GREAT BARRINGTON — After a two-year COVID hiatus, Berkshire South Regional Community Center (BSRCC) held its annual 5K fundraiser on Saturday, May 14, in-person but with a “distanced” format. The Walk/Run took place at the Great Barrington Airport, with 76 participants raising over $7,500 for Berkshire South’s Community Youth Programming, including the free Teen Outreach Nutrition and Exercise program (TONE).
DuBois Middle School eighth-grader Everett Pacheco was this year’s overall winner. With a time of 19:15.70, he outpaced Michael Spitzer, the men’s first-place finisher, by 1:13.52.
The men’s second place finisher was Luke Breslin, with a time of 23:00.32. The women were led by Arielle Tillou, who finished in 27:40.91, followed by Ilana Steinhauer at 28:50.70. In the 65+ category Ace Curtiss was the top finishing male, crossing the finish line in 23:36.82. Jane Peck was the top finisher for the women in the Senior group. Pacheco led the 13-17 age bracket. The second-place finisher was another eighth-grade boy, Glenn Judah, who came in at 23:26.84.
And the 12 and Under crew received prizes, too, with Mallory Lucey finishing first, followed by Luca Bertini. Several youngsters joined the fun this year for a free Children’s Color Run, which preceded the timed event.
Prizes for the day’s fastest runners were donated by several local businesses, including Prairie Whale, The Bookloft, No. 10 and The Morgan House, which all contributed gift certificates to the event.
“While we celebrate the winning runners,” said Berkshire South Executive Director Jenise Lucey, “this event is really about coming together as a community, especially after these last years apart. Having fun with one another, engaging in a healthy activity together on a gorgeous day, and supporting meaningful programming at the community center are all part of what makes Berkshire South’s 5K so special.”
Event sponsors included The Kerry & Grayson Fund, Barbara and Roger Manring, Jess Cooney Interiors, Laureyns United, Carlson Propane, Fox Homes, Susan and Hank Ferlauto, Aquatic Designs, Inc., and Gateway Physical Therapy and Wellness Center. Post-race snacks were provided by Bakin’ Bakery and Great Barrington Bagel Co.
Berkshire South Regional Community Center is a non-sectarian, nonprofit organization open to all, regardless of ability to pay. Its mission is to build a sense of community and common purpose throughout the region, and to enhance the recreational, educational, cultural, health and social well-being of the residents of the Southern Berkshires.
