The history of Stone Cat goes back more than two decades, with the first edition of this classic event held on November 10, 2001. For many runners in New England, it was their first trail race, their first marathon, or their first ultra. It quickly became the beloved fall event for trail runners in the region and has always been an opportunity to reconnect with friends late in the season and share some smiles and miles together out in the woods. 

All event profits are donated in support of our trail running passion, and throughout the years, the event has raised tens of thousands of dollars for the local trails and community.

In addition to celebrating our shared love for the trails, the TARC Stone Cat Trail Festival's primary goal is to raise funds to help steward the land the event is run on.

All donations received will be evenly distributed between Rising Hearts, Appalachian Mountain Club, Essex County Trail Association, and Greenbelt: Essex County's Land Trust, four organizations who are focused on land stewardship.

The Trail Animals Running Club is the original trail running club of the Boston metro area now with members from all around the world. We aim to act as community stewards by providing equitable access to trail running and promoting positive trail running culture. Our event profits are donated to land conservations & trusts in support of our trail running passion. We welcome people of all races, nationalities, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities & expressions, ages, and abilities, who've come to share their love for running.