8000, the first model to incorporate their new Torsion control system
- New Balance releases the 574
- Nike releases the Air Flow and Air Stab, the latter being built to address overpronation
- Reebok debuts its ERS (Energy Return System) technology (kinda like springs) to compete with Nike Air
Inaugural Running
Finger Lakes Fifties
25k, 50k, 50 Mile
Hector, NY
1987
Top News Headline:
A whole lotta of them regarding the Iran-Contra affair
Top Hit on the Charts:
Walk Like An Egyptian by The Bangles
Oscar’s Best Picture:
Platoon
On Their Feet
- Adidas APS released in ’86 with a compartment & hidden rods, with a key to adjust the support or cushioning in the midsole as well as the Fire with interchangeable cushioning inserts
- Asics launches the Gel-Lyte
- Brooks releases Kinetic Wedge technology
- Nike Air Max debuts first visible air pocket
Leatherman’s Loop
10k
Pound Ridge, NY
1985
Top News Headline:
US Supreme Court bars public school teachers from parochial schools
Top Hit on the Charts:
Careless Whisper by Wham!
Oscar’s Best Picture:
Amadeus
On Their Feet
- New Balance releases the 1300 with increased stability, the “most advanced running shoe ever made” and at $130, the most expensive to date
- Nike releases the Sock Racer an early stab at cushioning without control, the V Series including Vengeance, Vortex, and Vector, and the Cram Vendetta after the UK’s Steve Cram
- Saucony releases the Shadow
Inaugural Running
Pisgah Mountain Trail Races
23k / 50k
Chesterfield, NH
1984
Top News Headline:
President Reagan re-elected
Top Hit on the Charts:
When Doves Cry by Prince
Oscar’s Best Picture:
Terms of Endearment
On Their Feet
- Adidas’ first trail crossover in the ZX500, and releases the LA Trainer to coincide w/ the LA Olympics, the New York, and Lady New York
- New Balance releases the 670
- Nike’s releases its first dedicated trail runner, the Air Escape, and the Epic
- Saucony DXN Trainer designed by Rod Dixon
Inaugural Running
Nipmuck Trail Marathon
Marathon
Ashford, CT
Soapstone Mountain Trail Race
6k / 24k
Stafford, CT
1983
Top News Headline:
Sally Ride first US woman astronaut in space aboard the Challenger
Top Hit on the Charts:
Every Breath You Take by The Police
Oscar’s Best Picture:
Gandhi
On Their Feet
- Mizuno releases its MZ-84 with interchangeable cushioning and support system
- Nike releases the Air Pegasus
- OneSport (later Montrail) releases the Vitesse
- Onitsuka the Tiger X-Calibur GT was a first to have flex grooves cut-in for flexibility on top of cushioning
Inaugural Running
Mt. Masochist
50k / 50 Miles
Montebello, VA
Mt. Masochist is quite possibly the only east coast trail event to have a legit shoe named in its honor. The Montrail Mountain Masochist would release in 1999. It was an ode to this early trail and ultra classic, and ode the community which coalesced around Dr. Horton. I owned and ran through a couple of pairs while they existed and remember them as one of the earlier models offering flexibility, cushion, and traction.
1981
Top News Headline:
Reagan inaugurated and shot, Sandra Day O’Connor takes oath as first female Supreme Court Justice, Iran Hostages freed.
Top Hit on the Charts:
Bette Davis Eyes by Kim Carnes
Oscar’s Best Picture:
Ordinary People
On Their Feet
- Saucony Jazz in 1981 with Maxitrac outsole that was proclaimed as much for shock absorption as grip. By today’s standards, that’s a solid trail-worthy outsole and stable platform.
Inaugural Running
NCR Marathon
26.2 Miles
Glencoe, MD
1980
Top News Headline:
Ronald Reagan elected president
Top Hit on the Charts:
Call Me by Blondie
Oscar’s Best Picture:
Kramer vs. Kramer
On Their Feet
- Adidas creates the dedicated trail category with the Marathon TR
- Brooks releases the Hugger GT w/ GoreTex upper, and RT-1, a lightweight cush shoe
- New Balance 620 is lightest and most advanced on market and first running shoe to sell for > $50
- Nike Eagle, worn by Alberto Salazar in his back to back NYC Marathon wins in ’80 / ’81
- Puma’s Fast Rider, fully lugged, only 9.8 oz
Inaugural Running
Laurel Highlands
70.5 Miles
Ohiopyle, PA
One of the longest and toughest events of its day, not just in our region, but the nation. A course which pairs beautiful singletrack with technical stretches. To this day retaining that original and classic vibe.
1979
Top News Headline:
Nuclear power plant accident at Three Mile Island, PA; Sony releases the Walkman; First snowboard invented;
Top Hit on the Charts:
My Sharona by The Knack (Pink Floyd releases The Wall)
Oscar’s Best Picture:
The Deer Hunter
On Their Feet
- Nike’s Daybreak with trail-worthy outsole
- Nike’s first Air model, the Tailwind
- Reebok releases the Aztek and 10k in 1978, and Aztek Princess, a women’s-specific model, in ’79
- Saucony Trainer 80, another unintended, but totally trail-worthy beut
Inaugural Running
Old Dominion
100 Miles
Fort Valley, VA
Based in what would become an epicenter of trail and ultra community in the US, Old Dominion upped JFK’s ante. A classic course which flows, asking you take it out, not encumbered by technicality or extreme elevation, and to find your limit. Then keep going.
1978
Top News Headlines:
Space Invaders launches computer game craze; First even cellular mobile phone releases in Illinois; Son of Sam convicted
Top Hit on the Charts:
Shadow Dancing by Andy Gibb
Oscar’s Best Picture:
Annie Hall
On Their Feet
- Onitsuka Tiger to release the California in 1978, and with Viren winning golds in ’76 Olympics wearing their shoes
- Saucony Gripper in ’77, and, Ms. Gripper in ’78. An original (unintended) trail beauty.
Goshen Gallop
5k / 10.2k
Goshen, VT
“Runners looking for an exceptional backcountry course find it here… in the Moosalmoo National Recreation Area. From a natural obstacle course to a stunning surprise view from the south end of Hogback Mountain, the Gallop’s elevation profile and rugged terrain have earned the race the nickname “the toughest 10k in New England.” Bragging rights for any serious runner that complete the satisfying and breathtaking experience. But you don’t need to be a hardcore runner to participate… the 5K is equally exhilarating, and you can still brag (just half as much).”
1977
Top News Headline:
Carter pardons Vietnam war draft evaders; Star Wars opens in theaters; NASA Shuttle first test flight
Top Hit on the Charts:
Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright) by Rod Stewart
Oscar’s Best Picture:
Rocky
On Their Feet
- Adidas TRX with trail outsole worthy lugs
- Brooks Villanova, and the Vantage which offered an EVA midsole and varus wedge for prontation Control, Brooks first RW #1 shoe
- New Balance 320
- Nike Elite (trail-worthy outsole), years into 1973’s Boston release, Waffle Trainer patent filed
Inaugural Running
Escarpment
18.6 Miles
Windham, NY
Escarpment was truly ahead of its time and to this day one of the best and toughest trail races in the country. Dick Vincent created as gnarly and technical a course that you’ll find anywhere. Yet, it flows smooth as silk for those savvy over such terrain.
1963
Top News Headline:
JFK’s Assassination
Top Hit on the Charts:
Surfin’ USA by the Beach Boys
Oscar’s Best Picture:
Lawrence of Arabia
On Their Feet
- Adidas wouldn’t release their first dedicated run trainer, the Achill for another five years, in 1968.
- BRS manufacture and sales of the Cortez becomes the Nike Cortez in 1971
Inaugural Running
Cumberland Valley Athletic Club Hike
later to be known as
JFK
50 Miles
Hagerstown, MD
Originally the Cumberland Valley Athletic Club 50 Mile Hike, the event was a call from JFK for the military to be as fit and held to the test used by Teddy Roosevelt:
“In 1963, the initial inspiration behind the event came from then President John F. Kennedy challenging his military officers to meet the requirements that Teddy Roosevelt had set for his own military officers at the dawn of the 20th Century. That Roosevelt requirement was for all military officers to be able to cover 50 miles on foot in 20 hours to maintain their commissions. When word got out about the “Kennedy Challenge”, non-commissioned military personnel also wanted to take the test themselves as did certain robust members of the civilian population. all persons to be fit enough to run 50 miles.”
One of if not the only event grandfathered in and permitted to run on the AT. Consistently one of the most competitive in the nation and the largest ultra in the United States. This is our region’s, and nation’s, trail event foundation. For a deeper dive, check this out.
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