Devils Shadow Winter Trail Races

Race Details

Devil's Shadow is a winter race on the trails of Mendon Ponds Park on January 31, 2026. The race was created in the tradition of Cast a Shadow, but with no snowshoe option. The 25 and 50k races start 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.

New in 2026

• We're moving the race to a Saturday so that participants have more time to recover before Monday.
• We've added a 25k option for those looking for a long run, but aren't ready for the full 50k

Common Ground

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. Those who register for all of the races in the series will receive some special swag.

The series includes the following events:

• January 3, 2026 Frozen Assets Endurance Run
• January 17, 2026 Mrs. McCormick's Ice House
• January 31, 2026 Devil's Shadow Winter Trail Races
• February 2026 TBD

Options to register for the full series are available on the Frozen Assets site.

Location, Parking & Schedule

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

• 5 Mile Short Course (1 loop)
  • 8:30 AM - Check-in for the 5 mile opens. Same-day registration for 5 mile, 25k, and 50k opens.
  • 9:15 AM - Check-in for the 5 mile closes. Same-day registration for 5 mile closes.
  • 9:30 AM - Start of the 5 mile.
• 25k/50k Long Course (3/6 loops)
  • 11:00 AM - Check-in for the 25k/50k opens.
  • 11:45 AM - Check-in for the 25k/50k closes. Same-day registration for 25k/50k closes.
  • 12:00 PM - Start of the 25k/50k race.

Post-Race Activities

Hopkins 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 Coke, Gu Energy Gels, Salt potatoes, Bone broth, Candy. As runners start finishing up, we will be bringing out additional supplies, including: Soup from Nathan’s Soup & Salad, Amazing Grains salt bread from R's Market, A selection of beer from Peacemaker Brewing, Hot chocolate.