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 Schedules Fireworks on July 8

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— Fireworks are back on. 

In honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States, a fireworks display is scheduled for Wednesday, July 8, at 9:15 p.m. in the area of Wahconah Park. 

The Pittsfield Cooperative Bank and George Haddad made "significant" donations toward the display, according to a Thursday press release.  The city could not secure a vendor for the Fourth of July, but one was available a few days later due to a cancellation in another state. 

"I am grateful for the Pittsfield Cooperative Bank and George Haddad who have offered their support to allow this beloved community tradition to return," Mayor Peter Marchetti said. 

"This announcement is the perfect example of how this community comes together to create possibilities."
 
While there will be no city-sponsored fireworks show on the Fourth of July this year, the historic parade and race will still kick off on the morning of July 4, and other events will take place over the holiday weekend. 

Those attending the fireworks display on July 8 will not have access to Wahconah Park, as the site is a construction zone while the grandstand is being demolished.  Fireworks can be viewed from the surrounding neighborhood and other locations throughout Pittsfield. 

It is important to note that every firework show requires a licensed and certified professional, the press release states.  Pittsfield was able to hire a licensed vendor for this display because the company had a show cancellation in another state, opening its availability for Pittsfield on July 8.

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