Sunday, Oct. 21, was a great day for a trail run, with temperatures in the 40s at start time, quickly rising to low 50s; sun poking through the clouds; and a 5- to 10-mph NW breeze.
Over 100 runners lined up at Community Harvest Project’s orchard on Prospect Hill for the ninth annual Run-for-the-Hills 5K Trail Run and this year’s new event, a 2K orchard walk.
The course boasted a challenging up-and-down gradient through the scenic orchards of CHP and the undisturbed beauty of the Harvard Conservation Commission’s Prospect Hill Road parcel. All who ran were impressed with the course, and although it was challenging, most said they would love to do it again next year.
There was a large group of eager youngsters (14 and under) who ran and who did very well. Their performance boded well for the future of the town’s school cross country team, or maybe they just love being outside and running.
The new CHP orchard barn venue was stunning, and HCT added a few extras to the event that made for a great day. First off, we had the warmth of a gorgeous barn that had plenty of room and allowed for the addition of a variety of local foods, homemade soup, local stone-fired bread, homemade muffins, and local cider. The barn also allowed us to host a talented local bluegrass trio for the festivities, the Carter Street Band.
Big thanks go to all the sponsors, especially lead sponsor Shepherd Veterinary Clinic, and to CHP for allowing the use of its facility. Also big thanks to the volunteers who provided food: Robin Carlaw, Abbe Alpert, and Mark Garti. Of course the race could not have been a success without the volunteers at the registration booth or the course set-up crew. Great job to everyone involved who made the event a success.
The last and certainly not the least thanks go to all runners and walkers who by all accounts had a great time.
Jim Lee, race director
2018 Run for the Hills
