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*** The 2025 Pond Sprint Course will be run in a counter-clockwise loop, and will return to a clockwise loop in 2026! ***
Click here for a larger image view
The full course and Pond 5-Miler are for runners only. Hikers should sign up for the POND HIKE.
Click on image caption (left) to expand map, and read below for course description.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The section of the course from the top of Rattlesnake (Mile 3.0) end of Carver Road (Mile 6.6) to the is private, and off-limits to everyone except on race day. Please do not train there!
The POND SPRINT (Half-Marathon) run will begin at the Pok-O-MacCready Conference Center (0.0) and follow Reber Road northeast - and uphill - to the nature trail around the 1812 Homestead (0.8). Then the route follows a course familiar to Patch Sprinters, following the history trail to Beaver Way (1.3), crossing Route 22 and then up Rattlesnake Mountain (3.0)
Proceed north along the ridge of Rattlesnake Mountain, where you enter private land and begin to descend the highlands trail. Access from this point, from the summit of Rattlesnake, has been granted with thanks to Highlands Forest, LLC. Follow the arrows downhill to the clearing before arriving at the Highlands Aid Station (4.5).
The next portion of the route, wholly run-able, will continue east along Highlands road until a right hand turn onto more Highlands trails. Here you will meander around beautiful ponds and rolling hills until reaching Route 22 (6.6).
Cross Route 22 and head southwest on Carver Road. BEWARE OF UNLEASHED DOGS on Carver Road. At mile 7.3 you will turn right and run the CATs/Long Pond Conservancy Trail along the western side of Long Pond, turning right onto White's Road at mile 8.0. Continue south on the dirt road.
At 8.9 miles, take a right turn onto the Sugarloaf trail, following the main trail to the summit of Sugarloaf at mile 10.0.
From the Sugarloaf summit, turn around and descend the same way you came up, and enjoy a long downhill back to White's Road. Take a right turn here and proceed south to Reber Road, where you shall take a left at the pavement and look to finish the race strong!
TOTAL DISTANCE: 12.0 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: 2238'
There will be one aid station (see above), although runners are strongly encouraged to carry, or stash, their own supplies, and account for their own garbage.
There will be selective marking arrows on the course, at areas deemed to be necessary.
Please use caution while crossing major roadways. Volunteers will be stationed at key crossings to assist your safe passage.
View on the way up Rattlesnake from the North
Click here for a larger image view
The POND 5-Miler run covers much of the first section of the Pond Sprint but in reverse.
Runners will begin at the Highlands Road aid station***, climb up 1.4 up Rattlesnake, and return to Pok-O-MacCready via Beaver Road, the History Trail, the Nature Trail and Reber Road-- following the same final portion of the course as the Pond Sprint Half-Marathon.
Shuttle service will be provided to the starting point.
*** Only the first 50 Registered Half-Marathon and 5-Mile racers will be allowed on the Highland's approach. ***
The POND HIKE is a completely non-competitive division. Participants are free to run, jog, hike, walk or stroll at whatever pace allows them to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage along portions of the course, lake, and nearby mountains. There is no specific course, nor specific guidelines, other than your own desire to appreciate nature, exercise, and the beautiful scenery! The northern race approach to Rattlesnake (from Highlands) is not available for the hiker division. Thanks for taking part and supporting our causes
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