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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BRPC, BDAO to Host Community Forum on Kratom

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— Effective Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, Massachusetts has temporarily placed Kratom into Schedule I for one year while additional study and evaluation occur.

Under this temporary order, retailers may not display, sell, or distribute Kratom products, though they may store them out of sight. Local Boards of Health hold discretion on determining municipal enforcement.

To address these changes and discuss community impacts, the Berkshire District Attorney's Office, Berkshire Public Health Alliance, and Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative are hosting a community forum on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The event will take place in person at the Berkshire Innovation Center (45 Woodlawn Avenue, Pittsfield, MA) and virtually via Zoom.

The event begins with welcoming remarks from District Attorney Shugrue, followed by a presentation from Dr. Jennifer Michaels, Medical Director at The Brien Center, on Kratom fundamentals and local treatment and recovery resources. Attendees will also hear state and regional perspectives from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Massachusetts Association of Health Boards, followed by a collaborative cross-sector discussion on prevention and recovery strategies.

To RSVP or to receive Zoom meeting information, please email Stacy Parsons at Stacy.Parsons@mass.gov.

For additional state background, regulatory documentation, and health guidance, visit mass.gov/info-details/kratom

 

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