Running Home: Winning My First Marathon and Rediscovering Community

Nick Gosling breaks the tape at the New Hampshire Marathon finish line in Bristol, NH.

Nick Gosling runs alongside his son, Micah (in white), at the NHTI/Delta Dental 5K in April 2025.

Nick Gosling crosses the finish line in first place at the Warner Fall Foliage Festival 5K.

Some races are about time. Others are about place. For me, the New Hampshire Marathon, held October 3, was about both — but more than anything, it was about people. It was my first marathon, and somehow, I won it. I chose the race because it winds through my hometown of Bristol, and I knew running there would be meaningful. My kids were at the finish line. My parents, who have each run over a dozen marathons, were cheering from the sidelines. My sister Abbey even jumped in to run the final three miles with me. My nieces and nephew were there, too. The course was familiar — but what made it unforgettable was sharing it with the people who’ve shaped my life.

I’ve been a runner for more than 20 years, starting on the trails of Inter-Lakes High School in Meredith, N.H., and later running cross country and track at the University of New Hampshire. After college, I stepped away from racing to focus on family. But in the past few years, I’ve returned to it with new goals and fresh energy. This year, I set my sights on breaking 18 minutes in the 5K and running my first marathon. I didn’t expect to place in my first marathon, let alone win it — but consistent training and encouragement from friends in the running community helped carry me across the finish line. 

This fall turned out to be one of my best running seasons yet. I placed third at the North Conway Half Marathon in September, then won the Warner Fall Foliage Festival 5K in October, a week after my marathon. Along the way, I’ve had the chance to run in several CPCNH member communities — including Warner, Conway, Concord, Franklin, Lebanon, Canterbury, and Bristol. And in many cases, I've gotten to know these communities better. Running in these cities and towns has given me the opportunity to explore new places, meet local residents, and feel more connected to the communities I help support through my work with CPCNH.

Returning to running has been good for me — physically, mentally, and emotionally. It’s also become something I share with my kids. They’ve both participated in the Healthy Kids Running Series, and my son runs a couple of 5Ks with me each year. Having them involved makes the experience more meaningful — and much more fun.

📍 See full New Hampshire Marathon results here: https://nhmarathon.com/results