LINCOLNVILLE — Nimble feet skirted mud puddles and leaped tree roots through a windy 3.5-mile running course in the forest of Tanglewood, Saturday, Oct. 6.

For some athletes, off-road running requires extra energy and muscle movement as they extend their knees a little higher, their feet a little further to avoid low-lying hazards.

A UMaine student, and Vermont native, named Max led runners through the challenge of simultaneously watching the ground for low obstacles, and watching forward and peripheral for trees and curves in the route – all, while trying to keep a speedy momentum.

Tanglewood 4-H Camp and Learning Center, part of the UMaine extension, provided the opportunity for runners to meet that challenge.

For the past three of the four years that Tanglewood has hosted its annual Fall Family Festival, a trail race has been included, according to the staff. 

The event also included demonstrations in cider pressing, opportunities to try archery, puppet show, potato stamping, and sack races.