PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) and the Berkshire Running Foundation (BRF) are partnering to expand the annual BHS 4th of July Road Race with an enhanced community health focus.

 

The BHS 4th of July Road Race began in 1985 with 250 runners taking to the street to run the out-and-back 5K course before the start of the annual Pittsfield Fourth of July Parade. Since then, a team of BHS employees and volunteers has operated this annual local race for more than three decades, with the exception of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

"By partnering with the Berkshire Running Foundation, an extension of Berkshire Running Center, we aim to create new opportunities for community-based health and wellness in the lead-up to the race, and encourage expanded participation across our community on the day of the 5K," said Maureen Daniels, Director of Wellness and Community Health for BHS.

 

New this year, the race will offer the support, education, and training for those who would like to take part in this event but may never have run in a similar race. 

 

As the lead sponsor, Berkshire Health Systems will support a free, six-week in-person and online training program for runners who want to hone their skills. This program runs from May 28 to the day of the race, and participants will work with the trainers at Berkshire Running Center, as well as receive support from the Wellness Team at BHS. 

 

The race will also have a special, new division -- a Corporate Challenge. The goal is to have local businesses sponsor the race and have their own employees participate in a county-wide challenge.  There will be special mentions, promotions and events around the Tuesday, July 4 race to still be finalized and marketed.

 

Berkshire Health Systems will also be sponsoring free registration for children to encourage families to participate in the race together. All Berkshire County students in grades K-12 will be eligible for this opportunity through BRF's existing school-based programs.

 

"By offering a fun and healthy activity that is both family and wallet-friendly, we hope that the 4th of July Race will become a new family health tradition for years to come," said Shiobbean Lemme, Executive Director of the Berkshire Running Foundation and the new Race Director for the event.  "Our vision is to see more families and businesses taking part in the race, and in turn, supporting the parade and these important initiatives advocating for behavioral health programs at BHS."

 

Proceeds from the race will be distributed to support both the Pittsfield parade committee and behavioral health programming at Berkshire Health Systems.

 

Registration for the event will open on April 1st at zippyreg.com.  Any businesses interested in being a part of this event, or for any questions, please contact Berkshire Running Foundation at director@berkshirerun.org.