PITTSFIELD, Mass. – Berkshire Running Foundation has announced its next four events for 2023.

 

A locally-based nonprofit organization, Berkshire Running foundation was established earlier this year to advance and support the positive impact running events have in the neighborhoods in which we live.

 

Sponsored by Spectrum Health, The FIR 5K will be held on Sunday, Sept. 24, at 9 a.m. at the Crane Avenue entrance to the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail.

 

Sunday’s 5K Walk/Run is to benefit the Berkshire Running Foundation's FIR (Fitness In Recovery) program. This 3.1-mile event encourages the community to come out and support the continuing efforts being made by the FIR program with members of our community through wellness and exercise to help them support their journey to recovery.

 

“September is National Recovery Month,” Spectrum Health Regional Executive Director Rebecca Polastri said. “September is a time to celebrate individuals who are in recovery, celebrate those who are trying to find recovery, and honor those who have lost their battle with addiction. Recovery is every person, every family, and every community. Everyone is invited to join us to celebrate Recovery Month with a 5K walk or run.”

 

Berkshire Running Foundation and Spectrum Health staff and clients have worked toward helping to create a program offering a free, safe, sober, and supportive environment for anyone who would like to introduce fitness into their lives. A proven benefit to helping anyone to deal with the issues surrounding any type of recovery; whether it be from substance abuse, anxiety, depression, grief, food issues or perhaps you are the caregiver to someone in recovery. Fitness is a wonderful addition to any program.

 

Beginning in August, Berkshire Running Foundation held weekly meetings on the bike path to train to complete the 5K distance. This program was free and open to the public led by Shiobbean Lemme, Carisa Flood Vincent and wellness coaches through the Berkshire Running Foundation, Inc. For more information contact Shiobbean at director@berkshirerun.org

 

Registration for the FIR 5K is $35. The website to register is located here.

 

Additional events for the Berkshire Running Foundation will be the Berkshire Half Marathon and 2-person Relay on Oct. 8, the Roaring 5K race at the Red Lion Inn and Naumkeag to benefit Community Access to the Arts on Oct. 29 and the final event for the Foundation will be the eighth annual MountainOne Thankful 5k to be held at Berkshire Community College on Thanksgiving morning.

 

Sponsorship is available for these events by contacting Shiobbean Lemme at director@berkshirerun.org or visiting the website www.berkshirerun.org.