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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Pride Month Preview: 'Every Day is Pride' in Berkshire County

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — This is the 10th season of Berkshire Pride celebrations, and the nonprofit has declared "Every Day is Pride."

Pride Month begins on June 1, and Berkshire Pride has lined up programming all month to celebrate and support the LGBTQ-plus community.  The flagship event, a parade and festival at The Common on June 20 beginning at 11 a.m., will be preceded by several events around the county for all ages. 

Officially established as a nonprofit in 2017, Berkshire Pride offers resources, programs, events, advocacy, and community building year-round for the queer community to feel supported in their identities. 

"During the month of June, a series of flagship events in Pittsfield, supported by North Adams, Lee
and Lenox will foster connection, visibility, and joy, reinforcing the region’s commitment to an inclusive future. As resilience becomes a bold declaration, Berkshire Pride commemorates its 10th anniversary affirming 'Every Day is Pride,'" President Michael Taylor wrote in a press release. 

"Building on a decade of representation and community support, the Berkshire Pride festival has become a regional highlight, recognized in 2025 as one of the standout community events of the year ensuring that LGBTQ-plus identity is celebrated from the northern peaks to the southern hills."

Nearing the start of Pride Month on Saturday, May 30, Mayor Peter Marchetti will lead a Pride flag-raising proclamation at City Hall, and the Community Partner of the Year Award will be presented.  School Street will then come alive for a Pride kick-off block party with music by DJ Pup Daddy, games, food by Brazzuca's, and beverages from Hot Plate Brewing Co.

Last year, the City Council voted unanimously to declare Pittsfield a sanctuary for transgender and gender diverse individuals in response to executive orders made by President Donald Trump declaring only two sexes and targeting gender-affirming care.

Berkshire Pride on Tuesday announced that the Elizabeth Freeman Center was selected as the 2026 Community Partner of the Year because of its "outstanding commitment" to supporting and uplifting LGBTQ-plus individuals and families throughout Berkshire County.

Greylock Federal Credit Union was given the award last year

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