PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It has been forty years since the first running of the Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) July 4th 5K kicked off in front of the parade spectators on Wahconah Street in Pittsfield. 

 

The upcoming event sponsored by BHS and under the direction of Berkshire Running Foundation's Shiobbean Lemme for the third year.

 

In 1985 just under 200 runners took part in the race which last year registered just over 1100, bringing the attendance back to more than pre pandemic numbers.   

 

Changes have been made to the event, including the support of BHS to register all students' grades K-12 for free, which Berkshire Running Foundation offers for all of their events.  This enables families to have a wallet-friendly, healthy and fun activity to do together in celebrating the holiday. 

 

Returning 2023 champion Nick Turner is in the field as well as 2024 second place Jake Paris and former Steel Rail winner Alex White who finished just off the podium last year.  In the women's field two time returning champion Morgan Geddes, former winner Jackie Varney and top-ranking Miranda Bona are returning to the line on the fourth.

 

Overall, the top three winners will receive cash prizes.  The age division winners will be acknowledged for the top three finishers. There will be a corporate prize for the overall team from the sponsored division as well as a Team prize for any team with the fastest 5 runners. 

 

Registration for the event is online through the website Zippyreg.com.  Online registration fee is $35 for adults through July 1 at 6pm when the fee increases to $40. Bib pick up is available on Wednesday July 2nd and Thursday July 3rd at Berkshire Running Center in the Allendale Shopping Center Underground from 10am-6pm.  Online registration closes Thursday, July 3rd at 5pm.  There is no race day registration.

 

The following businesses are sponsoring the BHS July 4th 5K:

 

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts,Hillcrest Educational Centers, Inc.,B & G Restaurant Supply, Inc.,Greylock Federal Credit Union,Springside & Craneville Place Rehab & Nursing Centers,Moresi & Associates,Ashley Associates, LLC,Barile Environmental, Inc.,BBE Office Interiors,J. H. Maxymillian, Inc.,John's Tractor & Excavation Service, LLC,Berkshire Community College,Hill-Engineers, Architects, Planners, Inc.,MacFarlane Office Products, Inc.,Lipton Energy,Granite City Electric Supply,Berkshire County Sheriffs' Charitable Foundation, Inc., Pittsfield Cooperative Bank,MountainOne

 

The race starts on the north end of Wahconah St at 9:00AM Friday, July 4th.  The race runs along the route of the Pittsfield Annual Fourth of July Parade.  Runners will be asked to be at the start of the race no later than 8:45am.  The walk from Wahconah Park to the start is about 15 minutes, Lemme suggests attendees plan to arrive early to avoid the stress of getting down to the start. 

 

Information can be found at the Berkshire Running Foundation website www.berkshirerun.org .  Shiobbean Lemme can be reached at director@berkshirerun.org