Staff reports 8:10 a.m.
Monday, June 10, 2019 8:10 am

Cameron Cook of Dover, seen leading out of the gate, took first place. (Dan Coons photo)

MILTON MILLS - The inaugural Moose Mountains Trail Race took place on June 1 at Branch Hill Farm in Milton Mills with an enthusiastic assortment of runners eager to try out a new scenic 10K course. The Trail Race organizing committee was pleased with the turnout of 26 participants for the first iteration of this fundraiser benefiting Moose Mountains Regional Greenways.

The first place male finisher was 24-year-old top regional runner Cameron Cook of Dover, who finished the 10K course with a time of 37:39. The top female winner was another experienced racer from Dover, Deanna Ruland, at 54:15. Participants ranged in age from 13 to 60, with times up to 1:45:30.

Locals who ran the race include Jonathan Miller (Sanbornville; 40:21), Jason Denver (Sanbornville; 42:26), Deborah Miller (Sanbornville; 54:45), Julie Andrews (Wolfeboro; 55:17), Barbara Malm (Sanbornville; 56:14), Thomas Zotti (Wolfeboro; 59:09), Paul Haines (Wolfeboro; 1:05:51), Kaylie Tek (Wolfeboro; 1:11:7), and Kelly Colby (Milton; 1:14:24).

The race course traversed fields and woods, with one particularly scenic section following the Branch River. Kaylie Tek remarked that "the event was very well organized and the course was beautiful."

MMRG Board Chair Nicole Csiszer volunteered at the race and expressed appreciation for the many people who helped out, saying "There was a bunch of really good volunteers who showed up early and braved mosquitoes, wet grass and mud to help make the event run smoothly. Sarah Canney in particular did a great job overseeing the race and taking charge of the registration and timing."

The Moose Mountains Trail Race was presented by land trust Moose Mountains Regional Greenways in partnership with Branch Hill Farm (BHF), on a route traversing conservation land owned by BHF, a portion of which is open to the public year-round - the Siemon Access property on Applebee Road. The event will help raise funds to create a continuous regional greenway, connecting existing pathways and developing new trail systems to increase recreational opportunities in the Moose Mountains region. Topo Athletics donated the winners' athletic shoes prizes; Cabot Cheese, Darn Tough, Grandy Oats and LL Bean donated other prizes; Trager Massage and the Pink House donated food items and ice cream certificates.