5K run in second year

By Sharon Palmer
Special to the Town Common

BRIMFIELD -The sun seemed to be shining on the Brimfield Trail Committee’s Second Annual 5k Race and 1-Mile Walk on April 24.
“We had a spectacular turnout, raised over $2,000 for the trail, and the weather was great, to boot,” said Chris Rabbitt, the event organizer and member of the Brimfield Trail Committee (BTC).
With over 120 participants, this year’s race/walk nearly tripled in size from last year’s event. There were a variety of runners, ranging in age from 14 to 66, and with varying levels of running experience.
As in last year’s race, most of the participants were from Central Massachusetts, but many came from as far east as the Boston area and as far west as Springfield.
“Trail races like these are rather unique,” said runner Catherine Cagle, of Waltham. “There are tons of 5k road races, but not a lot of trail races.”
The overall winner was Brimfield’s own Mike Dobos, Jr., who crossed the finish line at 18 minutes, 55 seconds. Approximately 30 walkers came out to take part in the event as well. Bill Shiers of Wales participated with his wife and two children, ages 3 and 7.
“We had a great time - it was a fantastic event,” Shiers said. “The kids thought it was a very easy walk, and my seven-year-old plans to run the race next year. We’re hoping that more families will come out for the event next year.”
He added that race day was the first time his family had visited the trail, and they plan to go again.
The race was presented by Country Bank and sponsored by about 20 area businesses. All proceeds from the race/walk help the BTC to expand and maintain trails and parking areas, and to supply items such as benches and signs, according to Rabbitt.
Country Bank also supplied a crew of volunteers for race day to assist with varied tasks such as running the registration table and helping out at the finish line.
“The BTC greatly appreciates all the support from Country Bank for the race, from major sponsorship to having employees help out on the big day,” Rabbitt said. “Their involvement really helped to make it a big success, as did all the other volunteers and sponsors from our community.”
The runners’ finish times will be posted on the BTC’s website: www.brimfieldtrail.org, where more information on the trail can be found as well.

Sharon Palmer, who writes from Brimfield, is a part-time Assistant Director at Hitchcock Free Academy.