ECTA upcoming events

9th Annual Ride in Memory of Patrick Keough (07 Jun 2026)

Sun, 07 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Ride in Memory of Patrick Keough
Sunday, June 7, 2026

The countryside lost a great friend in September 2016 when renowned horseman, Patrick Keough, passed away unexpectedly. Patrick loved to be out on the trails. With the help of some generous donors, we have created a trail fund in Patrick's memory.

There will be no charge for this ride, but we ask that all riders make some gift, however large or small, in Patrick's memory. To make a donation to the Patrick Keough Memorial Trail Fund CLICK HERE (Please click the box marked "Patrick Keough Memorial Trail Fund" under Donation Designation). MANY THANKS!

Registration limited to 20 and helmets are required for all riders. Arrive early enough to begin ride at 10:00 AM; we will be on the trails for approximately 1.5 hours. Ride will be walking only; horses must be well behaved in groups.

The Ipswich/Hamilton location, trailer parking, and ride route details will be emailed to you upon registration. If you have any questions, contact the office at office@ectaonline.org or 978-468-1133.

Riders under 18 must provide a release form signed by a parent or guardian. Riders under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. RELEASE FORM - Riders under 18 must have a parent/guardian sign this form and email to office@ectaonline.org or bring it with you to the ride.

ECTA's Annual Summer Solstice Party (20 Jun 2026)

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Summer Solstice Party
Saturday, June 20, 2026
5:30 - 8:00 PM
Groton House Farm

746 Highland Street, Hamilton, MA

Join us under the tent in a beautiful field at Groton House Farm, Saturday, June 20th from 5:30 – 8:00 pm for our lively annual Summer Solstice Party, our biggest fundraiser of the year!

This is a small plate, mingling event with open seating and appetizer stations. Live music by Orville Giddings’ trio. Don’t miss our Silent Auction! We have many exciting items including one-of-a-kind handmade pieces by a local artist, a flower share from Iron Ox Farm, a half day of brush clearing by Trees Unlimited, Bruins tickets, and much more.

Single tickets available at $95/members and $105/non-members. New this year, buy a 10-person pack of tickets for just $800! Get your tickets or party pack today!

Risk & Outdoor Adventure: An Evening with Ty Gagne (17 Sep 2026)

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Risk & Outdoor Adventure: An Evening with Ty Gagne: Author of The Last Traverse, Where You’ll Find Me, and The Lions of Winter.

From the high peaks of New England to familiar local trails, Ty shares compelling stories and practical insights on navigating risk and staying safe in the outdoors.

Thursday, September 17, 2026 | 6:30 - 7:30 PM
True North Ale Company
Ipswich, MA

Please join us at True North Ale Company Thursday, September 17th! Arrive at 6:00 - 6:30 PM to purchase dinner and drinks from True North Ale Company and the food truck. A brief introduction to ECTA's trail safety guidelines will be followed by Ty's presentation, time for Q&A, and book signing. Copies of Ty's books will be available for purchase.

Ticket sales open June 22nd

Tickets: $15 ECTA Members / $25 Non-Members
Seats are limited!
All 2026 events, including our trail races, will offer a $10 discount for members.
Become an ECTA Member today!

Our speaker, Ty Gagne, Chief Executive Officer of Primex3, has held executive positions in the municipal, non-profit, and healthcare sectors. Ty holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of New Hampshire and a Bachelor of Science from Granite State College. He is a member of the Leadership NH Class of 2013, and serves on the Board of Trustees of the non-profit Mount Washington Observatory. Ty completed the program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, and holds the Associate in Risk Pool Management (ARPM) and the Associate in Risk Management for Public Entities (ARM-P) designations. He the author of the book The Last Traverse: Tragedy and Resilience in the Winter Whites and Where You’ll Find Me: Risk, Decisions, and the Last Climb of Kate Matrosova. Two of his essays, “Weakness in Numbers: How a Hiking Companion can be Dangerous” and “Emotional Rescue” were published in Appalachia journal.

22nd Annual Run for the Trails (19 Sep 2026)

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Run for the Trails
5 & 10 Mile Trail Run

Saturday, September 19, 2026

Online Registration Fees:
5 Miles - $20 ECTA member, $30 non-member
10 Miles - $25 ECTA member, $35 non-member
(Online registration closes Sunday, September 13)

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 check out the North Shore Trail Series

The Road Runners Club of America 2026 Massachusetts
10 Mile State Championship race.

Divisions: Men's, Women's, and Non-Binary: 29 and under, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+. T-shirts guaranteed for first 100 registrants. Prizes: awarded to 1st and 2nd place overall and in each division!

Race Day Registration: Registration will be available on day of race starting at 7:00AM, $5 increase each ticket type. Event day registration Fees: 5 Miles - $25 ECTA member, $35 non-member 10 Miles - $30 ECTA member, $40 non-member

Course Map: HERE

Thank you to the landowners who generously allow us to use their trails for this run: Myopia Schooling Field Trust, Trustees of Reservations at Appleton Farm, Greenbelt, and Carrie and Camilla Rich.

Packet Pick-up and Check-in

Numbers and T–shirts can be picked up at New England Running Company, 43 Enon Street in Beverly on Friday, September 18th, 10:00AM – 6:00PM. All those who pick their packets up early will be entered into a raffle to win a pair of shoes from NER!

For those who cannot make it Friday, numbers can be picked up on the day of the race at the start/finish line from 7:00AM. *First 100 runners registered are guaranteed a t shirt. Arrive early to avoid lines at check-in and/or bathrooms. We do start our races on time. REMINDER: Bibs are not transferable.

Trail Etiquette

The course was specifically designed to enable first-time trail runners and veterans to run side by side or individually and be challenged. We are competitive but not at the expense of enjoying each other’s company, embracing nature, or taking ourselves too seriously. Please be aware of other trail users and landowners, be polite, chat and just enjoy the beautiful trail system on which you will be running.

Train Times: A portion of the race goes over train tracks. Please be aware that the train times for Saturday are as follows: 9:26A, 10:15A, 11:26A, 12:15P.

Fall Gravel Ride (18 Oct 2026)

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

SAVE THE DATE!

Fall Gravel Ride
Sunday, October 18, 2026

Details to come!

9th Annual Thanks for the Trails 5k (28 Nov 2026)

Sat, 28 Nov 2026 14:30:00 GMT

SAVE THE DATE!
THANKS FOR THE TRAILS 5k
and Kids Fun Run SATURDAY November 28, 2026

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.