FARMINGTON – The first annual Rail Trail Challenge was held Sept. 28 with more than 60 people turning out to run, walk or to encourage the participants in the event.

Organizers achieved their goal of raising awareness of the beauty and accessibility of the railroad bed as a place to bike, run or walk. Many of the participants had never been on the railroad bed.

A group of local community members are working on building community support for the Rail Trail project that includes resurfacing the 14.5 miles of railroad bed that runs from Jay through Wilton to Farmington.

The group is also looking to replace the railroad trestle over the Sandy River connecting West Farmington to behind the UMF soccer fields in downtown Farmington.

Twenty-three people ran the 5.25 mile course from Steve’s Market in Wilton to the finish at Titcomb Mountain ski area. Jim Church from Farmington was the men’s overall winner with a time of 30:37. Kelley Cullenberg from Chesterville was the women’s overall winner with a time of 34:18. These overall winners received a hand-painted tile by artists Martha Bond and Andy Walker.

A homemade apple pie was also given to the first place winner in each age category and was well received.

Twenty-two children did the one-mile race at Titcomb. Hannah Allen, 10, from Farmington was the fastest female in the kid’s one mile with a time of 6:58. Jon Cleary, 15, of Farmington was the overall winner and fastest male in the kid’s race with a time of 6:48. Medal, T-shirts and water bottles were given to youths who raced.

A raffle at the end of the race included many prizes donated by local businesses.

Participants in the kids one-mile race listed by name and age from first place to 22 include Jon Cleary, 15; Kelton Cullenberg, 11; Hannah Allen, 10; Colton Hall, 9; Dustin Staples, 7; Jared Foster, 11; Gwen Beacham, 11; Addie Cullenberg, 9; Alissa Staples, 6; Sam Richardson, 9; Lisa Couture, 7; Eliza Richard, 10; Meredith Allen, 12; Zach Veayo, 8; Max Richard, 8; Andrew Pratt, 7; Levi Jewell, 9; Janel Brooks, 8; Kelly Couture, 7; Chris Couture, 8; Ryan Pratt, 5; Keeshawn Ferriera, 6.

Participants in the adult race listed from first place to 23 were Jim Church, Randy Hastings, David Chiapetta, Todd Leeman, Kelley Cullenberg, Ed Ferreira, Aaron Whitten, Jon Cleary, Scott Pratt, Merrily Welch, Mike Simoneau, Bryn Doiron, Peter Couture, John McCall, Darrell Toothaker, Doug Allen, Peter Foster, Cyndi Pratt, Patty Murray, Lydia Smith, Rich Smith, Mary Flint and Mamie McCall.