I completed the self-supported Cheshire Rail Trail FKT on July 11, 2026, in a total time of 10 hours 15 mins and 42 seconds. This 43-mile effort served as a "redemption" run after a previous attempt in September 2025 was cut short at mile 38 due to weather and a watch malfunction.
The route is a beautiful, historic rail trail network that passes directly through my hometown of Keene, New Hampshire. Conditions for the run began at 55 degrees at 5:00 AM and reached 80 degrees by noon. I started at the southern trailhead in Fitzwilliam, just steps from the Massachusetts border, and ran through stunning bogs and wetlands as the sun rose over Mt. Monadnock.
Logistics & Support:
This was a self-supported effort. I utilized two food and water stops and placed five pre-staged drops for water and fuel along the trail:
- Stops: Troy Market and Monadnock Co-op.
- Self-Staged Drops:
1. Fitzwilliam DPW
2. Across from the Cheshire Fair
3. Across from the Keene town dump
4. Depot Road, Westmoreland
5. Near the Walpole Vet
The trail is exceptionally runnable and mostly flat with some rolling hills. During the trek, I encountered 8 orange salamanders and 2 deer. While I am happy with effort, the straightforward nature of the route leaves plenty of room for others to challenge the time.
Happy Trails,
The Keene Moose