First Special Olympics Event on Rail Trail Raises $13,000

Local organizations host over 220 participants

Press release
Suzanne Rasweiler of Andover joined forces with Special Olympian Charlie to win the unified 5k race. They were among over 220 runners and bike riders who turned out on September 27 to raise over $13,000 for Special Olympics. Photo: Scott Allenby
Suzanne Rasweiler of Andover joined forces with Special Olympian Charlie to win the unified 5k race. They were among over 220 runners and bike riders who turned out on September 27 to raise over $13,000 for Special Olympics. Photo: Scott Allenby

More than 220 participants of all ages and abilities enjoyed a beautiful day in Andover on September 27 and raised more than $13,000 for Special Olympics New Hampshire (SONH) during the inaugural Rail Trail Run and Ride event.

The event featured 5K and 10K running events and a 50K cycling event along the Northern Rail Trail. Each event began and finished at Proctor Academy, where a fall festival greeted participants upon completion of their respective events.

A 4.5-mile family bicycle ride was also held from Highland Lake Inn, and a children’s foot race was held at Carr Field.

The community fitness event was designed to be inclusive, and Special Olympics athletes ran and cycled side by side with their non-intellectually disabled peers. Athletes ran the 5K with unified partners and participated in the 50K cycling event.

“It was a great day with fantastic weather and a great kick-off for an event that is going to come year after year,” said SONH Development Director Chelsea Gill “We are looking forward to next year’s event, which will encompass even more community involvement and family fun activities.”

Tilton Police Chief Bob Cormier said the event took place on “probably the most scenic part of the Rail Trail in New Hampshire” with the foliage near peak and the sun shining. “We hope this is going to be a great event every fall,” Cormier said.

Special Olympics New Hampshire wishes to thank Proctor Academy and its faculty, staff, and students for their support and involvement, as well as the many local non-profit groups, organized by Andover Town Administrator Marjorie Roy, who came out to support the event, including: Friends of the Northern Rail Trail, Andover Snowmobile Club, Andover Service Club, Andover Fire Department, Rotary – Tilton and Northfield, including Alan Powell and Debbie Tessier, Lion’s Club – Franklin, especially Heather Makechnie, Harney Tea and Red Barn Coffee, Tarte Cafe and Bakery, Independent Farmers, Kearsage Youth Hockey, Andover EMS, Andover Energy Group, and The Andover Beacon. Also, thank you to our event sponsors, including Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield.