Hilltown Land Trust | Gorge après Gorge

Dozens of people running along the East Branch trail as a previous year's Gorge après Gorge 5k race — Runners enjoying the East Branch trail.

Handmade hats. Locally baked cookie medals. A run or walk along the Westfield River. Welcome to the Gorge après Gorge!

Sunday, December 1st 2024

Since 2005, the Gorge après Gorge 5k Trail Run and Family Fun Walk has brought together families and individuals for outdoor recreation on the Sunday after Thanksgiving at the Chesterfield Gorge in Chesterfield.

The event was started by organizers Leslie Charles and Tanya Rapinchuk as a way to celebrate community, and get outside and appreciate nature with friends, family, and neighbors at a time of year when it’s tempting to stay inside. It began with just a few dozen people, and has grown over the years as word has spread about this wonderful family-oriented event.

Choosing a handmade hat prize. Photo by Carol Wasserloos.

In recent years, over 200 people have congregated at the Chesterfield Gorge to exercise outside together and enjoy the unique offerings of this event. The community potluck after the run and walk, the hand-knit and -crocheted hat prizes for the top runners, and the edible cookie medals for the race finishers make this a walk & run unlike any other. The hand-made hats even come from people as far away as California!

Hilltown Land Trust became a cosponsor of Gorge après Gorge in 2015, and we are thrilled to be involved with this wonderful event that brings the community together and gets folks outside at a time of year when people often retreat indoors. In 2018, Leslie and Tanya decided to step down from organizing the event and Amy Rusiecki of Beast Coast Trail Running came on board to help organize and run the 5k in 2019. All proceeds from registration fees go to benefit Hilltown Land Trust.

Afterward the run and walk, participants stick around for complementary hot beverages and to enjoy the community potluck. People are encouraged to bring their own mugs, or to buy a reusable one at the event.

All are welcome! It’s a family affair, but please leave dogs at home. Spend time outside with friends, neighbors, and future friends to celebrate the love of life, nature, running, and walking!