
From the Organizer
The Blue Hills Adventure Race brings traditional adventure racing back to Massachusetts for the first time in well over a decade. Join us for an exciting one-day adventure race, combining mountain biking, foot travel, paddling, and map-and-compass navigation as we explore the lush Connecticut River Valley in this inaugural edition.
Some sources note that Massachusetts derives its name from the Wopanaak word muswachasut, referencing the state's Blue Hills, and while the first edition of the Blue Hills AR will explore land far from the state's place name, over the course of fifteen hours, competitors will become well-acquainted with the Bay State's hills, forests, and waterways.
ABOUT THE COURSE:
Due to permitting considerations, longtime participants of our events will find that the Blue Hills AR has a bit less off-trail navigation than is characteristic of most Rootstock Racing races. Still, we have worked hard to create a course that offers rewarding checkpoints, fun strategy opportunities, and a welcoming community feel, and don't be surprised if we find a way to add some navigational challenge anyway. We hope you'll join us as we celebrate the return of adventure racing to Massachusetts.
And for the newcomers: while the Blue Hills AR is not a beginner-FOCUSED race, we have designed the course with all calibers of teams in mind, using a "modified rogaine" format; all teams must complete a designated mandatory route which requires less navigational ability and is short enough that all teams should have time to reach the finish line with adequate baseline fitness. For more experienced teams there will be additional, optional checkpoints to challenge the fastest teams.
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
73°
Typical Low
49°
Chance of Rain
31%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Greenfield #3, 2 mi from the venue.
Host City
Elevation
352 ft
Nearest Airport
BDL
Bradley International Airport · 43 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Blue Hills Adventure Race, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
103
Days to train
Coming Up
2026 Flutie 5K for Autism: Bernardston, MA
10 miles away
Lace Up for Rock CF: Half Marathon Group Run
17 miles away
Lace Up for Rock CF
17 miles away
Don Maynard Memorial 5K
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Blue Hills Adventure Race
Sep 19, 2026