Miles of Impact
BERKSHIRE RUNNING FOUNDATION BUILDS COMMUNITY ONE STEP AT A TIME B y T a y l o r S t a u b a c h // P h o t o s C o u r t e s y o f B e r k s h i r e R u n n i n g F o u n d a t i o n
Berkshire Running Center has been a force of nature in the Berkshires for over a decade , combining fitness , community building , and charitable acuity to become a powerhouse business and nonprofit foundation . Co-founded by Shiobbean Lemme and her husband , Kent Lemme , in 2011 , the organization grew from humble beginnings into a multifaceted hub for runners , walkers , and outdoor enthusiasts . Today , Berkshire Running Center is a brick-and-mortar store and a training base , offering runners essential resources , while Berkshire Running Foundation is busy championing the community and giving back . “ We ’ re extremely proud of what we ’ ve created ,” says Shiobbean . She and Ken were named Berkshire 25 honorees by Berkshire Magazine in 2018 . Both have a passion for running and saw a need in the Berkshires : There wasn ’ t a running specialty store within an hour of here , she says . “ We wanted to fill that gap while creating a space where runners could connect and thrive .” Berkshire Running Center may have been born out of necessity , but it was fueled by expertise . Shiobbean , an endurance runner and experienced fitness trainer , and Kent , a nationally ranked elite masters runner , have a combined
50 years of experience . They opened their first store in the Berkshire Nautilus building in Pittsfield in 2011 , combining retail with training programs . “ It was a place where you could shop and train in the same space , which made it more accessible ,” says Shiobbean . Over the years , Berkshire Running Center moved around before settling in its current home in the Allendale Underground Shopping Center , next to the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail ( Crane Avenue entrance ) in Pittsfield . Along the way , it became known as a trusted partner for the local running community , working closely with schools , nonprofits , and other organizations to build a robust calendar of races and training programs . “ We started small , timing cross-country races and hosting community runs ,” Shiobbean says , “ but over time , it grew into something much bigger than we ever imagined .” While the retail side of the business provides a strong foundation , the events elevate Berkshire Running Center into a community cornerstone . Recognizing the financial and logistical challenges of hosting races , the Lemmes launched the Berkshire Running Foundation in 2023 to ensure their events could sustain themselves while giving back to the community . The foundation designs its events with community improvement in mind . “ Every event we do has a local nonprofit beneficiary ,” Shiobbean says . “ We handle the logistics — timing , marketing , promotion — so the organization can focus on raising funds and awareness .” Signature events like the Steel Rail Marathon and the Berkshire Pride 5K have attracted runners from across the country , bringing economic benefits to the region . “ Last year , we had participants from 28 states and three countries ,” says Shiobbean . “ Events like the Steel Rail Marathon have a six-figure economic impact , filling hotels and restaurants across the Berkshires .” The foundation also has organized other races , like the ever-popular Berkshire Health Systems July 4th 5K , a mainstay of the Pittsfield 4th of July Parade for many years . The impact of these events goes far beyond race day . “ We believe in making running accessible ,” says Shiobbean . All K-12 students in Berkshire County can participate in the races for free . This past year , over 3,000 students joined in . “ Families come together , create traditions , and enjoy the joy of movement without financial barriers ,” Shiobbean adds . As Berkshire Running Foundation
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