48th Mother’s Day 5K and Community 1 Mile Walk, Run

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On Sunday, May 12, the Berkshire Running Foundation will host the Mother’s Day Women’s 5K and Community 1 Mile Walk/Run at the Paterson Field House, Berkshire Community College.

All proceeds will benefit the Elizabeth Freeman Center to offer hope, help and healing to all experiencing or affected by domestic and sexual violence in Berkshire County.

Registration fee is $15 for 1 mile / $30 for 5K. The 1 mile Community Walk/Run begins at 8:00 am followed by the 5K Women only at 8:30 am. Prizes will be awarded to the top overall finishers. Raffle features $25.00 gift cards donated by local restaurants. All registrants will have an opportunity to start a fundraising page through the Berkshire Running Foundation event page.

Started in 1977, the Mother’s Day 5K is the longest held, all female running event in the country.

"The Berkshire Running Foundation is honored to be hosting the Mother’s Day 5K. We feel it is important to give a platform to help support the services the Elizabeth Freeman Center provides for our community 24/7 and to keep this classic running event going for another year," said  Shiobbean Lemme, executive director of the Berkshire Running Foundation

For registration and further details visit https://berkshirerun.org or call Berkshire Running Center at (413) 344-4472.

Kennedy Calls BCC Workforce Graduates Inspiring

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
05:40AM / Friday, June 12, 2026

The programs ranged from emergency medical technician to computers to commercial drivers. See more photos here. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College Workforce and Community Education graduates were encouraged to be all they can be on Wednesday.

 

Graduates, families, friends, and staff gathered in Boland Theatre to celebrate around 100 graduates who completed a variety of courses.

 

They included community health worker, emergency medical technician, phlebotomy technician, registered behavior technician, AI fundamentals, Commercial Drivers License Class A and B, CompTIA Tech-plus, para educator, and English for Speakers of Other Languages.

 

College President Ellen Kennedy said it was amazing that this might be her last public speaking event before her tenure comes to an end.

 

She acknowledged the diverse reasons for their studies including career advancement and personal growth, commending their vulnerability and dedication. 

 

"Some of you explored AI, some of you improved your English speaking in really important ways, and the reason that each of you is here is because you decided to put your heart and soul to get vulnerable to do something that might have felt a little bit uncomfortable," she said. "And you did it, and we are so incredibly proud of you, and so happy to be here tonight, celebrating you."

 

Keynote speaker Shirley Edgerton, founder of Rites of Passage and Empowerment (ROPE) encouraged the graduates to reflect on their accomplishments and look forward to the future.