Gate City Striders

What is Mine Falls Park?
Mine Falls Park is one of the most instantly recognizable and vital parts of the city of Nashua. The park is located in the heart of the city and was purchased in 1969 with city and federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) monies. The 325-acre park includes forest, wetlands, and open fields; it is bordered on the north by the Nashua River and on the south by the Millpond and canal system. It is an area which highlights the city's natural and historical heritage. The Park has seven access points to enjoy hiking, walking, snow shoeing, and cross-country skiing, and fishing. There are two boat launches within park boundaries. The park also includes several fields for organized sports.

The name "Mine Falls" derives from the 1700s, when low quality lead was supposedly mined from the island below the falls. In the early 1800s the potential of the Nashua River to drive the wheels of industry was recognized. Workers used shovels and mules to dig the three-mile long canal, which provides a vertical drop of 36 feet at the mills. The Gatehouse near the falls was built in 1886—with the first gates being built in 1826—and it still brings the river to the Millpond. Currently, the gatehouse is the focus of a middle school student lead restoration project. The hydroelectric plant near the falls was built in 1984.

In 1987 the Nashua River Canal and the Nashua Manufacturing Company Historic District (the Millyard) were placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1992 the park trails were designated part of the New Hampshire Heritage Trail system, which extends 130 miles along the Merrimack River from Massachusetts to Canada!

What is the cost to run a race?
$3.00 for youth 14 and under, $4.00 for ages 15-18, and $5.00 for all others. Portions of the proceeds from the Series will benefit the Mine Falls Advisory Committee which works to maintain, preserve and improve the natural resources of the park facilities. Membership applications for the Gate City Striders will also be available for those who are interested.

Will there be refreshments, t-shirts, etc.?
This series is intended to be a fun, no-frills, low-cost & low-key event.  So, we will not be giving out t-shirts, or having a big post-race spread. Unless you decide bring your own picnic! However, we will have water available at the start/finish and at a water stop along the course. Oh, and occasionally we’ll have Gatorade too!

Are there awards?
YES! Raffle prizes will be given out weekly to runners (and volunteers) and age group awards will be given at the end of the Series to the top male & female point scorers for each of two 5-race segments in the following divisions: 14 & Under; 15-18; 19-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; and 70+. The overall Male & Female Champions of the whole 10 race series will win special awards as well.
 

How is the 10-Race Series scored?
The overall winner of each race scores 100 points. All other finishers score points on a percentage basis of the winning time divided by their time. For example: if the winner runs 17:30; then a runner finishing in 18:00 scores 96 points; a runner finishing in 20:00 minutes scores 88 points; and a runner finishing in 24:00 scores 73 points.

What are the trails like?
The course is run entirely on trails through Mine Falls.  The terrain for the 5k is mostly flat, wide & well groomed.  The footing is rugged but safe, over rocks, roots, and packed dirt.  The trails are well-marked, with chalk arrows and volunteers directing racers at major trail intersections. The 5 mile race will utilize some of the lesser used trails in the park, through winding single-track and rolling riverside paths. This trail makes for a challenging yet fun course, representing the true spirit of trail running!   Some trail race disclaimers try to scare entrants into believing that they will fall off cliffs, be attacked by porcupines, or drown if they dare enter their race.  This is not one of those races. The trails of Mine Falls are safe, wide, and used by thousands of Nashua citizens every week.  You can wear your regular running shoes.  Come see the trails before the race. Miles of great running trails await you any weekend this summer!
 
Were can I obtain more information about the courses?
The 5k is very flat. The 5mile course is a bit more challenging. It is run on some narrower trails with a more varied terrain. Both courses will have water stops, will be well marked and will have volunteers directing racers at major intersections.  Course maps and turn by turn directions for both courses are available here.

Can I wear my ipod/walkman headphones during the race?
Even though these races are run primarily on trails which are closed to vehicular traffic, we still insist that you leave your ipod at home. During the race, the trails of Mine Falls will be open to the general public including: pedestrians, runners, roller bladers & mountain bikers. Being able to be aware of your surroundings in this context is extremely important. Besides, you’d hate to have a grizzly sneak up on you while you’re listening to Bon Jovi! 

Registration forms: Where can I get them? What do I do with them?
Entry forms are available here. Once you complete the form you may send it in the mail, or bring it to the race.

When could a race be cancelled? (Lightning YES, Rain NO)
We will be holding races rain or shine. It is a trail race after all and trail runners are supposed to be tough, right? However, if there is a high danger of lightning at the time of the race, then we may be forced to cancel or postpone.