The ninth annual Race Through the Woods, sponsored by First National Bank, at Midcoast Conservancy’s Hidden Valley Nature Center saw over 100 runners take to the trails for either a 5.5-mile course or a half-marathon. Perfect weather and a rousing crowd of cheering spectators made for a fabulous fall day in the woods Sept. 29.

The winners of the 5.5-mile race were Ben Fletcher, with a time of 38:53, and Julie Ambrosino, who crossed the line at 46:54. Second place finishers in the men’s and women’s races, respectively, were Steven Baer at 47:14 and Mary Carbone in 50:55.

After several years of taking second place, Tyler Lupien finally cracked the code and won resoundingly in a time of 1:36:21. First for the women was Susan Olcott, who finished in 1:48:32. Second places went to Tom O’Brien, with a 1:47:46 time, and Kendra Emery, in 1:52:48. Complete results can be found online at http://bit.ly/RTTWresults.

Winners were offered pies from Barn Door Bakery or gift certificates for an overnight in any of Hidden Valley Nature Center’s huts or yurts. Pre-and post-run pizzas were offered by Steel House Oven, to go along with beer from Sheepscot Valley Brewing. Lamey-Wellehan and Trail Monster Running also supported the event.

Twenty enthusiastic young trail masters took to the obstacle course that was sponsored by Maine Helicopter and created by Midcoast Conservancy’s team of AmeriCorps Outdoor Adventure members. The kids ran, tumbled, climbed and crawled their way through a maze of all-natural obstacles and came out smiling.

Midcoast Conservancy is grateful to race director Keri Lupien and all of the other volunteers who make this annual event possible and so much fun for all who participate. Registration for the winter Biathlon at HVNC will open on Nov. 1 so trail-loving racers are encouraged to check the Programs & Events page then to sign up for the event at https://www.midcoastconservancy.org/events/midcoast-conservancy-biathlon-3/