Hey local runners, imagine this. Running through warm and aromatic apple orchards on a late summer Sunday afternoon, getting more great exercise and taking in some of the splendor of Southern New Hampshire.
Well, all of that is on offer in the 22nd annual Mack’s/Greater Derry Track Club Run for the Apples 5K Cross-Country Race in the Moose Hill Orchards in Londonderry at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 26.
This popular event, which drew nearly 200 runners for race number 21 last August, has become popular with area high school and middle school cross-country teams and runners as a way to challenge themselves in preparation for their school seasons. But plenty of other runners looking for the aforementioned assets of a race show up to run on their own as well.
Directed by Greater Derry Track Club co-founder Eldon Burkinshaw, this low-cost event has a very low-key atmosphere but plenty of strong competition for folks seeking that.
The 2017 race was won by a couple of talented teens, with Litchfield 16-year-old Jeff Allen finishing first overall in 15 minutes and 20 seconds and 13-year-old Fiona Doherty from Manchester leading the females with her fine time of 19:15. She was the 14th runner to cross the finish line.
The pre-registration fee is $15 as is the race-day fee, and families can take part in the event at a family rate of $30. The race directors consider a family to be two adults and unlimited children living at same address.
“Runners come from all local areas to tune up for the fall cross-country season, and finishers are treated to fresh-squeezed lemonade and other refreshments after the race. Mack’s Apples is a favorite with families of all ages,” said director Burkinshaw.
Awards go to the overall winners and the top finishers in multiple age groups, and the first 75 entrants receive custom race shirts.
More info and on-line registration are available at the Greater Derry Track Club’s website.