Jennifer Salesky, 53, of Nashua, approaches the finish line during the 11th annual Veterans Count Nashua 5k on Sept. 14 at Mine Fells Park. Salesky rounded out the top three female runners with a time of 26:22 and finished in 24th place overall. Telegraph photo by CHRISTOPHER ROBERSON

NASHUA – Hundreds of runners from across southern New Hampshire laced up their sneakers for the 11th annual Veterans Count Nashua 5k through Mine Fells Park on Sept. 14.

Nathan Elswick, 33, of Manchester, was this year’s winner with a time of 19:56.

Elswick said his reason for running the race was simply to “set an example for my kids.”

Stephen Logan, 37, led the way for the Nashua runners and finished in second place overall with a time of 21:14. Defending champion Kenneth Welch, 41, of Lowell, Mass., had the third best time of the male runners, completing the race in 21:14 to finish fourth overall.

Abigail Kurfman, 22, of Nashua, finished first in the female division and third place overall with a time of 21:02. Jenna Nouroski, 13, of Litchfield, was the second fastest female runner with a time of 25:55. She placed 20th overall. Jennifer Salesky, 53, of Nashua, rounded out the top three female runners with a time of 26:22 and finished in 24th place overall.

Participants leave the starting line during the 11th annual Veterans Count Nashua 5k on Sept. 14 at Mine Fells Park. Telegraph photo by CHRISTOPHER ROBERSON

Parker Rizzo, 9, of Londonderry, finished first in the youth division and fifth place overall with a time of 22:20. He was followed by Avy Vacher, 10, of Nashua, who had a time of 23:00 and finished in sixth place overall. Adrian Sinclair, 7, of Nashua, finished third in the youth division with a time of 23:14 and finished the race in eighth place overall.

Allen Aldenberg, 54, of Manchester, said he appreciated the tranquility of Mine Falls Park.

“It’s nice not running on the streets,” said Aldenberg, a brigadier general in the New Hampshire Army National Guard. “It’s nice for people to come out on a Sunday.”

This was the third race for Jennifer Bone, 49, of Merrimack, who served 10 years in the U.S. Marine Corps.

“It’s always so well organized,” she said.

Cory Kennedy, 31, of Manchester, approaches the finish line during the 11th annual Veterans Count Nashua 5k on Sept. 14 at Mine Fells Park. Telegraph photo by CHRISTOPHER ROBERSON

However, Bone said fatigue starts to set in around mile three.

“That’s when you need to dig in a little deeper,” she said.

Brandon Desrochers, 34, of Merrimack, said his prior experience was competing in road races.

“I’ve never run on terrain before, it’s not like running on the road,” he said, adding that he was constantly watching for stones or tree roots.

Justin DeFlumeri, 36, of Nashua, recorded a time of 23:17 and finished in ninth place.

Brian and Sara Landry, both 58 of Nashua, cross the finish line during the 11th annual Veterans Count Nashua 5k on Sept. 14 at Mine Fells Park. Telegraph photo by CHRISTOPHER ROBERSON

“I thought it was a beautiful course,” he said. “Everyone’s so happy.”

Race organizer Kayla Whitcher said the race bounced back after not being held last year.

“We came back stronger than ever,” she said, adding that the event was projected to raise approximately $20,000 for Granite State veterans. “Sometimes a veteran doesn’t know where to turn.”

Founded in 2007 under the umbrella of Easterseals New Hampshire, Veterans Count currently has chapters in Nashua, Manchester, the Seacoast, the Lakes Region and the Upper Valley. During the past 18 years, the organization has raised $5.9 million for approximately 23,220 veterans. As a result, 1,400 veterans have avoided homelessness. Veterans Count can be reached by calling or texting 988 or via email at intake@VetsCount.org.

Shown from left, Fiorelly Alvarez, 31, of Nashua, crosses the finish line with Ciana Conley, 10, and Thomas Conley, 72, both of Hooksett, during the 11th annual Veterans Count Nashua 5k on Sept. 14 at Mine Fells Park. Telegraph photo by CHRISTOPHER ROBERSON

Philip Falardeau, 43, of Nashua, crosses the finish line during the 11th annual Veterans Count Nashua 5k on Sept. 14 at Mine Fells Park. Falardeau finished in 10th place with a time of 23:34. Telegraph photo by CHRISTOPHER ROBERSON