More than 600 Participate in Steel Rail Races

iBerkshires.com SportsPrint Story | Email Story
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.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Jewish Federation Hosts Program on Judaism, Tai Chi

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Jewish Federation of the Berkshires presents Dr. Joel Friedman, who will lead a program on "Judaism and Tai Chi: Finding Balance in an Unbalanced World" on Thursday, July 30, at 10:45 a.m.
 
In this workshop, he explores how Judaism and tai chi can help cultivate a more balanced life by teaching effective responses to the constant stream of verbal, physical, and internal stresses of daily living. These skills, he emphasizes, must be learned and practiced, centering on a dynamic balance between what we take in and what we express outwardly — whether in conversation or conflict.
 
This free program will be presented as part of the Federation's Connecting With Community Series at Knesset Israel. The conversation will continue with a home-cooked lunch around the community table. All are welcome; advance lunch reservations are required by calling 413-442-2200 before 9 a.m. on Wednesday. Suggested donation of $3 for adults over age 60, $7 for all others.
 
Friedman is a research scientist and doctor of medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He brings a interdisciplinary perspective shaped by decades in science and medicine, more than 40 years of training and teaching Taoist-based internal martial and healing arts, and a deep commitment to Jewish learning.
View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories