Autumn leaves along the Northern Rail Trail may just be changing color as the 2014 Rail Trail Run and Ride to benefit Special Olympics New Hampshire (SONH) passes through Andover on September 27.

The inaugural event kicks off at 8:30 AM and will feature 50K and 100K cycling events and 5K and 10K runs along the hard path of the rail trail through Andover, Wilmot, Danbury, Grafton, Orange, Canaan, and Enfield. This event also features fun for the whole family, with offerings including an apple festival and a 4.5 mile family cycling ride beginning at the Highland Lake Inn.

Fun runs and riding events designed for children ages 10 and under will be held at Carr Field, and everyone is invited to celebrate the conclusion of the various races during an outdoor festival at Proctor Academy with food, music, inflatables, and more.

Join SONH in helping to support and inspire the approximately 3,160 athletes in the state that benefit from SONH programming by registering to run or ride today.

More information is available by visiting SONH.org or Facebook.com/SpecialOlympicsNH . To register for the event, please visit BikeReg.com/RailTrailRunOrRide.

About Special Olympics New Hampshire

Special Olympics New Hampshire is an accredited program of Special Olympics International and is part of an international global movement that changes lives by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities through sport, promoting acceptance for all, and fostering communities of understanding and respect worldwide. SONH was founded in 1970 with the first State Summer Games at Phillips Exeter Academy.