Bernie’s Run, the annual road race to benefit the Dedham Education Foundation, could have a record field of runners at this year’s edition, set to be held on Sunday, October 5th, according to race organizers.
Dan Hart, race director and Dedham Education Foundation board member, announced that Bernie’s Run was recently named as a featured race in New England Runner’s 2014 Pub Series, which is sure to attract many new entrants to the race, which has become a favorite Dedham community event.
“This is great news for Bernie’s Run,” said Hart, a veteran of the New England running scene. “Being named to the Pub Series guarantees a larger field of top quality runners, but our longtime runners and Dedham community members who come out to support them should expect the same ‘neighborhood block party’ feel we’ve always tried to maintain with our event.”
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In addition to the announcing the October 5 race date and the entrance in the Pub Series, race organizers announced that online registration has opened at http://www.active.com/dedham-ma/running/distance-running-races/bernies-run-2014. The first 400 entrants will receive an official race t-shirt.
The Dedham Education Foundation and The Village Manor have put on Bernie’s Run since 2009, usually on the first Sunday in October. The three-mile race down Sprague Street and back through the streets of the Manor neighborhood is run in honor of Bernie Logue, a former employee of The Village Manor and the Red Sox who died tragically in 2005.
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“Everyone involved with the DEF is really excited for this year’s race,” said Steve Bilafer, President of the Dedham Education Foundation. “It’s always a fun day that brings out folks of all ages, and we are looking forward to showing off Dedham to runners from all around Massachusetts and beyond. The good news is the bigger the race the more the Dedham schools will benefit.”
New England Runner’s Pub Series annually features six top local road races, with this year’s Series including Jamaica Plain’s Doyle’s Emerald Necklace 5 Mile, West Roxbury’s Corrib Pub 5K and Newton’s Shillelagh Shuffle.
“Bernie’s Run hasn’t been around very long yet people started talking it up to us a few years back, and rightfully so. I ran last year and had a blast,” said Bob Fitzgerald, editor and co-publisher of New England Runner magazine. “Although it rained all day the mood was decidedly upbeat. The organization was top notch and Pub Series followers will certainly enjoy the welcoming charms of the Village Manor. The added plus is the boost the Series will hopefully give to the Dedham Education Foundation. We’re looking forward to October 5.”
The post-race festivities, held in the parking lot behind The Village Manor, once again will feature food, refreshments, music and a performance by the Boston Bruins’ famed anthem singer, Rene Rancourt. There will also be booths representing area businesses, a silent auction and numerous raffle prizes.
Local businesses or community members who wish to be a race sponsor, contribute raffle or silent auction items, or reserve a space at the post-race event should contact race committee members Dan Hart (dnlhart@hotmail.com) or Steve Bilafer (stevebilafer@comcast.net).
In five years, Bernie’s Run has raised more than $30,000 for the Dedham Education Foundation.
The Dedham Education Foundation was founded in 1991 to support our public schools and make possible programs and initiatives that enhance and enrich students' education. Since then, the DEF has awarded $300,000 in grants, making possible field trips, district-wide presentations on bullying and other issues, and special materials for reading, science, and the arts.
