Race for the Refuge

10/15/2026

Something new this year....prizes for our masters runners! With thanks to Small Farm, we have purchased enough prizes to award the following winners:

-Top M/F/NB in the 10km, 30km and the 6 hour event.
-Top Masters (age 40 and up) M/F/NB in the 10km, 30km and the 6 hour event.

Quick reminder about how the 6 hour event works: the winner is determined by the greatest number of full laps completed in the shortest period of time. Runners must start their last lap by 2:15pm and laps must be completed by 3pm to count towards the total.

10/13/2026

A runner's guide will be going out early next week but here's a teaser covering some important points:

-Each event starts at the same time: 9am on October 25th at 680 Hudson Rd, Sudbury. There is a mandatory pre-race safety meeting at 8:45am under the arch.

-Please carpool if possible

-The race is cupless: please bring a water bottle or collapsible cup to enjoy the beverages

-The main aid station will have various types of fuel throughout the day including: bananas, watermelon, pretzels, hummus roll ups, cookies, muffins. The 3 mile water stop will have water, gatorade, granola bars and fruit gummies.

-Please no pets and no littering

-The race is not chip timed: please ensure your bib is secured to the front of your shirt so that our timing team can accurately ensure your laps count.

-Redeem your free beverage and snacks at Clover Road Brewing, Hudson until 8pm on race day.

We can't wait to see you in 12 days. The race is going to be so much fun- high fives and good vibes all around!

10/08/2026

10/06/2026

Many thanks to our wonderful 2026 sponsors!

10/02/2026

The refuge is looking STUNNING! Views are great and the trails are clear of branches. See you on October 25th!

09/30/2026

Hello Race for the Refuge Friends!

We have heard from a few of you that it is difficult to change your race distance or cancel your registration in the October 25th race.

If Runsignup doesn't work for you, feel free to reach out to: [email protected] if you're having problems and we can take care of it for you. Thanks and see you all in a few weeks!

09/27/2026

Hello Race for the Refuge Runners!

We are so sorry that New England nature did not cooperate so that we could safely hold our trail race today. Seeing happy runners enjoying the trails at the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge has always been our goal.

We have been working behind the scenes in an effort to bring you the same race, but on a different day. The day that is best for our partners at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, volunteers and sponsors is Sunday October 25th, 2026. The race will start at 9:00am for everyone and the options will be the same: 10km, 30km, 6hour.

You are automatically registered to run on October 25th. Here’s what you need to know:

If that date works for you feel free to join us that morning and pick up your bib and swag. You don’t have to do anything except enjoy the race day vibes!

If you would like to change distances that can be done at any time before 8:15am race day by logging into your Runsignup account or email: [email protected].

If you would like to cancel your registration in the race completely, please login to your Runsignup account and delete registration or email: [email protected]. It’s really important for our planning purposes that you let us know if you can’t attend. Thank you so much for helping us and we hope to see you next year.

https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Sudbury/RaceForTheRefuge

Cheers to having a good weather day on October 25th!

We thank the United States Fish and Wildlife Service for their support and encourage everyone to visit the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge in person or online

Cheers,

Judy Proteau and Beth Dougherty, Race Directors

Proudly presented by the Highland City Striders.

HCS is a tax-exempt non-profit as a member of the Road Runners Club of America.

The Race for the Refuge is on Sunday September 27, 2026. It includes the following events: 10K Trail Race, 30K Trail race, 6-Hour Trail Race, and Pacer for 6-hour Race.

09/25/2026

Hi Race for the Refuge Runners and Volunteers,

It is with disappointment that we must cancel the 2026 Race for the Refuge. Due to the expected storm and potential for damage to the trees and trails we are unable to safely hold the race this year. We are so sorry that New England nature has not cooperated with us.

We are considering our options and need more time to determine the best plan. We thank you for your patience and we’ll send more information in a few days.

Thanks for your support!

Judy Proteau and Beth Dougherty, Race Directors

09/24/2026

Hi Race for the Refuge Runners,

For the last few days, we have been monitoring the weather predictions for Saturday and Sunday. The weather reports are consistent that there will be periods of heavy rain and wind in Sudbury. What we are not sure about is the severity of the storm and the potential damage to trees, trails and structures in the area.

We have been working closely with our hosts at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to determine the best course of action. The safety of runners, volunteers and employees at the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge is of utmost importance to us.

We will be notifying all participants and volunteers by email and social media of our plans by September 26th at noon.

Please email us with any questions at: [email protected].

Judy Proteau and Beth Dougherty, Race Directors

09/22/2026

On Thursday night, feel free to join us at Clover Road brewery at 312 Main St, Hudson for early bib pick up. We'll be there from 5-8pm slinging bibs, swag and smiles.

At 6:30pm, feel free to join the Highland City Striders for a fun run from the pub for 4 easy miles. It's crazy sock night so feel free to wear your most outrageous socks. Many Striders will stay for a beverage and conversation after.