While a hometown runner came out on top of the Goffstown Gallop, a Bedford native found himself near the top of the standings at the end of the annual road race.

Christopher Jones, 54, of Bedford, ran the 5.2-mile course on Saturday, June 27, in a time of 35 minutes, 2 seconds, to grab an 18th-place finish.

Jones also came away from the morning competition with a first-place trophy in the 50- to 59-year-old age group.

While Jones, who regularly runs races in the area, was excited to finish near the front of the pack, it wasn’t the only thing he had in mind entering the event.

“The atmosphere is a good family race, and it’s always a good day,” said Jones. “I just enjoy running, so that helps motivate me to run and do my best during the race. I looked at my previous times the night before the race, but as you get older it’s a little harder to beat your best times. I just want to do my best each year.”

Indeed, goals at the Goffstown Gallop vary. Some want to defeat a sibling, while many hope to record a personal-best time.

Others have a simpler goal.

“Well, I survived,” said Stu Goldstein, a 57-year-old Dunbarton resident. “That was my goal for the day.”

The 30th annual race, which included 171 entrants, was a special one for Goldstein, who ran with his wife, Nancy, and the couple’s four children.

Dave French started the race 30 years ago, and the Goffstown Parks and Recreation director has continued it every year since, evident by the many T-shirts hanging on the wall in the recreation center.

“I know there are people who do only one race every year, and this is it,” said French. “We want it to be more than just the competitive part, there’s a social aspect as well.”