For mother-daughter Dartmouth duo Jennifer and Molly Rouillard, the Dartmouth Natural Resource Trust’s annual Trail Race is a family tradition.

Jennifer said it’s the woods. 

“The woods call me to come back,” she said, adding, “It's just so much fun — the camaraderie and the outdoors.”

The two were back again for the 10th annual race held Saturday, Nov. 16 at Destruction Brooks. Jennifer said although Molly is typically the one to help her keep pace, she had to rely on the help of others this year as the two would be competing in separate races.

While Jennifer ran the 5K, Molly completed the 10-mile race, which she took first place in, with a finish time of 1:12:29.

“It was just a beautiful day and fun to run on the trails and to get that first place is even better,” Molly said.

After the 5K race, Jennifer said she was “very happy” with how she did. Though she was unaware of what exactly her results were at the time, she said, “I did great in my book.”

Executive Director Nick Wildman said not only was it the 10th annual, but it was “our biggest yet.”

According to Kendra Parker, DNRT development and outreach specialist, the race had approximately 275 participants, and was likely to raise more than $10,000 — a goal the trail race had not yet met before. The money raised goes toward the DNRT’s mission of land conservation and management.

Wildman also noted the excellent weather. While the 2022 race was “extremely hot” and the 2023 was “cold and rainy,” the 2024 race was just right for many of the runners.

Dartmouth’s Susan and Chris Fairfax said they’ve done the race at least five times since their kids were little.

The two had plans to run the 5K, largely to help support the DNRT.

“She’s the runner. I’m the walker,” Chris joked.

Susan said, “We want to continue the motion throughout life and it’s a beautiful place to get outdoors and it’s a beautiful time of the year to be out in the woods with friends.”

Diana Martucci, of Sturbridge, and Beth Chisholm, of Westwood, have been friends since they met in middle school. Seeing the race posted online, the two thought it would be a great chance to catch up.

The women said this was their "uninterrupted" talking time and they planned to do the 10-mile race. 

“We have a lot to catch up on,” said Chisholm, laughing.

While Martucci had just completed a marathon, Chisholm said she expected it to be a bit of a challenge for herself. Though she was also anticipating having fun.

“We’re excited to be here and it’s a beautiful day,” Martucci said.

Mandy Connors and her daughter Claire, 10, said though they are from Somerset, they love the DNRT properties. 

Claire said she had never competed in a race of this sort before, but she and her mom hit the treadmill in preparation.

“I’m really excited,” she said, adding she was a little bit nervous to be doing the 5K because of how long it was going to be, “but I’ll make it.”

Mandy said she thought it would be a great opportunity to support the trails they love.

And just like the Rouillard duo, Mandy said, “We’re excited to make this a family tradition.”

RACE RESULTS AS POSTED ON RACE WIRE:

5K 

MEN

Merle Durant, 20 — 20:34

Nick Pilla, 37 — 21:10

John Paul Morris, 15 — 21:50

WOMEN

Madalena Morris, 17 — 24:07

Madelyn Baylies, 15 — 26:02

Sarah Smialek, 24 — 26:30

10-Mile Race

WOMEN

Molly Rouillard, 34 — 1:12:29

Rebecca Bader, 57 — 1:20:12

Rebecca Laliberte, 37 — 1:26:40

MEN

Tom Merchant, 46 — 1:15:20

Steve Faluotico, 56 — 1:16:30

Matthew Montano, 37 — 1:19:47