A soggy start evolved into a mostly sunny finish for the field of 55 competitors in the 2026 ‘Run the Rail Trail’ 4-miler, which took place on Saturday, May 2 at the Aviation Museum of N.H. Unusually, two of the three top male finishers were in the “60 or over” category.
For downloadable photos of all finishers, click here.
In the men’s division, first place was taken by Christopher Navien, 33, of Salisbury, Mass., with a time of 30:48. Coming in second was Robert Nevin, 62, of Derry, N.H., who completed the course in 31:48. Third place was won by Kevin Reigstad, 60, of Bedford, N.H. with a time of 32:43.
In the women’s division, in first place was Molly Lynch, 38, of Windham, N.H. who finished in a time of 34:57. Second place was taken by Laura Chicarello, 35, of Londonderry, N.H., with a time of 35:26. Coming in third was Tarrah Sweatt, 36, of Lebanon, N.H. at 35:34.
Winning honors for taking the longest time to complete the course was Gary Best, 82, of Bedford, with a time of 1:36:31. Complete results of the 5th Annual ‘Run the Rail Trail’ 4-Miler are available online at RunSignup.com.
This year’s field include participants from five different states (as far away as Arizona!) and ranged in age from 13 to 85. A brief downpour prior to the race made for a soggy start, but skies began clearing as runners and then walkers completed the out-and-back four-mile course.
Prizes include gift certificates from the Midfield Cafe at Nashua Airport and merchandise from the Aviation Museum of N.H. Also, all finishers received a medal. The event, which includes a bucolic stretch of the Londonderry Rail Trail, is a fundraiser for the non-profit Aviation Museum of N.H.
Many thanks to the volunteers and staff who set up and supervised our course, and also to Londonderry Police, who helped keep everyone safe. Thanks to Steve Delahunty and the staff of NovusMage, our timing company, and Steve’s dogs Lilly and Goose. And finally, thanks also to our food trucks!
For photos of all participants crossing the finish line, please visit our ‘Run the Rail Trail’ webpage. A selection of candid images is below, taken by photographers Norm Beaudette and Steve Heffelfinger; right-click to save to your device. And mark your calendars: the next ‘Run the Rail Trail’ 4-miler will take place on Saturday, May 8, 2027!
