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Berkshire Running Foundation Hosts Steel Rail Race Training Program

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Running Foundation this week announced the launch of its free MountainOne Steel Rail Race training program, a 10-week community training series designed to prepare runners and walkers for the upcoming races.
 
The program begins Saturday, March 7, and runs through May 9, offering multiple weekly training options in both Pittsfield and Adams.
 
Thanks to the continued support of MountainOne, all sessions are free and open to the public.
 
Participants may attend at either location each Saturday: Adams Visitor Center 3 Hoosac Street, Adams, 8 a.m.; or Berkshire Running Center 5 Cheshire Road, Pittsfield, 6 a.m. and 9 a.m.
 
Each session is led by the BRF Ambassadors, a team of experienced runners and community leaders who guide participants through progressive mileage, race-day preparation, and supportive group training.
 
The program welcomes runners and walkers of all experience levels, from first-time 5K participants to athletes preparing for the half marathon and marathon distances featured on Steel Rail Race weekend.
 
Participants will receive: weekly group training sessions, guidance from BRF Ambassadors, structured mileage progression and a supportive, inclusive training environment
 
No registration is required, and participants may join at any point during the 10-week series.
 
For more information about the Berkshire Running Foundation, the MountainOne Steel Rail Races, or the free training program, visit www.berkshirerun.org or contact Shiobbean Lemme at director@berkshirerun.org.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Thistle 'N Thorn Floral Announces Closing

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Another North Street business has announced their sudden closure.

Thistle 'N Thorn Floral announced on Instagram that its doors will close. 

"What many people don't see behind a creative business is how much it grows, shifts, and eventually asks more of you than one person can realistically carry. Between the rising costs of flowers, increasing rent, and the sheer volume of work, the business has become almost too successful for one person to sustain alone."

Owner Ashley Davidson opened the shop at 393 North St. a couple years ago and was selling flowers long before that according to her social media history.

Thistle 'N Thorn sold floral arrangements for events like weddings, funerals, and more. She also sold gifts, bouquets and wreaths according to Downtown Pittsfield Inc. Davidson also hosted events and workshops for those to create their own arrangements. 

"While this chapter is closing, I want to be very clear about something. This is not the end for me," Davidson wrote on Instagram.

"I'm incredibly proud of what I built. It took vision, grit, creativity, and a lot of courage. Those things don’t disappear just because a business chapter ends. If anything, they’re the reason I’m confident stepping into whatever comes next."

She also said she will be honoring the weddings and events she has already scheduled and plans to offer more workshops.

 
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