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. It has been held each year with the exception of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a dedicated team of BHS employees and volunteers continuing its operation for more than three decades.
“This new partnership, with race direction by Shiobbean Lemme, will 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 classic event but may have never 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, from May 28th to the day of the race, will feature interested runners working with the trainers at Berkshire Running Center and will also include support from the Wellness Team at BHS. This will give interested members of the community access to a comprehensive training program on how to properly condition and train to compete in a 5K race.
Berkshire Health Systems will also be sponsoring free registration for children, encouraging 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 healthy activity that is family- and wallet-friendly, organizers hope that the 4th of July Race will become a new family health tradition for years to come,” said Lemme.
Finally, the race this year will have a new special division– a Corporate Challenge. This is a sponsor drive to have local business 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 4th race to still be finalized and marketed.
Proceeds from the race will be distributed between the Pittsfield parade committee and behavioral health programming at Berkshire Health Systems.
Registration for the event will open on April 1st at zippyreg.com. The completion of the six-week training will be celebrated with a health and fitness exposition July 1-2nd for race packet pick-up and last-minute training advice.
Any businesses interested in being a part of this event, or any questions please contact Shiobbean Lemme at director@berkshirerun.org