Published: 7/23/2021 3:31:24 PM
GREENFIELD — The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Franklin County’s 0.5K eat-and-run road race took advantage of some much-needed sunshine Thursday at Franklin County Fairgrounds to raise money for the nonprofit’s mentoring programs.
Runners of all ages took to the 546-yard course between 4 and 8 p.m, passing through three food checkpoints where they would stop to eat. Big Brothers Big Sisters Development Director Ericka Almeida said this second eat-and-run road race saw increased participation over the inaugural event in 2019.
Following a COVID-19-necessitated hiatus in 2020, Almeida said the outcome of this year’s race was “spectacular,” with the turnout increasing from about 250 people in 2019 to around 400. With tickets being $25 for adults and $15 for children ages 12 and under, she believes the final tally will eclipse the $10,000 goal that the organization had set. Money will remain in the county and be put toward Big Brothers Big Sisters’ youth mentorship programs.
“Franklin County always comes together for Big Brothers Big Sisters,” Almeida said. “Franklin County is just an anomaly. You can’t go anywhere else and get that type of community support. It’s truly heartwarming.”
Almeida said the Franklin County Fairgrounds will “definitely” remain the site for future eat-and-runs. The venue was chosen as an outdoor alternative after COVID-19 limited the organization’s ability to operate indoors as it did in 2019 at Yankee Candle in South Deerfield. For next year, however, Almeida said organizers plan to switch up the food on the menu and are exploring the possibility of bringing in food trucks.
Reach Julian Mendoza at 413-772-0261, ext. 261 or jmendoza@recorder.com.