Over 100 racers gathered at the start line for either a 5.5-mile race or a 13.1-mile half-marathon at Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson on Sunday, Sept. 26. Spread all across HVNC’s 1,000 acres of forest, Race Through the Woods volunteers guided and encouraged racers along their path.

The weather was perfect and families were able to enjoy the the improved facilities at HVNC and get their fill of local food from Sheepscot General and local beer from Sheepscot Brewery.

New this year was a wildly successful kids’ race, a quarter mile obstacle course with booby traps of tires, logs, culverts and rope webs. Over 50 kids participated and they all had a great time. The kids’ race was supported by Maine Helicopter of Whitefield, making it free for the kids.

The top male runner in the half marathon race was Peter Kraus, newly of Dresden with a time of 1:29:17.

The top female runner was Jennifer VanDongen of Bar Harbor with a time of 1:41:57.

In the 5.5 mile race, the top male runner was Jason Bigonia of Walpole with a time of 36:36. Jason was the half marathon winner last year.

Rebecca Miller of Saco was the female winner with a time of 44:57.

For a complete list of times see http://www.coolrunning.com/results/14/me/Sep28_HVNCRa_set1.shtml. Congratulations to all the racers!

Prizes this year was the winner’s choice of a homemade pie or a gift certificate from Lamey-Wellehan Shoes.

“What makes this race unique is that it is all about having fun and enjoying the outdoors,” said Ian Parlin of Trail Monster Running. “We have some racers who are out to beat records, but we have more who are here because it’s a great way to spend time outside with friends and challenge themselves.”

The next outdoors sport event at HVNC is the winter biathlon on Sunday, Jan. 25, combining the sports of cross-country skiing and shooting. Details coming soon.

The annual Race Through the Woods is supported by Lamey-Wellehan Shoes, Sheepscot Brewery, Trail Monster Running, Maine Helicopter, and Liberty Graphics. This is a great community event and wouldn’t be possible without so many supporters and volunteers.

For more information on HVNC, visit hvnc.org, call 207-200-8840, or email info@hvnc.org.