Fundraising efforts can often be referred to as uphill climbs as groups or organizations look to reach financial goals. In the case of the inaugural Holcombe Hill 5K, held on May 21, it was literally an uphill climb in spots, including at the finish, for runners.

Participants completed a grueling 3.1-mile race on the Holcombe Hill Preserve property on Great Hill Road and commented on how the challenging venue added time to their usual 5K clip. But this event wasn't so much about best times, or even winning - Christopher Gamble was the top overall finisher, completing the course in a time of 19:26 - as it was about raising funds both for the Newtown Forest Association (NFA) and Newtown High School boys' cross country team.

NFA is the oldest private land trust in Connecticut, a nonprofit organization dedicated to accumulating and preserving open space and forests for public enjoyment and for future generations. The NFA maintains the Holcombe Hill Preserve, a scenic - and super hilly as the 5K participants will attest - 86-acre parcel that is among the highest points in all of Fairfield County.

Dr Aaron Coopersmith, born and raised in Newtown, is on the board of directors for NFA and organized the event.

Since joining his father, Dr Richard Coopersmith, at Newtown Chiropractic Health Center in 2010, Dr A, as he is called, has treated many collegiate and high school athletes at such events as the New Balance Collegiate Invitational and the High School Nationals track and field events at the Armory in New York City. A former Newtown High cross country runner (Class of 2001) and avid hiker, Dr Coopersmith came up with the idea to combine two of his strong interests for a good cause - really two good causes.

"The mission was to create awareness of the private preserve and to raise needed money for both the Newtown Forest Association and the Newtown High School boys' cross country team," Dr Coopersmith said.

"We're lucky to have an opportunity to host something like this and invite the community," Bob Eckenrode, president of the NFA, said.

"It's a nice challenge. It's also nice to have a different course that isn't a road course," said Mr Gamble, a former Newtown High cross country team member now competing at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams, Mass.

There were 62 finishers, and Dr Coopersmith is optimistic and hopeful that the numbers will continue to grow as he seeks to continue to help maintain this land.

Sarah Mawdsley, a runner at Newtown High, managed to finish in sixth place and as the top overall female despite holding back a bit because the 5K was only a couple days before her South-West Conference championship track and field meet. She finished in a time of 22:53.

She said the sharp angles of the course made it difficult to complete, adding, "That slows you down a lot. You have to watch your footing so you don't trip - or step on poison ivy."

"This has been the hardest course I've ever run on," said third-place finisher Grandon Smith (19:37), who ran at Newtown High and now competes at Castleton University in Castleton, Vt. "A lot of up hills and down hills. It just tires you out before you're even halfway though."

"The finish up a hill was absolutely grueling, but it's a great way to end," said race participant Rob Cox, who has walked his dog on the property and is happy to support the cause.

"This is a totally underutilized open piece of space," he added. "They should do this every year."

That is Dr Coopersmith's intent.

"I am excited that our first race was so successful in raising money and awareness to support both organizations. I look forward to next year's event," Dr Coopersmith said.

The rest of the top ten finishers are as follows: 3. Jeffrey Townsend 19:50. 4. Nick Jacobs 20:37. 5. Marty Froelick 22:50. 7. Gary Ampeloqio 23:03. 8. Bob Jacobs 23:33. 9. Ben Nowacki 24:12. 10. Dan Homes 24:19.

Visit the NFA webpage for more information.