Justin Miller crosses the finish line at last year’s race. (Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)
Once again, it will literally be “Run for the Hills” come Sept. 9 in Harvard. The Harvard Conservation Trust, with the Harvard Road Race Association, is sponsoring its third annual 5K trail run/walk through some of Harvard’s picturesque conservation land.
Runners of all ages are invited to join the race beginning at 2 p.m. at Harvard Park, 24 Lancaster County Road. The race will follow trails through the park and adjacent fields.
Over 240 adults and children participated in last year’s event.
“This race is a great opportunity to showcase the beauty and value of Harvard’s open spaces,” said race director Ted MacMahon, a Harvard Conservation Trust trustee. “The planned route, suitable for all ages, runners and walkers, will take you on a scenic run through flat wooded areas and around open fields.”
The Trust often sponsors events meant to bring people closer to the land around them.
“Walks and Talks” are well attended forays into conservation land for learning about the outdoor world. The recent “Foraging for Food in Your Own Backyard” walk was a popular outing where the group learned about wild edibles.
“The Trust’s 5K, ‘Run for the Hills’ is the only event of this kind we have sponsored,” said MacMahon, “but Harvard has a long and deep history of trail running. Given the huge success of last year’s event, I can see that this is something people will look forward to every year.”
All of the race proceeds will go to the Harvard Conservation Trust. To learn more about the Harvard Conservation Trust, or to become a member, visit www.HarvardConservationTrust.org. To register for Run for the Hills, go to www.runforthehills.org. Early bird discounts and free t-shirts are offered through Aug. 24.
