More than 600 Participate in Steel Rail Races

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. -- Matthew Ferraro was the first runner across the finish line at the MountainOne Steel Rail Marathon.
 
Ferraro clocked a time of 2 hours, 41 minutes flat on the Ashuwilticook Rail Trail course.
 
He finished a little more than five minutes ahead of runner-up Nick Reid (2:46:15).
 
Simone Veale won the race's women's division in a time of 3:18:42. She beat out Jill Hussain, who covered the course in 3:27:23.
 
The fastest marathoner on Sunday was Stephen Gulley, a hand cyclist, who clocked a time of 2:15:03.
 
The 26.2-mile circuit was covered by 150 finishers ranging in age from 18 (William Hanley in 14th place) to 72 (Ric Nudell, who finished in 6:04:47).
 
The day also featured a half-marathon and an 8-kilometer race.
 
Mark Rabasco won the half-marathon in 1:18:41, edging Vincent Gauthier (1:22:38).
 
Kat Morrissey placed third overall in 1:23:43 and first among women in the half-marathon, which had 213 finishers.
 
Abigail Chaloux was the fastest woman in the 8K, crossing the finish line in 35:52, six seconds ahead of Caroline Kessler; the two women were ninth and 10th, respectively, overall in a field of 171 finishers.
 
Peter Hale had the fastest 8K time, 27:42. Erik Kessler was second in 30:32.
 
More than 600 people registered for Sunday's races, a record for the Berkshire Running Foundation event. Runners from 24 different states signed up to run.
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Pittsfield Ice Rink Now Open

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The long-awaited ice skating rink is finally open for free public skating. 
 
Although late in the season, the rink will be open with posted hours from dawn to dusk, but may be closed at times for maintenance of the ice. 
 
Since the rink is equipped with lighting, the city has no objections to night skating; however, skaters are urged to remain mindful of safety, said James McGrath, park, open space and natural resource program manager.
 
It was previously reported that the city received a grant to offer skate rentals. However, because of the shortened season, this initiative has been postponed to future years.
 
The outdoor 50-by-100-foot refrigerated rink will be able to stay open until the ambient temperature rises above 45 degrees, McGrath said. 
 
This is currently projected to be the third week in March but could be sooner based on the weather conditions, he said. 
 
During the development of this initiative, many event ideas were tossed around however those will also have to wait until future seasons because of the shortened season. 
 
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