PITTSFIELD, Mass. — MountainOne, Berkshire Community College, Berkshire Health Systems and the Berkshire Running Foundation are offering three free running events in which the youth in the Berkshires can participate for free.

 

The upcoming MountainOne Women's Community 5K Races, The MountainOne Mo Mile and the BHS July 4th 5K Road Race will all have free running events for the local youth in Berkshire County. 

 

"The collective agreement amongst all our race partners was that we want to make our events family and wallet friendly for our participants.  The focus on improving the health and wellness of our community starts with the family. Hoping this will create traditions for years to come where families participate together," said Shiobbean Lemme, executive director of the Berkshire Running Foundation.

 

The MountainOne Women's Community 5K Races annual event held at Berkshire Community College on Mother's Day is in its 46th edition.  The day begins with a free kid's mile race that precedes the oldest held all female 5K in the country.  Followed by the all-inclusive community 5K to round out the morning events.  All proceeds from this event will go to benefit the Elizabeth Freeman Center.

 

"MountainOne is honored to once again be partnering with Berkshire Running Foundation and supporting the Elizabeth Freeman Center for the 2023 Women's Community 5K," said Jonathan Denmark, President & COO of MountainOne Insurance Agency.  "This community event is empowering to so many, and a great way to support each other, especially on Mother's Day." 

 

The MountainOne Steel Rail Races have incorporated a fun run for children on Saturday morning, May 20.  This free event will feature a mile and a half mile race for children 12 and under.  There will be an 8K, half marathon and a full marathon race calendar for Sunday, May 21 on the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail.  

 

"MountainOne is also proud to be returning as the Corporate Sponsor of the MountainOne Steel Rail Races and thrilled to be helping this pinnacle race put the Berkshires on the running map, while boosting tourism and supporting the expansion of the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail," said Jonathan Denmark.

 

BHS and the Berkshire Running Foundation will be offering free race registrations to any student in Berkshire County who register by June 15th for the BHS July 4th 5k Road Race.  This annual hometown tradition will also feature a Corporate Challenge Division to help raise funds for the parade and mental health programs for adolescents in the Berkshires.

 

Registrations for all events are available at www.berkshirerunningcenter.com For all information on the upcoming events please contact Shiobbean Lemme at director@berkshirerun.org