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    Letter: Thank you to all who made this year’s Josh possible

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    By Blox Content Management

    Copyright berkshireeagle

    Letter: Thank you to all who made this year's Josh possible

    To the editor: The phrase “to finish is to win” is attributed to Berkshire native and humorist Josh Billings.

    The 2025 Josh Billings RunAground not only finished but was a definitive win. This 48th race was a great success. We approached this event fondly remembering longtime volunteer Luke Martin and dedicated race committee member Lou Ogiani.

    The annual race is a fundraiser for the Berkshire United Way. Our many local business sponsors and individual donations help support our community.

    Billings said, “There is great power in words, if you don’t hitch too many of them together.” So, I’ll try to keep this simple, but there are so many people who made this event a success.

    To the staff and management of Tanglewood, after a successful and demanding season, you still gave us your full attention and support. The Josh faithful were grateful for the finish line returning to the iconic Tanglewood main gate. Thank you for inviting us back.

    Thank you to the 200 volunteers who made this event possible. We thank the SAG teams and motorcycle escorts, Canyon Ranch and Berkshire Bike & Board for assisting cyclists; the Berkshire Sheriff’s Department, the police, fire and public works departments and EMS; and the business owners and residents of Great Barrington, Alford, West Stockbridge, Stockbridge and Lenox for your patience, cooperation and support.

    Thank you to Patrick White for your early outreach; our vendors and The Housie Shakers, who made The Bash so memorable; and the Arcadian Shop, Market 32 and Camp Mahkeenac for providing space and support for the triathlon.

    Thank you to the dedicated Josh Billings Race Committee for the support and guidance you provided me in my role this year.

    Thank you to our racers and spectators for bringing healthy sportsmanship and a fun-loving, good-natured attitude that embodies the spirit of The Josh.

    The Josh continues to be a rich example of community partnership and camaraderie. While we welcomed racers from as far away as Seattle and France, so many of our participants are Berkshire County devotees. Seeing our community coming together to compete, support and celebrate reinforces how fortunate we are to call this beautifully unique piece of the world our home.

    When you see those Josh Billings RunAground T-shirts and hats proudly worn about the Berkshires throughout the year, be inspired and start planning to join us in 2026.

    Brian Berkel, Pittsfield

    The writer is the race director of the Josh Billings RunAground.

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