Though it certainly isn’t hidden, it’s fair to say the Lawrence Woods is a “hidden gem” of the Middlesex Fells Reservation.

Its location on the west side of South Border Road in Medford, Mass., places the woods on the opposite side of the Fells’ main trail loops, fire roads and reservoir, making it the path less traveled for many visitors. For those who take some time to look around, there are many gems to be found within the Lawrence Woods, including several miles of trails and multiple loop options.

The Lawrence Woods have been a regular stomping ground for Northeast Trail Crew for several years during the trail-running social club’s weekly Wednesday night group runs at the Fells. NTC meets at Medford High School, which offers direct access to the woods from the school’s parking lot. The woods have also served as the venue for a trail 5K race organized by the Friends of the Fells in 2016 and 2017. On Saturday, July 19, the Lawrence Woods were once again the scene of a trail race as NTC member Russell Grant organized the inaugural 12 Hours of Lawrence Woods, offering runners the opportunity to run as many 4.5-mile trail loops as they wanted between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., all for the low entry fee of $12.

A week after completing 100 miles at the Back Cove Backyard Ultra in Portland, Maine, Grant spent the day taking care of friends as they logged major miles on some of his favorite trails.

Forty-two runners took part in the event and completed at least one loop of the course. Sixteen of them completed at least seven loops and 31.5 miles, finishing a 50K or more within the time limit.

Four runners eclipsed the 50-mile mark, with the top trio all finishing 13 loops for 58.5 miles. Jared Nussbaum, 27, of Medford, Mass., did so first and earned the overall victory in his first ultramarathon. Fellow Medford resident Brian Burke, 43, was the second to complete the distance, while top female Katie Melsky, 27, of Cambridge, Mass., was third overall.

Also surpassing the 50-mile mark was Fernando Salcido. The 53-year-old resident of Winchester, Mass., finished 12 loops and 54.0 miles within the time limit. Two more runners finished just shy of 50 miles. Both Kyle Slepoy, 34, of Somersworth, N.H., and Max Katz-Christy, 24, of Cambridge, Mass., logged 11 laps apiece for 49.5 miles. It was the first ultramarathon finish for both runners.

Nicholas Barry, 27, of Boulder, Colo., completed 10 laps for 45.0 miles, followed by female runner-up Emma Dixon, 30, of Boston, Mass., who was eighth overall with nine laps and 40.5 miles. Jennifer Boshco, 41, of Billerica, Mass., rounded out the female podium and overall top 10 with eight laps and 36.0 miles. Leah Williams, 28, of Lowell, Mass., and David McIntyre, 57, of Medford, Mass., matched Boscho’s mileage tally.

Shelby Johnson, 31, of Cambridge, Mass., Lily Lichtenstein-Swain, 28, and Brian Okum, 33, both of Somerville, Mass., and Brent Ragar, 48, of Medford, Mass., all completed seven laps for 31.5 miles.