After a three-year hiatus, the Sugarloaf Mountain Athletic Club is bringing back its race series. 

The series took a break during the early years of the pandemic, but has returned with a slate of 11 races scheduled between April and November. The races range from 3.1 miles to eight miles, beginning with the Ron Hebert 8-miler this Saturday in Florence – the oldest continually held road race in Western Massachusetts.

Five of the races are 5Ks, and the series will conclude with the 9K for K9 race in Wendell on Nov. 12.

A full list of races and information on registration can be found on SMAC’s website (www.sugarloafmountainathletic.org).

One of the draws of the series is that participants can earn points based off of both their finish times and the number of races they compete in. Everyone who completes at least six races will be eligible for awards, which will be distributed to the top point-getters at the end of the series. Participants will also receive a series T-shirt.

“SMAC was founded more than 50 years ago to promote running as a sport for everyone, and the race series really embodies that spirit,” SMAC club president Grace Coller said. “It provides motivation to take part in a variety of local races, whether you are a competitive athlete or someone who runs for health and happiness, and an opportunity to be recognized for your effort.” 

SMAC members can register for the series for free, while the cost for non-members is $25. Registering for the series will also provide a complimentary SMAC membership for the 2023 year. 

The series first started back in 2010, when SMAC member John Reino came up with the idea. SMAC Board of Director members Amy Bowse and Kathie Williams were responsible for bringing back the series this season. 

“The series is a fun way for SMAC to help promote the races and running community in western Massachusetts,” Bowse said. “We’re excited to bring it back.”

The 2023 schedule includes:

April 1 – Ron Hebert (Florence), 8 miles

April 15 – Coach Ray Willis 5K (Northampton), 3.1 miles

May 7 – Will Run for Cookies 5K (Westfield), 3.1 miles

June 11 – Lake Wyola (Shutesbury), 4.8 miles 

July 18 – Northampton 5K Cross Country Race (Northampton), 3.1 miles

August TBD – Mug Race (Montague), 5 miles

September 16 – Don Maynard Memorial 5-miler (Greenfield), 5 miles

September 24 – Summit Run (Hadley), 3.1 miles

October 28 – Monster Dash (Northfield), 3.1 miles

November 5 – Dan Barry (Hatfield), 5 miles

November 12 – 9K for K9 (Wendell), 5.6 miles

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