Spring for the Trails
Half Marathon
Saturday, May 9, 2026
Join us for the 12th Annual Spring for the Trails on Saturday, May 9th! The race begins at 8:00 AM sharp on the beautiful trails, both single and double track, of DCR Willowdale State Forest. This course is 100% on trails!
Registration
Members: $45 / Non-members: $55
All 2026 events will offer a $10 discount for ECTA Members.
BECOME A MEMBER BEFORE REGISTRATION!
This race is part of the North Shore Trail Series 2026! For more info and to officially sign up for the series check out the North Shore Trail Series.
PLEASE NOTE:
- Online registration closes at 11:59 PM on Sunday, May 3rd.
- You may register the day of race 6:30 AM - 7:30 AM. (Race Day: $50 Members; $60 Non-Members)
- T-shirts only guaranteed for first 150 registrants!
Divisions: Men's, Women's, and Non-Binary: Under 20, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+.
Prizes: awarded to 1st and 2nd place overall and in each division! Prizes will be given out as runners finish (no awards ceremony). Please check to see if you have won a prize before you leave! Prizes will be kept in ECTA office for two weeks after event for pick up, no prizes will be mailed.
Parking and race start: Please park at the Willowdale parking lot on Linebrook Road (across from Marini Farms, whose address is 259 Linebrook Road in Ipswich, MA). Once parked, simply follow the path toward the field and you can sign in, pick up your bib and t-shirt (T shirts are first come first served). Pick it up at the registration table between 6:30 AM - 7:30 AM. Please arrive no later than 7:30 as the line for registration pick-up can get very long last minute. Race starts sharply at 8:00 AM!
Packet Pick-up: If you wish to pick up your bib and t-shirt early (for registered runners ONLY), we will be at New England Running Co. at 43 Enon Street in Beverly on Friday, May 8th from 10:00am - 6:00pm. Otherwise, pick it up at the registration table at the race between 6:30 AM - 7:30 AM. Please arrive no later than 7:30 as the line for registration pick-up can get very long last minute. All registered runners that pick up their packets on May 9th at New England Running will be entered into a raffle for a free pair of trail shoes! Bib numbers are NON-TRANSFERABLE.
Course Map: Course will be well marked. Our map (below) is also available on Avenza Maps gps enabled! Get the avenzamaps.com app and download the "ECTA Spring for the Trails Half Marathon" map. More detailed instructions on using Avenza can be found on our website.
Course Map (pdf): CLICK HERE
More course details: Aid station with water at mile 6. Water and refreshments at the finish.
U18 Liability Waiver (ONLY for those under 18 - please print out and mail back): CLICK HERE
If you have any questions, please contact our office at office@ectaonline.org. Thank you!
