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Bites Of The Bluff 2025

Bluff Bites

Dates for the annual Bites of the Bluff, informal training runs on the Bluff 50k course, have been set. Complete all three and you will experience the entire route.

  • Bite 1, The Prologue – Sunday August 31, 2025. Meet at Guilford Lakes School Maupus Rd, Guilford at 8 am. The route is an out and back of approximately 8 miles. It’s dog friendly, but known to bite ankles.
  • Bite 2,  Devine Intervention – Sunday September 14, 2025. Meet across from the Guilford Monastery, Race Hill Rd, Guilford at 8 am. Bite 2, has been changed for 2022. The route is now a partial loop using the Menunkatuck Trail (New England Scenic Trail) outbound and returning via the original trail through the Genesee Preserve.
  • Bite 3, Circumnavigation – Sunday September 28, 2025. Meet at the Rockland Preserve trail head in Renee’s Way, Madison at 8 am. Bite 3 also contains changes for 2022. It is a magnificent loop course up and over Bluff Head, into Nothwoods and the Rockland Preserve, with a couple of other gnarly bits thrown in for good measure,. Allegedly estimated to be 15 miles but dog friendly.

The pace on each run will vary and there should be enough people to form pace groups to accommodate everyone. We haven’t lost anyone ………………………yet! These runs are a great way to sample the route if you aren’t familiar with it and meet up with local runners. Participation is free and open to anyone registered for this year’s race, not registered but interested in taking part or those who are curious to know what happens on the trails.

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Bimbler’s Bash FAQ’s

Bash 10K FAQ

Below is a list of questions we often get asked. If you have one that isn’t covered here please use the Contact Form, someone will get back to you as soon as they can.

Is the Bash course well marked?

The course will be marked with orange wire flags and spray chalk, at some key intersections you may also see arrow signs indicating the direction to take. You should not get lost if you pay attention and stay observant for these markers.  There is always a risk that markers could be moved by other trail users, although this hasn’t been a problem in prior years. If you stop seeing markers at regular intervals, stop and retrace your steps util you do. Never presume the person in front knows the way, they may be lost too. The responsibility to stay on course is yours, it is one of the challenges of trail running.

Is there an aid station on the course?

Yes, there is a single aid station on the Bash course. It is located on the rock overlook above Lost Lake and will offer water laced with lots of encouragement. You will be a little over half way at this point, but there is still plenty of course left to challenge you and sap what little energy you have in your legs.

I’ve heard the course is longer than 10K, how long is it?

The event is called the Bimbler’s Bash 10K (ish) for a reason and we are proud to offer a good return for each participant’s 10K entry fee!

The start / finish is located where there is sufficient space for parking and a large number of people to gather, while the route the race takes is governed by the existing trails within Westwoods.

It might be unwise to enter this race for the sole purpose of setting a 10K PB.

How did the race start?

Westwoods is a wonderful woodland preserve in Guilford, CT, it contains over 20 miles of trails and is popular among hikers, runners and mountain bikers. Part of the preserve is owned by the Guilford Land Conservation Trust (GLCT), the rest forms part of Cockaponset Forest managed by the State.

When the first Bash was held in 2007, there were few trail races being held on the Connecticut shoreline. As a regular venue for running, the idea of the Bash formed and the rest, as the saying goes, is history. At the time the course was relatively short compared with other local trail races, but the intensity of terrain that the course offers has given the race a unique atmosphere. Over the years many participants have returned year after year, some now bring their children and to see different generations from the same family take part is great!

The Bash is a race, so there is obviously a competitive aspect to the event, but most of all it is intended that the Bash is viewed as being more about being a good excuse to gather and enjoy running in the woods. There will be winners, but there are no losers.

Another feature of the Bash is the contribution from people who do not physically take part. On race day volunteers give their time to mark the route, assist with registration, coordinate post race festivities and sweep the course of markers. But there is another group without whom the Bash could not occur. Woodland trails require frequent attention to clear downed trees and repair erosion. With the Bash taking place in early spring, there is always a need to clear winter storm damage in order for the race to proceed. That task is undertaken by the Westwoods Trails Committee, a group of volunteers who devote many hours to maintaining Westwoods and other trail networks within GLCT properties.

All proceeds from the Bash benefit the GLCT and its goal to secure and maintain open space around the town that is accessible to all.