Bimblers Bash FAQ’s

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.

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.

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.

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.