Fall Fling 400

The CT Trailmixers welcome people who are new to trail running! This is a great opportunity to give it a try. We make it fun, with a well-marked course that offers a great variety of terrain and scenery. And you’ll get plenty of cheers and high-fives throughout the day — along with what some past participants have said is the best aid station spread they’ve ever seen.

Here’s how it works: You can run as many loops as you’d like of a roughly two-mile trail course as long as you're done within 400 minutes (six hours 40 minutes). You’re not required to run an ultra distance — at least 28 miles (or 14 loops) — although many people will. Whether you want to try your first trail race, or go for an ultra distance, this event is for you.

Start Times and Schedule

• 6:00 am ET: Race-day check-in begins. Please arrive and check-in by 7:45.
• 7:45 am: Pre-race briefing
• 8:00 am: Race begins.
• 2:40 pm: Race ends.

Trail and Course Description

The main course is a roughly two-mile loop with moderately rolling hills. It's run mostly on single-track wooded trails, but includes some dirt / gravel road sections. Parts of the course are covered with rocks and roots, while other sections are smoother. You’ll experience a wide variety of terrain and scenery. The course will be marked with flags.

No Cups

To help reduce waste and costs, we are a cup less race. Please plan to bring your own cup or mug to use throughout the day.

Registration Fees

• Advance pre-registration (before November 18, 2023):
  • $50 for non-members
  • $30 for members.
• Therafter:
  • $70 for non-members
  • $50 for members.
• All registrations must be made online, including on race day.
• There are no refunds or deferrals.
• Registration will be capped at 150 people.

CT Trailmixer Club Membership

Membership costs just $20. To become a member, visit www.cttrailmixers.com, register for membership, and we’ll send you the discount code. Note that this is for 2023 membership and would just cover this race; our 2024 membership drive will be handled separately.

Course Support

There will be one aid station at the main pavilion start / finish area. Runners will have access to traditional trail ultra food, such as baked items, fruit, baked items, chips, baked items, candies, baked items, water, and electrolyte drink. Plus we’ll have plenty of baked items because the CT Trailmixers love to bake. We’ll also have a few surprises throughout the day. If you have specific nutritional needs, please bring your own stuff.

You’ll be able to set up your “shop” and drop bag right at the main start/finish area and aid station.

Portalets will be available near the start of the course, and you’ll also have access to real bathrooms just a few hundred feet from the aid station.

No pacers are allowed on the race course. Only people who have registered can participate.

Chip Timing

The race will be timed, and your laps will be counted, using chip timing. You can check your lap counts on a large monitor that will be on display at the start/finish area.

Only laps completed within the 400 minutes will count. If you finish your last lap and it’s past 2:40 pm, it won’t count.

The course will start and finish at the main pavilion at Camp Sloper. When you’re done with racing, please tell the volunteers so we know you’re leaving the course. You can take breaks during the day — take a nap, get a massage — and rejoin the race whenever you like.

Health and safety

As always, we monitor and follow federal, state, and local guidelines. We expect the event to be “normal,” although we reserve the right to make changes should the environment around us change.

Prizes and Goodies

All participants will get a CT Trailmixers-branded gift and a handmade finisher’s medal upon completing their race.

Additionally, we’ll recognize the top male, female and non-binary athletes who complete the most full loops in the shortest time within 400 minutes. If more than one runner in any category completes the same longest distance, the winner will be the runner who finishes that distance first.

Race Proceeds

Race proceeds will go to a variety of local organizations, including the Southington YMCA and the Connecticut Forest & Parks Association. They will also go to the CT Trailmixers Shoe Scholarship Program, which gives free shoes to kids in need who want to run cross-country or track in school.

About the CT Trailmixers

The CT Trailmixers are a trail running club based in central Connecticut. Our members are passionate about sharing Connecticut’s many wonderful trails with friends and visitors, and the trails at Camp Sloper offer a wide variety of beautiful terrain with varying difficult levels. For more information on the CT Trailmixers, visit www.cttrailmixers.com. And special thanks to the Southington Community YMCA for their partnership!

Weather

Connecticut weather in mid-November tends to be pretty cool. Keep an eye on the forecast and dress appropriately!