Trail Runners support 9th annual Squam Ridge Race

HOLDERNESS  — Sunday, Sept. 19, 147 racers tied up their shoes and competed in the Squam Lakes Association’s ninth annual Squam Ridge Race. This 12.2 mile race traverses the Squam Range, crossing three summits and gaining over 3,000 feet of elevation, and is open to runners and hikers of all ages. A 4-mile course was also offered for those seeking a shorter challenge. All proceeds of this event support the trails owned and maintained by the Squam Lakes Association, a nonprofit organization in the Lakes Region responsible for the protection of the Squam Lakes Watershed.

Throughout the day, friends and family gathered around Burleigh Farm to cheer racers on as they sprinted or walked the final distance. In addition to the main event, participants enjoyed a celebratory barbecue, soaked up the sun while socializing with other racers, and had the opportunity to tie-dye their own Ridge Race t-shirts.

The first runner to arrive back at Burleigh Farm was Corey Girard with a time of 1:51:41. Girard was followed by Nelson Knudsen with a time of 1:55:01 and John Paul Krol with a time of 1:55:58. The top female racer, Elizabeth Anderson, finished at a time of 2:07:33. Anderson was followed by Alexandra Disney and Elizabeth Disney, who both completed the race at 2:10:56.

Preparations for the event were just as rigorous as the race itself. Squam Lakes Association is grateful for the assistance they received from the many volunteers who helped staff aid stations along the trail, prepared food, took race photography, and more. NH Amateur Radio volunteers also provided key support through monitoring the trails during the race, keeping runners on course, and assisting anyone who was injured along the way.

For event photos and detailed race results, visit the Squam Lakes Association’s website, www.squamlakes.org.