The changing leaves and brisk mornings may mean it's time to say goodbye to summer, but it also means it's just about time for the Dartmouth Natural Resource Trust’s annual Trail Race.

The race is set to return this Saturday, Nov. 16 at the 3.1-mile course at Destruction Brook for its 10th year and registration is open now on the DNRT’s website. Walkers are also welcome, with a 2.4-mile course available for those interested.

“We're really excited to have kind of made it this far,” said Kendra Parker, DNRT development and outreach specialist. 

Though nothing “special” is planned for the 10th year, fans of the race will be happy to know it is still 100% on trails and the Trust will be offering its option of a 10-mile course for a second year.

“It was really popular and super successful, so we’ll definitely be repeating that,” Parker said of the 10-mile course.

Though the race has seen some changes over the years, with it originally taking place at Slocum River Reserve and Parsons Reserve, which meant participants would run a road portion down Horseneck. 

Parker said the Trust moved the race to Destruction Brook in 2017, where it could be 100% trails, and “it seems like that’s really what people wanted.”

As usual, the race raises money for land conservation. Parker said the Trust is hoping to hit 225 registrations, with last year having reached over 200 participants.

Spectators are welcome to come and cheer on participants at the start and finish. No dogs or strollers are allowed on the courses.

“It's fun,” she added. “It's a great way to support the DNRT and we have free pizza and beer for all of the participants at the end.”