This is the 4th year for the Bimbler’s Bash 10k (ish) and each year proceeds from the event have been donated to the Guilford Land Conservation Trust who preserve many local open space properties, including Westwoods where the race takes place. This year as well as the event itself we propose to hold a Trails Day on Sunday March 14th after the second Bite of the Bash, and hope that as many runners as possible will contribute a few hours of their time to help with this project. [Read more...]

The logo for this year’s Bimbler’s Bash which reflects the slogan “…at the end it isn’t over…” has been created by designer and fellow runner Cathi Bosco.

What is the inspiration for the slogan? I guess you can’t get enough of a good thing!

The 4th Bimbler’s Bash is scheduled to take place on Sunday April 11th, 2010 and run through Westwoods, Guilford. Registration will open in early January 2010 via mail and on-line at Active.com, and all proceeds from the event are donated to the Guilford Land Conservation Trust. This race is promoted as a 10k event but runners should be aware that “… at the end it isn’t over …” [Read more...]

It is late on Sunday evening and I must confess I am feeling quite tired, but also content. Today was memorable for so many reasons, all of which were centered around a few hours known to many as ‘the Bash’. This was the third year and the event has continued to grow not only in terms of the number of participants, but also reputation. The word has clearly spread. [Read more...]

The 3rd Bimbler’s Bash is scheduled to take place on Sunday April 5th, 2009 and run through Westwoods, Guilford. Registration is now open via mail or on-line at Active.com. This race is a 10k event but runners should be aware that “… the distance isn’t significant …”

Race entries will be limited to 250. Depending on how many advance entries received, race day registrations may be limited. Please check the web site for details on registrations as they are received. The race has been sanctioned by the USA Track and Field Association.

The Race
The race course is an entirely off-road loop within Westwoods, Guilford made up from a series of interconnecting single track hiking trails. You should expect to negotiate lots of rocks, roots and possibly get your feet wet, plus with two rock scrambles be prepared for an adventure! Please do not bring dogs and expect them to run with you, sections of the course are too narrow. There will not be a rain date. If it is raining, expect to get wet like the rest of us!

All preregistered entries will receive a race shirt, we will attempt to have some available for race day entrants but sizes and availability will be limited. Registration will be capped at 250 entries and will close early if this number is reached before race day.

Snacks and drinks will be provided after the race and there will be one aid station on the course offering drinks.

The course will be marked with brightly colored tape and direction markers, a map of the route can be viewed here (pdf format)

Start: 9:00 am

Venue: Cox School, Three Corners Rd, Guilford

How to Register:

• Pre-registration has now closed. Race day registration opens at 7 am.

A list of confirmed registrations is available here.

All proceeds from this event will be donated to the Guilford Land Conservation Trust

Images from the 2008 Bash

Just a few minutes after the scheduled 9:00 am start time, 143 hardy souls hit the trails for the start of the 2008 Bimbler’s Bash 10k. There may be lots of 10k’s in the race calendar but there is only one Bash 10k which, for good reason, is billed as “…possible the longest 10k you’ve ever run…”! The course is made up of a series of interconnected single track trails through Westwoods near Guilford, CT. The property is predominantly owned and managed by the Guilford Land Conservation Trust to whom proceeds from the event are donated. This year field included a mixture of competitive runners and others intent to just have some fun in the mud and judging by the great photos taken by Cathi Bosco, they got what they were hoping for.

The overall winner Robin Pitt appears to have taken the lead from the start although to begin with he was chased hard by Tonto Kowalski until he took a wrong turn and fell back to finish in 8th place. Robin’s winning time of 58:25, was a great effort but not sufficient to beat the record set last year. In second place was Tim Smith who at over 50 years of age clearly showed a few of the younger guys how’s it done finishing just 38 seconds behind the leader! Behind Tim were 2 more age group winners, (Christopher Cosma (30) 1:00:04, John Agosto (43) 1:00:36).

In the ladies race, Kerry Arsenault returned to defend her title and while she was a little off pace from last year, finished in 1:07:44 and 15th overall. Kerry has been struggling with injuries for the past several months, so it was good to see she appears to be getting back on form. Second lady was Megan Raymond from Branford (1:11:12), closely followed by Elizabeth Ogata (1:11:25) and Mandy Bonz (1:14:37).

Despite being a challenging course, the Bash sets out to attract runners of all ages and once again we had several family groups taking part, with the youngest finisher being only 10 years of age. Tyler McConnell finished in 1:19:23 (60th overall). I hadn’t been aware he had registered and didn’t see him until he raced across the finish line with a beaming smile, while pictures taken during the race show him running with poise and purpose. To some, he might appear a little young to be running a race like the Bash, but seeing him at the finish and hearing accounts from other runners about his pace management, he seems to have natural talent. Other notable young finishers were Kathleen Farrall (13yrs) 1:17:33 and Kyle McLaughlin (14yrs) 1:21:59.

While races ultimately get remembered by their results, mention has to be made about the many volunteers and supporters who helped make the day a success. Fellow runner Andrew Carlson who recently started up Carlson Craft Brewery, a micro brewery dedicated to producing bottle conditioned beers, provided a set of glasses for the overall winners. Cathi Bosco, talented local artist, runner and photographer, provided pictures from the course that were mounted and presented to age group winners. Local chef Frank Giglio, assisted by his Mom, organized the food while Brad and Danielle Forester donated the drinks offered at the finish. The association with Brad originated from last years Bash. Brad runs an IT consultancy called Kinesium Consulting based in Guilford, while Danielle is a licensed Naturopathic Physician in the town.

Without the dedication from these supporters, and the many volunteers who marked, marshaled the course, or handed out refreshments, the Bash simply could not happen. Thanks to all of them and thank you to all the runners for making it the best Bash yet.
We hope to see you all next year!
Jerry