This was the first year for the Rhode Island Trail Classic. It was held at Burlingame State Park on Saturday, October 22, 2022, in Charlestown, Rhode Island. This was a unique race because it allowed runners from almost any skill level to compete. To get a finishers medal, a runner only needed to run a minimum distance of 15 miles (2-Loops).

The Rhode Island Trail Classic also allowed runners to qualify for the preferred entry into the Anchor Down Ultra, Rhode Island’s only 24-hour ultramarathon. This race allowed runners to be eligible for the Achor Down Ultra’s 24-hour, 12-hour, and 6-hour race held annually at Colt State Park in the 2nd week of August, located at Bristol, Rhode Island.   

Rhode Island Trail Classic Race Format 

The Rhode Island Trail Classic is an 11-hour ultra-running—the ultra piece was optional—race. It consisted of a 7.5-mile loop on the Vin Gormley Trail. It’s 5.5 miles on a single-track trail, 0.5 miles on dirt, and 1.5 miles on pavement. The elevation gain for each loop was approximately 300 feet. 

The race started at 7 A.M., and it ended at 6 P.M (from sun up to sun down) for those who stayed the entire length of the race. 

To qualify for the “Preferred Entry” into the Anchor Down Ultra, a runner had to complete 22.5 miles (3 laps) or more for the 6-hour race, 30 miles (4 laps) or more for the 12-hour race, and 37.5 miles (5 laps) or more for the 24-hour race. 

Pros and Cons of the Rhode Island Trail Classic

PROS 

Race Handbook

The Rhode Island Trail Classic Handbook was very comprehensive. It allowed the runner to be very prepared for the race. The handbook explained the course and race structure, the finisher medals in full detail—yes, there was more than one type of finisher medal given—rules to follow, course markings, aid stations, qualification information, and arrival information. 

Proximity To the Start/Finish Line

Runners could set up their tents and chairs close to the finish line; this allowed easy access to the runner’s gear. Runners were allowed to show up as early as 5 A.M. to pick up their bibs, set up their spots, and use the bathrooms before the race. The race organizers had a bonfire going for runners to stay warm. 

Chipped Bibs and Display Monitors

Runners were able to track their progress in real-time. The race bibs were chipped, and there was a big screen display right after the finish line, so this allowed the runners to see where they were in their standings and time on every loop. The display showed the runner’s name, time, and position in the race.       

Two Aid Stations

There were two aid stations on the 7.5-mile loop. There was the central aid station at the start/finish line and the other smaller aid station about halfway on the 7.5-mile loop. The aid stations had a variety of race snacks, such as electrolytes/gels, coke, water, M & M’s, peanut butter (One of my top 5 favorite foods to eat on the run), orange slices, apple slices, bananas, pickles, salted/peeled potatoes, crackers, pretzels, and granola bars. They even had Ramen Noodles at the halfway point aid station and Advil.  

Merchandise

Everyone received a cool gray standard quick-dry running t-shirt. 

Awards

The Rhode Island Trail Classic was unique because they had a different finisher medal for every lap completed after the first two laps (15 miles). They differed in color and displayed the number of loops and miles a runner finished with. The medal design was unique in itself because the medallion was attached to a wooden display that was designed in the shape of Rhode Island.  

CONS

Parking

The parking from the start line was about ⅓ mile walk. It wasn’t bad walking at the beginning of the race, but walking back on tired legs was an issue carrying all the gear back to the car. However, the race organizers did give runners a warning before the race. This race was held on State Campgrounds, so having a designated parking area was not decided by the race organizers but by the Rhode Island Division of Parks & Recreation, most likely. 

Bathrooms

I was surprised to find that there was only one access to the bathroom. There were no porta-potties along the 7.5-mile loop. I thought there would be at least one porta-potty near the halfway point aid station, but there wasn’t. The existing bathroom was a brick building with multiple stalls, but it was about a 2-3 minute walk from the start/finish line; depending on how tired a runner was, it may have taken them longer to get to the bathroom. However, as with the parking, there probably permit issues with having porta-potties on state property. Needless to say, I did all my number one’s along the course when no one was around (the beauty of trail races); unfortunately, not everyone could do that, and a number two would be a challenge.    

Non-Alcoholic Beer 

One of my favorite parts of finishing a grueling race is having a cold beer at the end. This race only provided non-alcoholic brews from Athletic Brewing Co. I’ve stayed on the Burlingame Campsite before, and since it’s state land, they don’t allow alcohol, so as with the previous assumptions, this was because of having the event on State Property.   

Conclusion

Overall, this was a great trail race, especially for locals who do not have many opportunities to compete in ultra events living in the smallest state in the country. All the negative aspects of the race were due to the event being held on state property. 

I recommend running in this race, especially for beginners just getting into trail running. The course was a little rooty but not challenging to navigate. The organizers did an excellent job of marking the route with flags—900 green flags—and cones, and it was tough to get lost. The weather was great for the season—60s and sunny.   

My goal was to qualify for the “Preferred Entry” into the 24-hour Anchor Down Ultra race next year. Needless to say, I’ve completed the course with 45 miles (6 loops). I’m looking forward to next year for the Anchor Down Ultra held in Bristol, Rhode Island, and of course, this race, The Rhode Island Trail Classic.  

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