Third Annual BrockTrot
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| Photos of last year’s BrockTrot |
This builds upon the $90,000 raised for cancer research in the event’s inaugural year. Last year’s race had over 500 participants. For information on becoming a sponsor, a volunteer or participating in the race please visit www.BrockTrot.org. Donations to the BrockTrot can also be sent by mail to the Brock Wilkerson Memorial Cancer Research Fund, P.O. Box 2003, Lenox, MA 01240.
The BrockTrot is named for Brock Wilkerson, a Stockbridge resident who had a talent for amassing friends and trained relentlessly for several marathons. His zest and courage were exemplified in his final marathon, the 2005 Boston Marathon, just four months before he succumbed to lung cancer. Brock was an inspiration to his friends and family long before he was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer at the age of 45. He lived life with a unique capacity for kindness, friendship and leadership. In his community, Brock served on many local non-profit boards and always had time to be a great friend. He was especially dedicated to helping coach his daughter's soccer team and spending time with his family and children. An avid runner, Brock completed 13 marathons—three of which he ran with Stage 4 lung cancer. Brock loved the camaraderie of running with friends and inspired many to sign up and run races as well.
The 10k race, 10k relay, and one-mile community walk begins on Walker St. in Lenox at 9:00 am and finishes at Shakespeare & Company’s campus on Kemble Street. Top male and female finishers are eligible for cash prizes that range from $500 for first place to $25 for ninth. Boys and girls are eligible for first, second and third place medals in the kids race categories. The post-race festivities include great food by Zucchinis of Pittsfield and a performance by Hector On Stilts.
This year the BrockTrot is going GREEN! Organizers are offering stainless steel water bottles or reusable tote bags for the first 150 registrants, purchased from Berkshire Co-op in Great Barrington. There will be t-shirts for the kids race and volunteers.
John Toole, chairman of the race and a close friend of Wilkerson’s, says the sheer number and commitment of the race volunteers demonstrate just how many individuals were touched by Wilkerson’s compassion and vitality.
“I am overwhelmed by the amount of local and national support and recognition our event is getting,” says Toole. “Brock had a dynamic impact on those around him and it is very moving that he still has that impact three years after his passing. BrockTrot aptly represents his view of life and fitness, and he would be proud to see a community come together in this way. I hope we can continue to expand and grow this tradition and bring more awareness to our communities both near and far about a cause that has touched humanity across our nation and around the world.”
BrockTrot Mission Statement: We hope to keep Brock's infectious spirit alive with BrockTrot. Our purpose is to raise funds and awareness to support research and early detection of lung cancer in non-smokers. We hope that each year BrockTrot will bring family, old friends and new friends together, and reinforce what was important to Brock: love, life and enjoying every moment.
Major sponsors of BrockTrot are Blantyre and Toole Insurance. Additional sponsors are Arbella Insurance, Canyon Ranch, Sabic Innovative Plastics, Legacy Bank, Studio Two, Shakespeare & Company and Zucchini’s.
