PITTSFIELD, Mass. – Morgan Windram-Geddes said she was going to spend much of the holiday making food to bring to her brother’s house to celebrate Thanksgiving with family.
Her extended family got to eat with the fastest woman at the eighth annual Thankful 5K.
Windram-Geddes of Glendale, Mass., was the 10th racer overall to cross the finish line at Berkshire Community College among the hundreds of runners and walkers to set off on West Street at 9 a.m. Thursday morning.
The event, sponsored by MountainOne and organized by the Berkshire Running Center, helped more than 400 participants work up an appetite and helped raise money and generate non-perishable food donations for local food pantries.
“It’s really important to be able to give back to the community financially and to be out here and raise awareness for food insecurity,” Windram-Geddes said. “And to be able to bring some contributions.”
She covered the 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) course in 19 minutes, 11.12 seconds.
The day’s fastest runner was Luke Consolati of Plymouth, Mass, who crossed the line in 17:02.59, nearly a minute ahead of runner-up John Romano of Chatham, N.J., (17:54.52).
“I was trying to break 17 [minutes] actually, so a little bit short of that, but I was just coming out here to have a good time mostly,” Consolati said.
“I just thought I’d come out here and try to stay with the top people. That’s what I did. Unfortunately, the other guy took a wrong turn over there, so I got the win. … But I’ll take it.”
Consolati said it was his first time competing in the race. Many more, like Windram-Geddes, who was the second female runner in 2022, were regular participants.
Dozens wore the event’s signature knit hats with the word “Thankful” stitched in the front. And several ran the event wearing some version of a turkey costume.
While, of course, there were times kept and places awarded, mostly it was a day for fun and fellowship among runners and generosity and gratitude for all who attended.
“I’m just thankful to be around family and friends and to have a good Thanksgiving meal later today,” Consolati said. “I’m happy for that.”
“I’m thankful for my family,” Windram-Geddes echoed. “They were all here today running as well, participating.
“And I’m thankful for Berkshire Running Center putting on these events because, without them, we wouldn’t have an opportunity to race and compete and have fun together.”
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Afternoon Arrival Estimated for Harris on Saturday
By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to arrive in Pittsfield early Saturday afternoon, according to emerging information about the campaign event.
Gov. Maura Healey will greet her at Westfield-Barnes Airport around 12:30 p.m. The Pittsfield event is expected to start around 1:30 p.m.
"Please be advised that due to a special event occurring in the downtown area, we ask the public to follow all posted detours between 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 27," a press release from the city reads.
"Drivers should also expect delays downtown and should consider alternate routes. Parking restrictions will also be in place. Residents, visitors and event attendees should keep these temporary closures in mind when traveling."
Harris was scheduled for the sold-out event in downtown Pittsfield before being suddenly elevated to presidential candidate on Sunday. The original Biden-Harris fundraiser is now a Harris fundraiser but it was unclear if she would continue with her scheduled appearances.
Tickets sold out almost immediately, ranging from $100 to thousands of dollars.
"For security purposes," event details have not been disclosed such as the time and location. It is assumed to occur at the Colonial Theatre based on a seating chart in the Eventbrite ticket link though, a representative from the theater last week denied knowledge of the event — then directed the caller to the Eventbrite link.
Josh Landes, WAMC's Berkshire bureau chief, has confirmed that he will be at the event and posted details to social media on Friday.
"We expect the program [at the Colonial Theatre] to begin at approximately 1:20 p.m. ET and for the show to conclude at 2:40 p.m. ET," the post reads.
"The program will include remarks from Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Ed Markey, Congressman Richie Neal, Fmr. Governor Deval Patrick and Heather Cox Richardson as well as performances by James Taylor, Yo-Yo Ma, and Emanuel Ax. Concessions will be available for purchase at the venue."
The Select Board expressed its support in continuing to research the prospect of installing level three electric vehicle fast charging stations in town. click for more
Warren said equitable access to health care also helps economically, as more people can work to support themselves, help their own families, and manage themselves and others.
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The committee will be examining all the options for a new police station or combined public safety facility. The goal is to have a recommendation for the Select Board by a year from December.
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